VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at Derry’s Siege Museum

The Siege Museum, located at 13 Society Street, Derry, BT48 6PJ, is a compelling historical attraction dedicated to the Siege of Derry (1688–1689), a pivotal event in English and Irish history. Housed in a state-of-the-art, three-story building beside the city’s historic walls and the Apprentice Boys’ Memorial Hall, the museum offers an immersive exploration of the 105-day siege, the Williamite Wars, and the cultural legacy of the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry.

The Siege Museum provides an educational and interactive experience, showcasing artifacts, videos, and displays that bring to life the dramatic standoff between approximately 30,000 defenders supporting England’s King William III and the Jacobite forces of his father-in-law whome he deposed, King James II (depicted as a victory of Protestantism over Catholicism in the mythology of the Orange Order). It also highlights the enduring influence of the Loyal Orders, making it a significant cultural and historical site in Derry.

Exhibitions and Collections:

Siege History: Spread across three floors, the permanent exhibition details the Siege of Derry, a 105-day ordeal where defenders endured famine, disease, and relentless assaults, with over 8,000 inhabitants perishing. Artifacts include weapons, military uniforms, and commemorative trinkets from the 17th century to modern times, illustrating the siege’s impact. A replica of Rev. George Walker’s statue (the original was destroyed by a bomb in 1973) is a notable highlight.
Apprentice Boys and Loyal Orders: The museum explores the history of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, founded in the 1800s to commemorate the siege heroes, alongside other Loyal Orders such as the Orange Order (motto: “preserve protestant ascendancy over Catholicism”), Women’s Orange, and Royal Black Institution. Visitors can view one of the finest collections of meeting rooms used by these organizations, each with unique memorabilia, stained-glass windows, and portraits of past governors.
Interactive Media: Videos and touchscreen displays provide context on the Williamite Wars, the siege’s key figures (e.g., Rev. George Walker, Mitchelburne, Baker, Browning, Murray), and its broader European significance. A video presentation on the siege is particularly praised for its educational value.
Cultural Artifacts: Modern Apprentice Boys memorabilia and items related to annual commemorations, such as the Shutting of the Gates Parade, offer insight into the siege’s ongoing cultural relevance. Visitors can see a 20ft effigy of the siege traitor Lundy, constructed yearly and burned during the parade.
Guided Tours he would have had the support to break with the papacy in the manner of Henry VIII 159 years earlier.
Museum and City Walls Tour: A 90-minute guided tour, exclusive to the Siege Museum, covers the museum’s exhibits and extends to the city walls. Highlights include:
Stories of siege heroes and key battles, bringing the 1689 conflict to life.
A visit to Walker’s Plinth at Royal Bastion, the remains of a pillar commemorating Rev. George Walker, offering panoramic views of the River Foyle and the Bogside. The plinth, damaged in a 1973 bomb explosion, provides historical context.
An explanation of the city walls’ strategic role during the siege and their 400-year history.
Memorial Hall Access: Tours include the Apprentice Boys’ Memorial Hall, where visitors can explore meeting rooms, learn about the Loyal Orders, and sit in the Governor’s Chair for a unique photo opportunity. The hall’s stained-glass windows and historical portraits are a focal point.
Booking: Tours must be booked in advance via www.thesiegemuseum.org or www.visitderry.com. They are led by knowledgeable guides, such as Billy Moore, who are praised for their engaging storytelling.

Visitor Amenities:

