Derry City: Private Walking Tour with Peace Process Stories

Summary

Walk Derry’s city walls, hear real voices of the Bogside, feel the weight of history

You’ll walk Derry’s storied city walls with a local guide, stand quietly at Free Derry Corner, hear firsthand accounts of conflict and peace in the Bogside, and see murals that carry real meaning for people here. Expect moments that linger long after you leave—the kind you can’t get from guidebooks.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect to start our private walking tour in Derry standing under a drizzle by the old city walls, listening to Michael talk about sieges and plantations as if he’d lived through them himself. He had this way of pointing out small things—like the roughness of the stone under your hand or how the air feels different up there. It wasn’t just facts; it was like he was letting us borrow his memories for a bit. I kept thinking about how quiet it got when he mentioned what these walls have seen.

We wandered down into the Bogside, where the colors of the murals seemed brighter against the grey sky (maybe that’s just Ireland). At Free Derry Corner, Michael paused and just let us look for a moment before talking. He told us about Bloody Sunday—not in some distant way but like someone who’d walked those streets all his life. There was this sharp smell from someone’s cigarette nearby and a group of kids kicking a football across the road, which somehow made it all feel more real. I tried to say “Bogside” with an Irish lilt—he laughed and said I sounded halfway to Donegal.

The stories weren’t easy, but they felt honest. Each mural had its own mood—some angry, some hopeful—and Michael explained who painted them and why. I still think about one mural with hands reaching out; he said it’s meant to show both pain and hope at once. We stopped at the memorial for Bloody Sunday, and there was this moment where nobody spoke—not even Michael—and you could hear nothing but wind and distant traffic. That silence stuck with me more than anything else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided walking tour of Derry highlights

• Begin tour at city walls
• Learn about Plantation and Siege of Derry
• Photostop at Free Derry Corner
• Photostop and explanation at Bloody Sunday memorial
• Explore and learn about Bogside murals

Top questions

How long does the private walking tour in Derry last?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but most walking tours in Derry typically last around 2 hours depending on pace and questions.

Is the Derry City walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for prams or strollers as well.

Who leads the private guided tour in Derry?

The tours are led by Michael Cooper or his team of experienced local guides connected to Derry’s peace process.

What sites are included on this Derry walking tour?

You’ll visit the city walls, Free Derry Corner, key Bogside murals, and the Bloody Sunday memorial.

Is transport provided if it rains during the tour?

If weather is poor, a private vehicle is included so you can still enjoy the experience comfortably.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are welcome on this private walking tour in Derry City.

Can infants join this guided walking tour?

Infants and small children can join; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes a private local guide through central Derry with stops at Free Derry Corner, key Bogside murals, and Bloody Sunday memorials; if rain hits hard (it’s Ireland), there’s a private vehicle ready so you won’t miss anything—plus it works for wheelchairs or strollers too.