Delve into Derry~Londonderry's past and spend the weekend visiting its impressive museums, each with their own story to tell. 

Discover the city's past, from the Plantation, the Siege of Derry right up to the Troubles. 

The Museum of Free Derry 

📍Opening Times: Thursday, Friday & Saturday 11am - 4pm

The Museum of Free Derry offers a full multi-media exhibition on the civil rights and early conflict era in the city, including Battle of the Bogside, Internment, Bloody Sunday and Operation Motorman.

The museum was established by the Bloody Sunday Trust in 2006 to tell the story of the civil rights movement and the creation of Free Derry in the 1960's and 1970's, and it has become an important part of Ireland’s radical and civil rights heritage. It tells the story of how a largely working class community rose up against the years of oppression it had endured.

The Museum was awarded Northern Ireland's most authentic visitor experience in 2018 by Tourism Northern Ireland. 

Tower Museum 

📍Opening Times:  Monday - Sunday, 11am to 4pm. Last admission is at 3pm.

Located within the historic City Walls the Tower Museum is home to two permanent exhibitions, 'The Story of Derry' and 'An Armada Shipwreck - La Trinidad Valencera'. The museum also boasts an open air viewing facility in the heart of the city centre with stunning panoramic views of the city and River Foyle.  

"The Story of Derry" tells the colourful and dramatic history of the city, sharing the story of the city from early settlement through to the Plantation of Londonderry and on into the growth of Derry during the 18th and 19th centuries. 

"An Armada Shipwreck - La Trinidad Valencera" tells the story of one of the largest ships in the Spanish Armada, La Trinidad Valencera, which sank off the Donegal Coast in 1588 and was rediscovered by divers from the City of Derry Sub-Aqua Club in 1971.

This summer, The Derry Girls Experience is coming to the Tower Museum, where you will find original props and dressings from original show. 

The Siege Museum 

📍Opening Times: Thursday, Friday & Saturday 11am - 5pm

The Siege Museum and Exhibition is a permanent display of the history of the Siege of Londonderry and of the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry and is a treasure house of artefacts, from past to present. Based over three floors, the exhibition offers educational an interactive visitor experience.
 

The Guildhall 

📍Opening Times: Monday - Sunday 11am - 4pm

As well as being home to the impressive stained-glass windows, you’ll also be able to learn all about the Plantation of Ulster. The Guildhall features a new interactive tourist information point with interpretation panels throughout the building bringing to life its many special features.
The dedicated exhibition explores how the Plantation has shaped the City’s history.

Seamus Heaney HomePlace

📍Opening Times: Monday - Saturday 11am - 5pm  Sunday 1pm - 5pm.

Venture outside of the city and step into Seamus Heaney HomePlace, and discover the world-renowned poet in his beloved hometown. Journey through the life and works of this literary giant, greatly valued locally for his decency and humility, and experience the place, the people and the landscape that so inspired his work.

You’ll also find yourself immersed in the multi-award-winning exhibition’s audio-visual displays - on the video wall, you’ll see and listen to reflections from family, friends and leading figures such as former US President Bill Clinton and U2 frontman Bono.