Admission: While specific 2025 pricing is not yet available, previous reviews suggest a modest entrance fee (e.g., £5–£10), which includes a booklet on the walls and siege events. Group bookings and guided tours may have separate rates. Check www.thesiegemuseum.org for updates.
The museum is typically open Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:00 PM. Sunday group tours are available by appointment. Note that the museum is closed until January 2025 for maintenance.
The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with step-free access across all floors, and assistance dogs are welcome. Situated inside Derry’s historic walled city, near the Apprentice Boys’ Memorial Hall and the First Derry Presbyterian Church, the museum is a 5-minute walk from the Guildhall and Peace Bridge. Parking is available nearby, and the Foyle Street bus station is within 10 minutes.
Gift Shop: A well-regarded shop offers quality souvenirs, including books, prints, and siege-related memorabilia, avoiding the “usual tat” found elsewhere.
A self-guided visit takes 45–60 minutes, while guided tours last approximately 90 minutes, including the city walls.
Informative and Engaging: Reviewers describe the museum as “informative, intriguing, and thoroughly enjoyable,” with a well-laid-out design and fascinating artifacts. The guided tours are a highlight, bringing the siege and walls to life with dramatic tales.
Cultural Insight: The museum offers a unionist perspective on Derry’s history, complementing the nationalist-focused Museum of Free Derry. Visitors appreciate learning about the Apprentice Boys and Loyal Orders, even if unfamiliar with these traditions.
Friendly Staff: Staff are frequently praised for their knowledge, warmth, and pride in the museum, making visitors feel welcome.
TripAdvisor Recognition: With 99 reviews, the museum is highly rated, earning a Travellers’ Choice award and ranking in the top 10% of attractions on TripAdvisor. Visitors call it a “recommended visit” for understanding Derry’s history and the siege’s complexities.
Historical Significance: The museum underscores the siege’s role in shaping English and Irish history, with one reviewer noting it “changed the course of European history.” It’s an essential stop for those exploring Derry’s walls.

Nearby Attractions:

Derry City Walls: A 1.5 km walkable circuit, offering historical plaques and views of the Bogside and Guildhall.
Museum of Free Derry (10-minute walk): Covers the nationalist perspective, including the civil rights movement and Bloody Sunday.
Tower Museum (5-minute walk): Features exhibits on Derry’s history and the Derry Girls Experience.
Guildhall (5-minute walk): A historic civic building with free entry.
Peace Bridge (10-minute walk): A scenic pedestrian bridge connecting the city’s two sides.
Dining options include Browns Bonds Hill for fine dining or the Guildhall Taphouse for craft beer and casual fare.
What’s New: The Siege Museum has announced a new tour range, with updated rates to be detailed closer to the reopening. These tours are expected to build on the existing 90-minute guided experience, incorporating new narratives or stops along the city walls. The focus will remain on engaging all communities, emphasizing the museum’s role in fostering understanding rather than division. Check the museum’s website for booking details and pricing once available.

New Feature Wall:

The installation of a new feature wall during the closure suggests a significant exhibit upgrade. While specifics are not yet public, it may include enhanced visual displays, additional artifacts, or interactive media to deepen the storytelling of the siege and Loyal Orders. This could make the museum even more immersive upon reopening.
The Visit Derry Visitor Pass (www.visitderrypass.com) includes the Siege Museum, and 2025 will see expanded pass options or promotions to encourage visits.

Recommendations for Visitors

Wait for Reopening: Plan your visit after January 2025 to experience the newly enhanced museum with the feature wall and updated tours. Monitor www.thesiegemuseum.org for reopening announcements.
Book Guided Tours: Reserve a 90-minute guided tour in advance via the museum’s website or www.visitderry.com to fully appreciate the siege’s history and the city walls. Tours are highly recommended for their depth and storytelling.
Combine with Other Sites: Pair your visit with the Museum of Free Derry for a balanced perspective, the Tower Museum for broader Derry history, or a walk along the city walls. The Guildhall and Peace Bridge are nearby for a full day’s itinerary.
Allow Time: Budget 1–1.5 hours for a visit, including the guided tour. The compact size makes it ideal for a morning or afternoon stop.
Check Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible, but confirm any changes post-maintenance by contacting info@thesiegemuseum.org.

The museum is well worth visiting and although pitched at a largely Orange order supporting audience, tempers the standard English narrative, where the protestants are the good guys and the Catholics are the bad guys, which is somewhat counter-factual. William III’s war was bankrolled by Pope Innocent XI, and the events of 1689-90 arguably prevented France becoming protestant, had the war been won by Louis XIV and his stooge James II he would have had the strength to break with the papacy in the manner of Henry VIII of England 150 years earlier.

The Siege Museum in Derry offers a riveting exploration of the 1689 Siege of Derry, with artifacts, interactive media, and unique access to Loyal Order meeting rooms. Its guided tours, covering the museum and city walls, bring the 105-day conflict to life, making it a recommended visit for understanding Derry’s history and unionist heritage., the museum will reopen in January with a new feature wall, updated tours, and enhanced exhibits, promising an even more immersive experience. Supported by Derry’s vibrant tourism scene, it remains a key stop within the walled city.