Official tourism website for Northern Ireland
En

First Derry Presbyterian Church and The Blue Coat School Heritage Centre

First Presbyterian Church, 6 Magazine Street Upper, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6HA
First Derry Presbyterian Church & Blue Coat School Heritage Centre

Book Tickets Online

About

Shortly after the lifting of the siege of Derry in 1689, a new Presbyterian meeting house was built within the walls, on the site that continues to be occupied by the present Church. To assist with the building, Queen Mary provided a large donation in recognition of the sacrifices of Presbyterians in the defence of Derry.

The current First Derry Presbyterian Church was opened in 1780, and is on the site of the earlier Church of 1690. The foundation stone of this earlier building can be found above the centre door, inscribed with the Roman numerals M.D.C.X.C (1690). In 1820 the vestibule, pediment and cornices of Dungiven sandstone were added. Then in 1892 the four fluted columns with Corinthian Capitals and the Portico were added.

The Church has recently been re-opened following a programme of restoration works due to a severe outbreak of dry rot. This restoration has totally renovated the building yet retaining its 1780 character. Having been closed for a period of nine eight years, the Church is once again being used as a place of Worship and a shared space for all the community.

Adjoining the Church is the refurbished Blue Coat School, now home to The Blue Coat School Heritage Centre. This new facility tells the history behind the Church, the arrival of Presbyterianism in the North East of Ireland in the early 1600s, the history of Presbyterians in the city (and beyond), the role they played in the great siege and much more!

Book Tickets

Facilities

Attraction Facilities

  • Guided Tours Available

Catering

  • Picnic Area

Establishment Features

  • Toilets

Payment Methods

  • Euros accepted

Provider Preferences

  • Dogs accepted by arrangement

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
TicketFree

Donations greatly appreciated.

Add First Derry Presbyterian Church and The Blue Coat School Heritage Centre to your Itinerary

Close window

Call direct on:

Tel+44 (0) 28 7126 1550

Map & Directions

Opening Times

* May - September, Wednesday to Friday 11:00 - 16:00

What's Nearby

  1. The new Siege Museum and Exhibition is a permanent display of the history of the Siege of…

    0.04 miles away
  2. A neo-Gothic church of 1872. built of whinstone with sandstone dressings. Iit is…

    0.07 miles away
  3. The museum is a public space where the concept of Free Derry can be explored in both…

    0.12 miles away
  4. Dominating the skyline on all approaches to the city of Derry~Londonderry is Saint…

    0.14 miles away
  5. The Verbal Arts Centre is an educational charity founded in 1992 and now located in the…

    0.14 miles away
  6. The Tower Museum houses two permanent exhibitions: The Story of Derry and An Armada…

    0.15 miles away
  7. Void is a contemporary art gallery that commissions and produces a visual arts programme…

    0.15 miles away
  8. Derry~Londonderry is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and is one of…

    0.15 miles away
  9. Get yourself down to Badger's Bar where you'll find the infamous Derry Girls mural, one…

    0.17 miles away
  10. Fashioned in neo-gothic style, the Guildhall is one of the most striking buildings in the…

    0.2 miles away
  11. In the grounds of the Long Tower Church, the Áras Cholmcille or St. Columba Heritage…

    0.26 miles away
  12. The Peace Bridge has become an integral part of the city’s infrastructure and is held in…

    0.33 miles away
  13. St Eugene's Cathedral is the Roman Catholic Cathedral located in Derry City. It is the…

    0.34 miles away
  14. The Peacemakers Museum focuses on how the North of Ireland moved from decades of violent…

    0.35 miles away
  15. The Archive and Genealogy Service of Derry City Council has responsibility for the…

    0.38 miles away
  16. Located on the banks of the River Foyle along the south side of Ebrington Square, Mute…

    0.49 miles away

Virtual Tour

Map & Directions

Back to Top

Tourism Northern Ireland

Don't Miss