About
The Guildhall sits majestically overlooking the River Foyle on one side and the City Walls on the other, central to all civic life in Derry~Londonderry. The Grade A listed building, erected in the 1800s in the neo-gothic style by The Honourable The Irish Society, was named in honour of the historic link to the City of London and its guilds.
It officially opened in 1890 and has been rebuilt and restored following a fire in 1908 and two bombings in 1972. You'll find yourself in another world where the grandeur of the Victorian era meets the vibrancy of the 21st century. Amidst the splendour of this magnificent building, you will see that the Guildhall is a living breathing hub of activity, welcoming visitors from around the world, for business and leisure while fulfilling its civic role with the Council Chamber and Mayors Parlour housed within its walls.
The Guildhall clock, modelled on London’s Big Ben, is a beacon across the city. Its melodious chimes have been a constant for generations and the clock tower, which stands 144 feet tall, is one of the original parts of the building that survived the 1908 fire.
Throughout the Guildhall there are stained glass windows capturing some of the important moments in the history of Derry ~ Londonderry, as well as iconic landmarks in the cityscape. Take a journey through the Plantation of Ulster Exhibition were you can learn about the colonisation of Ulster during the reign of King James I in the 17th century and the building of our famous city walls. Other highlights include the Bloody Sunday video and the unique John Hume Peace prize collection. We are part of The Heritage Venues Trail in the city, please ask a member of staff for details, Heritage Venue Trail brochures are available at reception.
Exclusively for the European Heritage Open Days, The Harbour House will open its doors to visitor offering free guided tours. The former Londonderry Port & Harbour Commissioners office was opened officially on 18 May 1995 as the Harbour Museum before it closed in 2011 and reopened as Harbour House in 2013. It remains the property of Derry City and Strabane District Council.
Built in 1882, an important historic, public building, it has many associations with the history of the city – particularly its history as a port.
The two storey building, in local dressed yellow sandstone, is listed (Grade B) by the Historic Monuments and Buildings Branch DoE (NI).
Sited beside the Guildhall with a public green space in front and facing on to the River Foyle, its situation is eminently suitable for its previous role.
To avoid disappointment please contact the Guildhall at guildhall@derrystrabane.com and 028 71 376510.
Book Tickets
Facilities
Event Facilities
- Booking Required
Guide Prices
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| EHOD | Free |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
