Derry Museums

(Derry, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, UK)

Derry is home to several interesting museums covering the history of the region from Neolithic times, tracing the influence of Viking settlers and the Reformation on both Derry and Greater Ireland, and also focusing on the 20th-century strife that rocked the city.

The Heritage and Museum Service in Derry actively promotes the local cultural heritage and works to preserve collections and exhibits, publicising its services through numerous local events.


Before exploring the sites and memorials of Bogside, stop by the Museum of Free Derry. The exhibits outline the events that led up to Bloody Sunday, placing them in context through newspaper articles and eye-witness accounts. Armed with the knowledge that you will learn here, the memorials of Bogside become all the more meaningful.

Museum of Free Derry

Address: Bloody Sunday Centre, 55 - 61 Glenfada Park, Derry, County Derry, Northern Ireland, UK
Tel: +44 028 7136 0880
The Museum of Free Derry is also often referred to as the National Civil Rights Archive and is located on the southerly side of Glenfada Park, close to Rossville Street. This specific site was selected due to it being central to many of the events depicted within the exhibitions, a large number of which relate to the Bloody Sunday Movement. Other aspects include the history of the Free Derry district (comprising Bishop Street, Bogside, Brandywell and Creggan), the lifting of local morale in the 1960s, the Battle of the Bogside riot in August 1969, and Operation Motorman in July 1972.
Open hours: October to March, Monday to Friday - 09:30 to 16:30; April to June, Monday to Friday - 09:30 to 16:30, Saturday - 13:00 to 16:00; July to September, Monday to Friday - 09:30 to 16:30, Saturday - 13:00 to 16:00, Sunday - 13:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge

Tower Museum

Address: Union Hall Place, Derry, County Derry, Northern Ireland, UK
Tel: +44 028 7137 2411
The award-winning Tower Museum is kept inside a replica of the tower house, which stood here in the 1500s. There are two major exhibits - one exploring the general history of Derry and its founding in the 6th century, while the other gives details of a Spanish shipwreck discovered offshore in the early 1970s. There is also information about the Irish Famine in 1846, as well as Ireland's partition in 1921. Be sure to climb to the fifth level for impressive panoramic views over Derry.
Open hours: July and August, Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 14:00 to 17:00; September to June, Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Workhouse Museum

Address: 23 Glendermott Road, Waterside District, Derry, County Derry, Northern Ireland, UK
Tel: +44 028 7131 8328
The Waterside District is to be found just outside the walls on the opposite banks of the river, and is a mainly Protestant area populated by residents fleeing violence during the 'troubles'. The Workhouse was where political prisoners and insurgents were housed and forced into labour, and is now a museum with exhibits that chronicle the harsh conditions endured by the inmates.
Open hours: Monday to Thursday, Saturday - 10:00 to 16:30
Admission: free

Harbour Museum

Address: Harbour Square, Derry, County Derry, Northern Ireland, UK
Tel: +44 028 7137 7633
Founded in 1995, the Harbour Museum is located alongside the Guildhall, within the former office of the Londonderry Port and Harbour Commissioner, which dates back to the latter part of the 19th century. The Victorian architecture comes complete with a tall clock tower, while inside visitors will discover a wealth of maritime memorabilia, including a 9-metre / 30-foot boat known as the 'Iona Curragh', used in the 1960s to replicate a historical journey made in the 6th century.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 13:00, 14:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Foyle Valley Railway Centre

Address: 30 Foyle Road, Derry, County Derry, Northern Ireland, UK
Tel: +44 028 7126 5234
Close to Craigavon Bridge, the Foyle Valley Railway Centre remembers the rich railway heritage of the county and includes an authentic recreation of a historic train station platform, as well as a host of related artefacts. Visitors will be able to find out about the four different railway companies once operating in Derry and their glorious steam trains. Particular highlights include the County Donegal Railway steam locomotive named 'Columbkille', and a number of working diesel trains, which transport summer visitors along the extremely scenic 5-km / 3-mile track through Riverside Park.
Open hours: June to August, Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free