The Walls That Survived Everything
Completed in 1619, the walls of Derry represent one of the most remarkable feats of early modern fortification in Ireland — and uniquely, they have never been breached. They withstood the famous Siege of 1688–89, one of the longest sieges in British history, and they stand today almost entirely intact: a continuous circuit of approximately 1.5 kilometres that still encircles the old city.
Walking the walls is not merely a heritage activity. It is a journey through layered centuries of conflict, faith, community, and resilience — with some of the finest views in the northwest of Ireland thrown in for good measure.
Key Gates and Bastions
The walls are punctuated by seven gates (four original, three later additions) and numerous bastions — projecting platforms from which defenders could fire along the wall's face:
| Gate | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shipquay Gate | 1619 (original) | Faces the River Foyle; steepest approach into the walled city |
| Ferryquay Gate | 1619 (original) | Famously shut by the Apprentice Boys in December 1688 |
| Bishop's Gate | 1619 (original) | Remodelled in 1789 as a triumphal arch; leads to the Bogside |
| Butcher's Gate | 1619 (original) | Gateway to the Bogside and site of key Troubles-era events |
| New Gate | 1789 | Added to improve access to expanding suburbs |
The Siege of Derry, 1688–89
No walk of Derry's walls is complete without understanding the siege that defines them. When the Catholic forces of King James II arrived to take the city in December 1688, a group of thirteen apprentice boys locked Ferryquay Gate against the advance guard — a spontaneous act of defiance that set in motion one of the most dramatic episodes in Irish history.
For 105 days, the city held out. By the time the relief ships broke the boom on the River Foyle in July 1689, thousands had died of starvation and disease inside the walls. The event is commemorated annually by the Apprentice Boys of Derry and remains deeply woven into the city's unionist and Protestant identity.
The Bogside and the Murals
From Bishop's Gate and the stretch of wall near the Royal Bastion, visitors look directly down into the Bogside — the predominantly nationalist neighbourhood whose own history is told through a series of remarkable outdoor murals collectively known as the People's Gallery. These twelve murals, painted by the Bogside Artists, document the civil rights movement, Bloody Sunday, and everyday community life with extraordinary power.
Combining a wall walk with a self-guided tour of the murals gives visitors an unparalleled and balanced introduction to Derry's complex modern history.
Practical Tips for Walking the Walls
- Access: The walls are freely accessible at all times, year-round.
- Time needed: Allow 1–2 hours for a full circuit with stops; 45 minutes if walking briskly.
- Starting point: Most visitors begin at Shipquay Gate near the city centre.
- Guided tours: Several operators offer walking tours departing from the city centre — highly recommended for first-time visitors.
- Accessibility: Some sections involve steps; not fully accessible for all mobility needs.
- Best time: Early morning for quiet; golden hour for photography of the Foyle.
Beyond the Walls
Derry's walled city is compact and walkable. After your circuit, explore the Tower Museum (inside the walls), the award-winning Peace Bridge across the Foyle, and the Cathedral Quarter's independent café and arts scene. The city has transformed remarkably in recent decades and rewards those who linger.