The Londonderry Peace Bridge — officially opened on 25 June 2011, this 312-metre S-shaped self-anchored suspension footbridge designed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects with AECOM as structural engineer is Northern Ireland's most iconic modern structure. Built at a cost of £14.7 million funded jointly by the EU PEACE III programme and the UK government, the bridge features two 38-metre inclined steel towers that cross mid-stream to form a "structural handshake," symbolising the connection between the nationalist Cityside on the west bank and the unionist Waterside on the east bank — two formerly opposing communities. The 4-metre-wide deck accommodates both pedestrian walkways and dedicated cycle lanes. Made entirely of weathering steel (Corten steel), the bridge glows a warm ochre-red in sunlight, while at night a programmable LED lighting system bathes the structure in shifting colours, creating the city's most moving light show against the night sky. The eastern end leads directly to Ebrington Square — a 29-acre public space converted from a former British Army barracks; the western end sits adjacent to the Guildhall and historic city walls. In its first year alone, the bridge welcomed over one million crossings. More than a transport link, it stands as the city's most powerful symbol of the journey from conflict to reconciliation.
From the Guildhall across the S-shaped steel bridge to Ebrington Square, from the lush greenery of St Columb's Park to the sunset views atop the city walls — walk the path of reconciliation
Start your morning at the Guildhall — this sandstone clock tower inspired by Big Ben is the perfect starting point. Spend 15 minutes admiring the 12 stained-glass windows depicting the history of the Ulster Plantation, learning about the city's complex journey from colonisation to peace. Then step outside the Guildhall's main entrance facing the River Foyle — the S-shaped arc of the Peace Bridge gleams ahead. Step onto the bridge deck and feel the gentle vibration beneath your feet, the twin suspension cables arranged like harp strings. Walk slowly to the centre and pause: to your left, the diamond-shaped walled city on the west bank; to your right, the open green expanse of Ebrington Square on the east bank. Cross the bridge and arrive at Ebrington Square — a 29-acre public space converted from a former British Army barracks (built 1841). The star-shaped fortification walls remain intact, while the parade ground has been transformed into an open-air music festival venue. Enjoy lunch at the Walled City Brewery beside the square. In the afternoon, follow the Waterside Greenway for a 10-minute walk to St Columb's Park — 70 acres of green space featuring an 18th-century manor house, the ruins of the medieval St Brecan's Church, a bronze statue of St Columba, and a pond stocked with goldfish. Return to the west bank in the evening, ascend the city walls via Shipquay Gate, and admire the entire bridge in golden sunset light — the S-shaped silhouette framed by the sunlit Guildhall clock tower. This is the "ultimate camera angle" for photographing the Peace Bridge.
UK's Best Taproom, located in Building 70 (former officers' mess annex) within the Ebrington Barracks site at the eastern end of the Peace Bridge. 200+ craft beers paired with locally sourced slow-cooked food — Greencastle fresh fish, McAtamney's bone-in ribeye steak, beer-battered fish & chips (£13). Join a Beer Masterclass to brew and taste 10 different beers. Average £20-35, advance booking strongly recommended. A 2-minute walk from the eastern end of the Peace Bridge.
A Michelin-recommended restaurant on Strand Road, showcasing Northern Irish modern cuisine using local ingredients. Signature burnt-butter Foyle salmon with sea asparagus (£18), slow-braised veal cheek with black garlic jus (£22) — every dish presented like art. Exposed red brick walls and local artwork create a warm atmosphere. Average £40-60, book two weeks in advance; weekend dinner reservations are extremely competitive. An 8-minute walk from the western end of the Peace Bridge.
A container kitchen run by chef Kevin Pyke, grown from a single food truck into Derry's most popular lunch spot. Signature Notorious P.I.G. (slow-roasted pork with chilli wrap, £9.50) and fish & scallops (£12) use Foyle River fish landed the same morning. Sit on a riverside bench watching pedestrians cross the Peace Bridge as you eat. Average £8-15, arrive before 12:30 to avoid the lunch crowd. A 5-minute walk from the western end of the Peace Bridge.
A cosy spot on Magazine Street serving the most authentic Ulster fry — fried egg, bacon, sausage, black pudding (from Grace Hill, Antrim), white pudding, grilled tomato with homemade soda bread, a filling £9 meal. Rich coffee, relaxed atmosphere — the perfect refuel after strolling the Peace Bridge. Average £8-12, no reservation needed. A 7-minute walk from the western end of the Peace Bridge.