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Derry City Walls History Tour
4.9
112 Ratings
Derry and Strabane
Discover the rich history of Derry’s city walls through engaging walking tours. Explore the origins, Viking impact, siege of Derry, and more. Book now!
Duration:
1 hour, 45 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Shipquay Gate - In this section of the tour we will be able to see the Walls of Derry, the Guildhall, the Tower Museum, oldest cannons on the Walls and views of Peace Bridge. We will consider the history of the city from its origins to plantation and the building of the Walls.
- Ferryquay Gate - From this section of the tour we will be looking at Ferryquay Gate, the Playhouse, St Columb’s Cathedral and the Fountain Estate, as well as discussing aspects of the sieges history of the city
- Bishop Gate - In this section of the tour we will be looking at Bishops Gate, Double Bastion, St Augustine’s Church,Walkers Plinth, Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall, and First Derry Presbyterian Church.
- Butcher’s Gate - In this section of the tour we will be looking at the section of the Walls from Butcher Gate back to Shipquay Place, and considering more aspects of the city’s history from the time of the siege to the present day. We will also visit the Craft Village.
- Guildhall - A brief introduction only to the Guildhall.
What's Included
- Licensed Tour Guide
What's Not Included
- Admission Fees
Additional Information
Available as either a Private (up to 120mins) or as a Small Group Public Tour(up to 90mins), you will walk a FULL circuit around the 400 year old “‘Derry Walls”.
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Private Group Tour(105-120mins)(1-15 All places) Starting point and Route can be varied on request, particularly to facilitate disabled or wheelchair guests. Dates released up to 12 month in advance.
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Public Small Group Tour(75-90mins)(1-10 places)- dates released on a weekly basis.
This tour gives a history of the city from its origins to the modern day, including St Columba, the impact of Vikings, Normans and Irish chieftains, the Plantation of Ulster, the building of its iconic Walls, the siege of Derry in 1688/89, the aftermath of Scots/Irish emigration to the USA, industrialisation, railways and bridge building, the 1840s potato famine and native Irish emigration to the USA, the Home Rule crisis and partition, the role of the city in two World Wars , the recent Troubles, the peace process and Brexit.
- A wheelchair and stroller accessible route can be arranged for private group tours - please request at time of booking.
Location
Visit Derry
Waterloo Place
Meet OUTSIDE of the main customer entrance to the "Visit Derry" Visitor Information Centre, Waterloo Place - this is the entrance opposite the Maiden Heaven Coffee and Ice Cream Shop. Guide will normally be wearing blue Derrie Danders branded clothing.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(112 Ratings)
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785marym785
Jul 23, 2024
A very pleasant lesson in Irish history. - Our small group tour was interesting and informative. David shared the history of Derry with us as we walked along the city walls. He welcomed our questions and seemed committed to making sure we had an enjoyable experience. His presentation was easy to hear and understand and he didn’t seem rushed. We really enjoyed the experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wesley_p
Jul 15, 2024
Walked city walk about - David is an avid history buff and made the tour very interesting and informative. All of the stories about the walled city were fascinating.
Review provided by Viator
Valf52
Jun 29, 2024
History and sites - Our guide David gave us so much information and history in a friendly and relaxed manner. Lots of suggestions for places to visit later in the day. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rambler391
Jun 19, 2024
Wonderful walk and history lesson - Great guide, very knowledgeable. The wall provides an ideal walk around town to hear the history of Derry, with excellent views.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jonnywoods
Jun 3, 2024
Great tour - highly recommended - Excellent 90 minute tour of the city walls. David was knowledgable and balanced about the history. There is A LOT of history in this small city…..
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I7210svdavido
May 18, 2024
5 star - Great day out with the fam. Worth the price. Really enjoyed meeting other people with similar interests. Worked up an appetite for good grub after!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizabeth_d
May 18, 2024
Walk the Ferry Wall - David provided an informative history of Derry. We had a lovely time and the walls are quite impressive.
Review provided by Viator
Bingerino
Apr 30, 2024
A great introduction to Derry’s history and culture. - Dave was very knowledgeable and shared his knowledge in a way that was easy to absorb. He adapted the tour to incorporate sites that were of special interest to us. I’d highly recommend him!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P620fojosephm
Feb 25, 2024
Derry’s history and culture - David was great- very knowledgeable about the history of Derry and the culture. We walked the entire wall. David pointed out all the views and the various lookout points and bastions.
David also advised a list of other places to visit after our tour and places to walk/ like the “peace bridge”.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annek30
Jan 5, 2024
Delightful dander along the city walls - David is a very knowledgeable historian but also a gifted story teller. We had a thoroughly enjoyable stroll along the beautifully maintained Derry/Londonderry walls, peppered with stories from the apprentice boys’ historic locking of the gates preceding the siege of Derry to the tale of Walter the hapless de Burgh, whose skeletal frame is depicted on the city’s coat of arms, from the fishmongers’ “Roaring Meg” canon to the meanings behind place names -“the Bog” , “the Fountain” and mentions of the city’s famous sons and daughters. David’s pride in his native city is evident in his enthusiasm as he narrates - do not miss this tour - it’s a gem
Review provided by Tripadvisor
