Derry: Bloody Sunday Walking Tour with Survivor Guides

Summary

Walk Derry’s streets with those who lived Bloody Sunday and the Troubles

You’ll walk through Derry’s Bogside with survivor guides who share personal stories of Bloody Sunday and civil rights marches. See murals up close, visit memorials where families gather, and hear first-hand memories that shape this city even now. The tour starts outside the Museum of Free Derry—expect honesty more than comfort.

What’s the experience like?

Hands in his coat pockets, John paused at Free Derry Corner and just sort of let us stand there for a second. You could hear the wind whipping around the murals — it’s colder than you’d think, even in June. He didn’t rush into the story. Instead, he pointed to a spot on the pavement and said quietly, “That’s where my brother fell.” I wasn’t ready for how matter-of-fact that sounded, or how everyone just stood a little closer together after he said it.

The walking tour moves through Bogside like you’re following memories instead of a map. Our guide (John again — he co-founded the Bloody Sunday Justice Campaign) waved to someone across the street and then told us about growing up here during the Troubles. There’s a smell of damp stone everywhere and sometimes you catch frying onions from someone’s window. When we reached the Bloody Sunday memorial, he lit a cigarette and talked about civil rights marches — and I realized I’d never really understood what “civil rights” meant here until that moment. Maybe that sounds dramatic but it felt true.

I tried asking about one of the murals (the one with the gas mask kid) and John grinned, said I should come back at night when it looks different under streetlights. The tour isn’t polished or rehearsed; sometimes he pauses to remember something or someone else jumps in with their own bit. It’s not comfortable exactly — but it feels honest. By the time we finished back at the Museum of Free Derry, I was still thinking about that spot on the pavement. You know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Bloody Sunday and Bogside history

• Start outside Museum of Free Derry
• Walk around historical Bogside area
• Visit site of Bloody Sunday massacre
• See Free Derry Corner
• Stop at Bloody Sunday memorial
• Learn about civil rights story

Top questions

Where does the Bloody Sunday walking tour start?

The tour begins outside the Museum of Free Derry in Derry's Bogside area.

Who leads this Bloody Sunday Story walking tour?

The tour is led by locals—some are survivors or relatives of victims from Bloody Sunday.

Can I choose my own date and time for this tour?

Yes, you can pick any date and time that fits your visit to Derry.

Is this walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this tour are wheelchair accessible.

What will I see on this day trip in Derry?

You’ll visit Bogside sites like Free Derry Corner, murals, memorials, and hear stories about civil rights and Bloody Sunday.

Are group tours available for this experience?

Yes, group tours are welcome—contact them directly for special rates.

Is public transportation nearby for getting to the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the Museum of Free Derry.

Can infants or small children join this walking tour?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes starting and finishing outside the Museum of Free Derry in Bogside; you can choose your preferred date and time; local guides—often survivors or family members—lead every step; group bookings are possible if you reach out; all routes are wheelchair accessible so everyone can join comfortably.