Derry: Bogside Walking Tour, Bloody Sunday & Murals Story

Summary

Walk Derry’s city walls into Bogside, hear real stories and see murals

You’ll walk through Derry’s city walls into the heart of Bogside with a local guide who lived these stories. See famous murals up close, stand at Free Derry Corner, and finish at the Bloody Sunday monument — it’s moving in ways you might not expect.

What’s the experience like?

We started right outside the Guildhall — I could still smell yesterday’s rain on the stone when our guide, Michael, waved us over. He grew up here, he said, and honestly you could tell by the way he greeted everyone. We walked along the old city walls (I didn’t expect them to feel so solid underfoot), looking down into the Bogside. Michael pointed out where the march began in ’72 — his voice got quieter for a second, just enough to make me pay attention.

The Bogside walking tour really hit me when we stopped by one of those massive murals. The paint looked almost wet in the morning light. Michael told us about the artists and how each mural marks a story — sometimes painful, sometimes defiant. There was this moment where a local woman passing by just nodded at him and smiled at us; it felt like she knew exactly what we were hearing.

We passed Free Derry Corner (the wall says “You Are Now Entering Free Derry” in huge letters) and Michael explained how that spot became a symbol during the Troubles. I tried to imagine what it must’ve sounded like here back then — all shouting and sirens instead of today’s traffic and birds overhead. The last stop was Rossville Street at the Bloody Sunday monument, right across from the Museum of Free Derry. I stood there longer than I meant to. It’s not an easy place but I’m glad we ended there, under those city walls again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Walking tour of Bogside history

• Start at Guildhall city center
• Walk along Derry’s city walls
• Enter Bogside neighborhood
• Trace Bloody Sunday march route
• Visit Bogside Murals
• Stop at Free Derry Corner
• Pass Museum of Free Derry
• End at Bloody Sunday monument

Top questions

How long is the Bogside walking tour in Derry?

The tour lasts about one hour from start to finish.

Where does the tour begin?

The walking tour starts at Guildhall in Derry’s city center.

Does this day trip include visiting Free Derry Corner?

Yes, you’ll pass by Free Derry Corner during the walking tour.

Is this Bogside History Tour wheelchair accessible?

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

Will we see the famous Bogside Murals?

You’ll walk past several Bogside Murals and learn their history from your guide.

Who leads these tours?

Tours are led by locals — often survivors or family members connected to Bloody Sunday events.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends at the Bloody Sunday monument on Rossville Street near the Museum of Free Derry.

Are infants or strollers allowed on this walk?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

What’s included

Your hour-long walk includes stories from local guides with lived experience, stops at key sites like Free Derry Corner and multiple murals, plus full accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers throughout central Derry and Bogside before ending near the Museum of Free Derry.