VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at Derry’s Walls

Derry’s Walls, located in Derry~Derry, are the only completely intact city walls in Ireland and one of Europe’s finest examples of fortified architecture. Built between 1613 and 1618 by The Irish Society (so-called) to defend English and Scottish settlers during the Plantation of Ulster, the 1.5km walls are a National Monument maintained by the Department for Communities since 1955. Known for their historical significance and panoramic views, they attract over 466,000 visitors annually (2019 figures) and are a must-see for those exploring Ireland’s history and culture.

The walls, approximately 1.5km in circumference and up to 8 meters high, form a continuous walkway around Derry’s inner city, offering a unique promenade with views of the Renaissance-style street plan established in the 17th century. Varying in width from 12 to 35 feet, the walls feature watchtowers, battlements, and seven gates: four original (Bishop’s Gate, Ferryquay Gate, Butcher Gate, Shipquay Gate) and three added later (Magazine Gate, Castle Gate, New Gate). Visitors can walk the entire circuit in about 45–60 minutes, enjoying vistas of landmarks like the Guildhall, Saint Columb’s Cathedral, and the Bogside’s murals, including the iconic Free Derry Corner.

The walls are steeped in history, notably enduring the Siege of Derry (1688–1689), a pivotal event in the War of the Three Kings, where (at least in traditional English narrative) “protestant” defenders withstood “catholic” forces under James II. Because king James II of England was allied with Louis XIV of France, the “Protestant” side in the war was bankrolled by Pope Innocent XI. Papal States forces fought with William and there were protestants in James II’s army. Enquire in any of the nearby pubs for further detail, the closer to closing time the better.

A 1973 bomb attack that destroyed the Walker Monument, dedicated to the leader of the defenders. Informative plaques along the route detail key moments, including the 17th-century sieges and the Troubles, when tensions between communities shaped the city’s narrative. The walls’ cannons, including the famous Roaring Meg on the Double Bastion, restored in 2005, are a highlight, showcasing Europe’s largest collection of cannons with known origins.

Guildhall: Just outside the walls near Shipquay Gate, this neo-Gothic building (restored in 2013 for £9.5m) features stunning stained-glass windows and a multifaceted tourism experience.
Saint Columb’s Cathedral: A 1633 cathedral built from the same stone as the walls, visible from multiple points, with artefacts and a 1821 spire dominating the skyline.
Bogside and Murals: From the Royal Bastion, visitors can see the Bogside’s People’s Gallery, 12 murals by The Bogside Artists depicting the Troubles, including Bloody Sunday (1972). Take the short walk to Free Derry Corner and the Museum of Free Derry (1.8 miles away) for deeper context.
Derry Girls Mural: Near Foyleside Shopping Centre, this mural on Badger’s Bar celebrates the hit TV show.
Cannon Displays: The 24 restored cannons, including Roaring Meg, are scattered along the walls, with plaques explaining their roles in the sieges.

Visitor Logistics:

