The Siege Museum — a specialist history museum housed in the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall since 2013, and the world's only museum dedicated exclusively to telling the story of the 1689 Siege of Derry. On 7 December 1688, thirteen young apprentices, upon learning that Jacobite forces were about to attack the city, resolutely shut and locked all the gates, thus beginning the 105-day siege — the defenders endured bombardment, famine and plague within the walls, and ultimately the enemy never set foot inside, earning Derry the name "The Maiden City." The museum is located in the Victorian-era Memorial Hall on Society Street, immediately adjacent to the historic city walls. Through a rich collection of artefacts, immersive audiovisual displays and live guided tours, it brings the siege of over three hundred years ago vividly to life. Exhibits include original pikes from the siege, flintlock musket balls, the garrison flag, the 1689 "Siege Bible" (Gideon's Bible), the manuscript diary of Rev. James Wray, and detailed scale models of the walls and replica cannons. Tripadvisor rating: 4.6 out of 5, ranked #16 attraction in Derry.
From the siege artefacts in the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall to the Roaring Meg cannon atop the city walls, from the Siege Bible to the Siege Bell of St Columb's Cathedral — step into the 105 days that changed the destiny of Northern Ireland
Begin your morning by ascending the historic city walls at Shipquay Gate and walking anticlockwise to Double Bastion, where you can see at close quarters the iron cannon "Roaring Meg" that roared during the 1689 siege — a scaled model and ballistic explanation of this very cannon are displayed in the museum. Descend the walls, cross The Diamond and head to the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall on Society Street — this Victorian red-brick building completed in 1873 is an artefact in itself. Enter the Siege Museum: the first exhibits to greet you are the 1689 Siege Bible and the manuscript diary of Rev. James Wray, whose words record the despair and faith during the worst famine on the 40th day of the siege. Two immersive audiovisual installations recount the heroic feat of "the Thirteen Apprentices Shutting the Gates" and the thrilling moment of "the Relief Ship Breaking the Blockade." In the afternoon, walk along the walls to St Columb's Cathedral, which treasures the original siege flags and the 1689 bell — the tradition of ringing the bell at 21:00 every evening has continued for nearly four hundred years, reminding the world never to forget those times. Return to The Diamond in the evening, pause in contemplation before the Siege Memorial, drawing a solemn conclusion to your half-day journey through siege history.
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.
UK's Best Taproom, located in the former Ebrington Barracks at the east 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 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 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 visiting the museum. Average £8-12, no reservation needed.