Remains of Lisahally WW2 wharfs where U-boats surrendered listed

The remains of the Second World War wharfs in Lisahally where German U-boats officially surrendered in May 1945, are among several "hidden gems" to receive protected historic status in Northern Ireland.

The designation recognises the immense strategic importance of Lisahally  as the most vital Allied escort base during the Battle of the Atlantic.

On May 14, 1945, nearly a week after Victory in Europe (VE) Day, the first group of defeated German U-boats sailed up the River Foyle to the port of Lisahally  to formally surrender to Admiral Sir Max Horton, Commander-in-Chief, Western Approaches. This pivotal moment effectively marked the end of the longest continuous military campaign of the Second World War.

The latest list also includes a stone chair and well associated with St Patrick in Co Tyrone , a unique battle garden at Kilwarlin Moravian Church close to Hillsborough, Co Down, and a number of granite milestones on the old Enniskillen to Dublin coach road in Co Fermanagh.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons hailed the move to protect these unique sites: “Scheduled historic monuments and listed buildings are among the most important parts of our built heritage, and the structures we have protected this week represent a microcosm of our rich heritage,” he said.

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“I am pleased that my department has taken steps to identify and protect these unique aspects of Northern Ireland’s rich and varied historic environment.

“These special places, alongside many others already designated, provide an important narrative in our landscape of the very valuable and diverse history of the places in which we all live.”