Derrie Danders - History of City Walls Through Walking Tours
5.0
96 Ratings
Derry and Strabane
Discover the rich history of Derry's city walls through engaging walking tours. Explore the origins, Viking impact, siege of Derry, and more. Book now!
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Shipquay Gate - In this section of the tour we will be able to see the Walls of Derry, the Guildhall, the Tower Museum, oldest cannons on the Walls and views of Peace Bridge. We will consider the history of the city from its origins to plantation and the building of the Walls.
- Ferryquay Gate - From this section of the tour we will be looking at Ferryquay Gate, the Playhouse, St Columb’s Cathedral and the Fountain Estate, as well as discussing aspects of the sieges history of the city
- Bishop Gate - In this section of the tour we will be looking at Bishops Gate, Double Bastion, St Augustine’s Church,Walkers Plinth, Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall, and First Derry Presbyterian Church.
- Butcher’s Gate - In this section of the tour we will be looking at the section of the Walls from Butcher Gate back to Shipquay Place, and considering more aspects of the city’s history from the time of the siege to the present day. We will also visit the Craft Village.
- Guildhall - A brief introduction only to the Guildhall.
What's Included
- Licensed Tour Guide
What's Not Included
- Admission Fees
Additional Information
This city overview tour typically ranges between 105-120 minutes in duration. It can accommodate private groups ranging from a single person up to a maximum of 15 individuals.
To maintain a personal experience, we limit the group size ensuring no congested or impersonal tours.
The cost and accessibility may differ based on day, time, and season.
We offer different options such as:
- Exclusive Group Tour (1-15 participants)
- Small Public Group Tour (1-2 participants)
Our tour covers the city’s historical timeline from its inception to the contemporary period, encompassing elements like St Columba, the influences of Vikings, Normans and Irish tribal leaders, the Ulster Plantation, the construction of the renowned walls, the 1688/89 siege of Derry, its aftermath and Scots/Irish migration to America, industrial growth, railway and bridge construction, the infamous potato famine of the 1840s and subsequent migration of native Irish to the USA, the Home Rule crisis and division, the city’s involvement in the World Wars, the recent political conflicts and the peace negotiations.
We also provide flexible audio tours, which are separately cataloged on Viator.
- A wheelchair and stroller accessible route can be arranged for private group tours - please request at time of booking.
Location
Visit Derry
Waterloo Place
Meet OUTSIDE of the main entrance to the "Visit Derry" Visitor Information Centre, Waterloo Place.
Guide will normally be wearing Derrie Danders branded clothing.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(96 Ratings)
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P620fojosephm
Feb 25, 2024
Derry’s history and culture - David was great- very knowledgeable about the history of Derry and the culture. We walked the entire wall. David pointed out all the views and the various lookout points and bastions.
David also advised a list of other places to visit after our tour and places to walk/ like the “peace bridge”.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annek30
Jan 5, 2024
Delightful dander along the city walls - David is a very knowledgeable historian but also a gifted story teller. We had a thoroughly enjoyable stroll along the beautifully maintained Derry/Londonderry walls, peppered with stories from the apprentice boys’ historic locking of the gates preceding the siege of Derry to the tale of Walter the hapless de Burgh, whose skeletal frame is depicted on the city’s coat of arms, from the fishmongers’ “Roaring Meg” canon to the meanings behind place names -“the Bog” , “the Fountain” and mentions of the city’s famous sons and daughters. David’s pride in his native city is evident in his enthusiasm as he narrates - do not miss this tour - it’s a gem
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hanover19
Dec 28, 2023
Snapshots of Derry history - Thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the sights around the Maiden city today. David’s tour was very informative and it even stayed dry!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Catherinets4829uh
Dec 13, 2023
Must do in Derry - Really interesting with highly informed and engaging guide, a must do activity for any visitor to Derry.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Walkerrainey
Nov 4, 2023
What a great way to learn about Stroke City ! - Super day with David . Well informed and comfortable style made this a great experience for us and our guests who visited us from Dublin. We plan to do the mural tour now to learn even more about the city. We highly recommend this tour
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bjmmccoy
Oct 12, 2023
Craic in the maiden city - Great experience with David plenty of craic. It was a beautiful to see the maiden city. Very knowable The view of the bog side was impressive
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Judysc1119jb
Oct 8, 2023
Excellent historical and compassionate tour - Patrick led us on the City Wall tour - incredible! Thank you for your descriptions, explanations and insight.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
121shellyd
Sep 17, 2023
Great Experience! - David was on time and full of sooooooo much information! He's passionate about Derrie history and was able to answer all questions. When he learned more about our group, he customized the tour as we walked. Definitely recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shelley
Sep 11, 2023
City walls walking tour - David was knowledgeable and we learned a lot about Derry during our tour. It was a great way to understand the history of the city during a day trip here. He took time to learn about us and what we wanted to see. Thanks David for helping us get to know your city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sbtraveler8
Sep 9, 2023
So much learned in so little time! - We were a fairly large group with a pretty small amount of time and Dave managed to share so much knowledge with us!
He covered from the Middle Ages to today without bias or agenda and always with a hopeful eye to the future. And he was open to responding to any and all questions.
We are definitely coming back to Derry!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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