"Thank you for your inspiring,informative and delightful tour of Derry last Wednesday. We really enjoyed every minute of it."

Angela D, Castleconnell Active Social Group,Limerick.

"David, our guide, was punctual and polite when he met us.
He was the perfect guide - honest, friendly and direct. He answered everything we wanted to know.
David's usual evening tour route is a perfect way to see the city lights of Derry/Londonderry at night and is perfect for those looking to experience something a little different than an ordinary city tour. David also has plenty of tips for museums and other local sights so make sure to do this tour as one of your first things in town.
Tour duration was good. Can't recommend highly enough! 10/10!" 

Ben D, Australia

"Thank you so much for the tour. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and was greatly impressed by the depth of your knowledge and above all your obvious love for the city and its incredible history."

Martin Q, Derry/Londonderry

"The tour was first class." 

"Very well explained."

"It wasn't long enough!!!"

"Looking forward to the next part in the future."

KPC Men's Group, Kilfennan, Londonderry.

"David has a wealth of local historical information, is very enthusiastic and will certainly keep your attention. The Taster Tour wets your appetite for more and David also pointed us to many other resources to explore in our own time. Overall excellent."

Will and Liz D, Eglinton

"I would strongly recommend Derrie Danders Walking Tours. As a former student of Irish history, I found the tour to be both interesting and informative. The amount of detail provided by David Douglas was way above the average tour, and the cathedral visit at the end with a look at the artefacts was the icing on the cake! If you're interested in history, this is well worth the time! 10 out of 10."

Gerard D, Liverpool  

 "David is knowledgeable, personable and flexible. We booked an all day tour with him , and it was the best of the 8 tours we had around Ireland ....by far. We were driven onto a beach to see a different view if the cliffs....spectacular. David thinks of everything and even topped off the tour with a visit to a local Ice cream shop....perfect ending to a perfect day."

John T, Florida, (Oceania Nautica Cruise Ship Passenger)

Do tours run all year round ?

Yes - it is hoped to run the tours throughout the  whole year, though advance booking is always required.

Do tours run in all weather conditions ?

Tours will normally run in all weather conditions although routes covered may vary due to health and safety or local events and/or closures outside of our control .

Is there a minimum no of persons required for tours to run ?

Normally a minimum of 2 persons are required for tours to run, though sole tours may be available by negotiation.

Are tour prices quoted fixed ?

Discounted rates can be negotiated for children under 18, students, unwaged, families and groups. 

Are tour duration times quoted exact?

The times shown are approximate and can vary dependent on the size of the group and the amount of interaction requested by the participants.

Are tours accessible to people with disabilities?

The standard published tours do access the City Walls, which are quite steep in places, and as a historical monument, do not always facilitate disabled people to enter and exit at all locations. However, with advance notice, tours can normally be adapted to facilitate people with disabilities.

As part of your tour, we normally visit the publicly accessible areas of the Guildhall. It has been one of the city's most recognisable landmarks since 1890. As well as being home to the Council chamber, and the Mayor's Parlour, it is a visitors destination in its own right.There is also a cafe located within the building and accessible toilets on ground and first floor. However, as it is a public building, it is regularly used for functions and some or all of its rooms may be unavailable to visit due to events taking place or being set up.

Special Features include:

Magnificent stained glass windows which tell the story of key events in the city's history.

An exhibition exploring the Plantation of Ulster with interactive displays.

Main hall with 1891 dated organ, one of largest in Ireland.

Time Capsule.

Free admission

 The Guildhall staff may offer a more detailed guided tour of the building to groups at a cost, though advance booking is not possible . Please allow approx 60 mins for the full tour (if available). £2 fee per individual required for group guided tour

The Tower Museum, located in the replica 16th century O'Doherty Tower,houses 2 permanent exhibitions, the Story of Derry and the An Armada Shipwreck. 

The Story of Derry shares the story of the city from early settlement,through the plantation,the growth of 18th and 19th centuries up to the modern day.

The An Armada Shipwreck - explores the story of La Trinidad Valencia, one of the largest ships in the Spanish Armada fleet which sank in Kinnegoe Bay, Co.Donegal in 1588. Artefacts including cannons recovered by the City of Derry Sub Aqua Club are on display. 

Admission Fee required. 

I am pleased to advise that I have negotiated a group discount rate for all customers on my tours.

As part of your walking tour, we can take a diversion from the Walls and visit the Playhouse.

The Playhouse is actually 2 buildings, and these were saved in 1990, by its founder Pauline Ross, bought for only £300, and a large restoration project ensued. It incorporates an 192 seater theatre gallery,and is also home to several resident theatre and dance companies, as well as being a busy community used resource centre for the arts and crafts.

The public areas are usually always accessible, but by prior arrangement with the Playhouse staff, it may be possible to visit other interesting areas of the building, if not being used.

 The Playhouse on Artillery Street is linked by a courtyard to the old Sisters of Mercy Convent in Pump Street, which was originally built as the Kings Arms Hotel in 1780 for the Grand Jury. In 1840 the Kings Arms was put up for sale and was purchased by a Thomas Doherty of Muff for £1,210 acting on behalf of the Catholic Bishop. This was the original site of 4 schools including Thornhill and St Columb's Colleges.

Please allow between 10 -20 minutes for this visit, depending on what areas are available for access.

Free Admission

 The current Long Tower Church dates from 1909,after it was extended through the leadership of Fr Willie Doherty.

The original building opened in 1788, and was paid for by both Catholics and Protestants. It is believed to be located close to the Teampall Mor,built in 1164, which was the city's medieval cathedral accidentally destroyed by gunpowder stored by the army garrisoned in the city.

The Church is beautifully decorated with stained glass and mosaics and floor inscriptions linking to St Columba.

Outside the church is a ballum stone, set into a wall below a calvary scene, which had been moved from its original location beside the nearby St Columba's Well.

Please remember that this is a working church so visits may not be available if events or special services such as weddings or funerals are taking place. 

The Saint Columba’s Heritage Centre (Aras Cholmcille) is located in the restored listed school building in the grounds of the Long Tower Church. 

The Saint Columba’s National School, known affectionately locally as the “Wee Nuns’ School”, dates from 1813 and after major restoration provides the city with a centre to promote the heritage and history of Saint Columba, the city’s founding father.

The Heritage Centre exhibition offers a bespoke, interactive experience, that includes a facsimile of the Book of Kells, as well as items and objects relating to the 200 year history of the building.

Please allow approx 60 minutes for this visit, including visit to the Church. 

£3 Admission Fee required.