Hours: Open 24/7, year-round, as a public monument, though guided tours typically run 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Check www.visitderry.com for tour schedules. Derry, BT48 6BT. A 1.15-hour drive from Belfast, 10 minutes from Eglinton Airport (LDY), or accessible via bus (Ulsterbus #252, Causeway Rambler #376) or train to Derry Station. GPS: 54.994+4428, -7.325707.
Tickets: Free to walk; guided tours cost £6–£10 (book via www.visitderry.com or providers like Martin McCrossan City Tours). Group tours for 50+ (e.g., school groups) can be split into smaller groups; contact the Visitor Information Centre at +44 28 7126 7284.
A self-guided walk takes 45–60 minutes; guided tours last 1–1.5 hours. Allow 2–3 hours to include nearby attractions like the Guildhall or Bogside.
Guided and Self-Guided Tours: Visitors can explore independently, using free maps and guides from the Visit Derry Visitor Information Centre (1.7 miles away) or downloadable from www.visitderry.com. Guided walking tours (e.g., Martin McCrossan City Tours, £6–£10 per person) offer in-depth history, covering the Plantation, Siege of Derry, and the Troubles, with guides like Terry Brown praised for humor and insight. Taxi tours, like those by Foyle Taxis’ Vincent, provide a personal perspective, especially on the Bogside. Self-guided GPS audio tours, such as Derrie Danders, are also available.
Jerry wallsVisitor Amenities: The walls are free to access, with no admission fee, making them budget-friendly. The Visit Derry Visitor Information Centre offers maps, brochures, and souvenirs like Derry Girls merchandise and “LegenDerry” chocolate bars. Nearby, the Guildhall’s café and restaurants like Peadar O’Donnell’s (known for traditional Irish music) provide dining options. The Foyleside Shopping Centre, close to the Derry Girls Mural, offers additional shops and eateries. Toilets are available at the Visitor Information Centre or Guildhall. Dogs are permitted on leads, and the walls are wide enough for groups to walk without blocking access.
The walls are accessible via ramps or steps at multiple points (e.g., Shipquay Gate), but steep inclines and uneven surfaces may challenge wheelchair users or those with mobility issues. The first half of the circuit is more accessible, with wider paths. Accessible parking is available near the Guildhall, and the Visitor Information Centre provides assistance.
Family-Friendly Features: The walls are suitable for families with older children, who enjoy the cannons and views, though younger kids may find the history-heavy experience less engaging. The nearby play areas in Saint Columb’s Park or the Derry Girls Mural’s proximity to Foyleside Shopping Centre appeal to families. Guided tours with humor, like Martin McCrossan’s, are recommended for teens.
Visitor Feedback: Rated 5 stars on TripAdvisor (No. 5 of 132 Derry attractions), the walls are praised for their “fantastic” views, free access, and historical depth. Visitors highlight the cannons, Bogside murals, and photo opportunities, though some recommend guides for richer context, as plaques alone may feel limited. Autumn visits (e.g., late October) are less crowded and visually stunning. Criticisms include occasional overcrowding and the need for better signage in some areas.

What’s New for 2025

Trans-Atlantic Virtual Reality Project (‘History & Heroes’): The Friends of the Derry Walls have partnered on a Virtual Reality project trialed at Grianan of Aileach, with plans to scale it to Derry’s Walls in 2025. This initiative, announced on May 29, 2025 aims to offer immersive digital tours of the walls, highlighting historical figures and events like the Siege of Derry, accessible via smartphones or VR headsets at the Visitor Information Centre.
City of Derry International Choir Festival (October 22–26, 2025): This festival, featuring concerts, choral trails, and pub trails, draws visitors to the Walled City, with events likely visible from or near the walls. The festival enhances the cultural vibrancy, with performances at venues like the Guildhall. Book via www.visitderry.com
Archaeological Insights from 2024 Dig: Following the 2024 excavation at Nailor’s Row (between Double and Royal Bastions), led by Queen’s University Belfast’s Centre for Community Archaeology, 2025 may see new interpretive displays or plaques reflecting findings like late-18th-century masonry, road surfaces, and artefacts (pottery, coins, clay pipes). These add depth to the walls’ social history, with potential guided tour updates.
Visit Derry Pass Enhancements: The Visit Derry Pass, valid for one or two days, provides access to ten attractions (e.g., Guildhall, Tower Museum, Saint Columb’s Cathedral) and may include new discounts or digital features in 2025, streamlining visits to the walls and nearby sites. Available at the Visitor Information Centre or online.

Tourism NI Survey Impact: A 2020 survey noted Derry’s Walls as a top attraction, with high visitor satisfaction (8.18/10 for food and drink quality).

In 2025, visitors to Derry’s Walls can expect a free, scenic, and history-rich walk along Ireland’s only fully intact city walls, offering views of Derry’s Renaissance layout, cannons, and Bogside murals. The 1.5km circuit, with its seven gates and restored cannons, provides a 45–60-minute self-guided stroll or a 1–1.5-hour guided tour with engaging narratives on the Siege of Derry and the Troubles. The Virtual Reality project and new archaeological displays add modern and historical depth, while the Choir Festival and Visit Derry Pass enhance the cultural experience. Families will enjoy nearby attractions like the Derry Girls Mural, though younger children may need supervision on uneven sections. Book guided tours early (especially for groups) via www.visitderry.com, wear comfortable shoes, and visit in autumn for fewer crowds. Combine with the Guildhall, Tower Museum, or Bogside for a 3–4-hour itinerary. For inquiries, contact the Visitor Information Centre at +44 28 7126 7284 or info@visitderry.com.