About
The circuit of walls, enclosing the old city on the west bank of the River Foyle is an impressive survival of 17th Century city walls, roughly 1 mile in circumference.
The walls were constructed between 1613–1618, funded by The Honourable The Irish Society, and consist of an earthen rampart faced with stone, producing a wall 6m high and 5m wide, with a broad external ditch now filled in. Five of the original eight artillery bastions survive, along with two gun platforms. All four of the original gates—Bishop’s Gate, Ferryquay Gate, Shipquay Gate and Butcher’s Gate—survive, albeit altered, and the three other gates, Magazine, New and Castle Gates, are more recent additions. The city was originally defended by 40 cannons, many of which are still on display on the north and west ramparts. Steps and ramps lead to the wall-walk at several points inside the circuit.
Today, visitors can enjoy a unique walk along the full circuit of these iconic walls, taking in panoramic views of the city and River Foyle while experiencing one of the best-preserved walled cities in Europe.
