The circuit of walls, enclosing the old city on the west bank of the river Foyle, is the only surviving complete series of city walls in Ireland. It has also been called ‘the first major piece of urban planning in Ireland’. Built for the Irish Society between 1613 and 1618, the walls underwent sieges in 1641, in 1648 and 1649, when the Parliamentarians held out against the Royalists and were relieved by General Owen Roe O'Neill, and in 1688-9 for 105 days against the forces of James II.
An earthen rampart was faced with stone, producing a wall 6-7.7 m high and 4.3-9.1 m wide, with a broad external ditch, now filled in. Five of the original eight artillery bastions survive and two shallow gun platforms. One of the missing bastions, Water Bastion, which was once washed by the Foyle, was excavated in 1983. Two watch-towers are preserved near St Columb's Cathedral but all four original gates have been changed: Bishop's Gate in 1789, commemorating the raising of the 1689 siege, and Butcher's, Ferryquay and Shipquay Gates in the 19th century. Three additional gates, Magazine, New and Castle Gates, are more recent. Many of the original cannons have recently been restored and can be seen dotted around the circuit of the walls on Steps and ramps lead to the wall-walk at several points inside the circuit. A recommended route would be to start at the north-east beside Shipquay Gate and move round in a clockwise direction. St Columb's Cathedral (1628-33) in the south angle of the walls is one of the most remarkable buildings of the Ulster Plantation. There are fine views from the walls, a reminder of their original important strategic function.
Signature ProjectOver recent years the monument has become an important focus for the 'Walled City Signature Development Project' one of five 'signature tourist destinations' in Northern Ireland Identified by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. This has resulted in a concerted effort to develop the potential of the monument and its surroundings in a coherent way. NIEA along with the local council and key stakeholders has participated fully in this. More on our efforts to progress this initiative and access to the resulting Conservation Plan,and Management Plan can be found by following this link describing the Conservation and Management of Derry's Walls
Facilities• There is limited wheelchair access to Walls.
• There is limited parking in the town.
Access & BookingOpen Access
The Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau at 44 Foyle Street provides comprehensive facilities Opening hours: 0900-1700 Mon-Fri. T: 7126 7284; F: 7137 7992; www.derryvisitor.com; info@derryvisitor.com.