Scenes from the Bogside during rioting on August 12.

placeholder image — Scenes from the Bogside during rioting on August 12.

81 striking photos from Derry Tyrone & Donegal back in August 1985

By Brendan McDaid

Published 20th Aug 2025, 17:25 BST

It was a different time and in many ways a world away from the Derry and Donegal of today.

We’re taking a step back in time to 40 years ago in the north west with these images from the Derry Journal archive from the summer of 1985.

Photos: Derry Journal Archive.

Ryan Carpets.

61. Derry Journal August 1985 3 (1).jpg

Ryan Carpets. Photo: DJ

Ryan Carpets.

62. Derry Journal August 1985 3 (2).jpg

Ryan Carpets. Photo: DJ

Bomb explosion in Strabane town centre.

63. Derry Journal August 1985 3 (6).jpg

Bomb explosion in Strabane town centre. Photo: DJ

Bomb explosion in Strabane town centre.

64. Derry Journal August 1985 3 (8).jpg

Bomb explosion in Strabane town centre. Photo: DJ

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