Overview
The Bogside Murals form an open‑air gallery on the gable walls of houses along Rossville Street in the heart of Derry’s Bogside neighbourhood. Created by the three Bogside Artists – Tom Kelly, William Kelly and Kevin Hasson – the twelve murals depict key moments of the Troubles, civil‑rights marches, the Battle of the Bogside, Bloody Sunday and the peace process. Visitors can walk the short stretch of street and experience a visual narrative that is both a reminder of past conflict and a hopeful statement of reconciliation.
History
The three artists began painting the murals between 1994 and 2006, funding the work entirely through donations from local residents. Their aim was to turn personal and communal trauma into a public document, transcending sectarian divisions that have scarred the province since 1968. Each mural captures a specific episode – from early civil‑rights protests inspired by the United States movement, to the iconic image of a lone figure waving a white handkerchief on the Bloody Sunday wall. The project is legally protected under the name The Bogside Artists® and the collection is officially called The People’s Gallery®.
In 2012 the Dalai Lama unveiled a mural in Maribor, Slovenia, that directly references the school‑girl Annette McGavigan mural in Derry, underscoring the international resonance of the work. Today the murals attract thousands of visitors each year, serving as a living classroom for history, art and the power of community storytelling.
What to See & Do
- The Twelve Murals – Walk along Rossville Street and pause at each gable wall. Highlights include the “Civil Rights” mural, the “Battle of the Bogside”, the “Bloody Sunday” scene with the white handkerchief, and the portrait of Nobel‑peace‑prize laureate John Hume.
- Free Derry Corner – Just a short stroll away, the original 1969 wall bearing the words “You are now entering Free Derry” remains a potent symbol of resistance.
- Guided Artist Walks – During the summer months the Bogside Artists themselves lead walking tours, offering personal anecdotes and deeper context. These tours are bookable via their website or by phone.
- Self‑Guided Exploration – Maps are available at the nearby Museum of Free Derry and the city’s visitor centre. The murals are free to view at any time, making them an ideal stop on a self‑guided city walk.
- Photography – The vivid colours and dramatic compositions provide excellent material for Instagram and personal archives. Respect the private residences that form the backdrop.
Practical Information
Address: Rossville Street, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6LP Coordinates: 54.99683, -7.32474 Admission: Free to view the murals. Guided tours have a fee (see table below). Opening Hours: The murals are outdoors and accessible at any hour. Guided tours are by appointment and run primarily in the summer months.
Guided Tour Prices
| Tour Type | Price (per person) |
|---|---|
| Standard artist‑led walk | £6.00 |
| Bogside History Tour (1‑1.5 hrs) | £17 |
| Private 2‑person tour | £25 |
| Private tour with City Walls add‑on | £40 |
Booking & Contact
- Website: www.bogsideartists.com
- Phone (mobile): 07514 052 481 (Tom Kelly)
- Phone (home): 00353 0 74 9108740
Nearby Attractions
- Museum of Free Derry (0.04 mi)
- Pilot’s Row Youth & Community Centre (0.06 mi)
- First Derry Presbyterian Church & Blue Coat School Heritage Centre (0.08 mi)
Getting There Rossville Street lies just outside the historic city walls, a short walk from the main Derry bus station and the Peace Bridge. Public transport routes to the city centre stop within a few minutes’ walk of the murals.
Accessibility The street is level and wheelchair‑friendly, though some mural sections are set on the gable ends of residential buildings, which may limit close proximity for wheelchair users.
Visitor Experience Seeing the murals in daylight reveals the full palette of the artists’ work, while evening lighting adds a contemplative mood. The site remains open year‑round, and the free‑entry nature makes it an inclusive cultural experience for all ages.
The Bogside Murals stand as a testament to Derry’s resilience and creativity. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply a curious traveller, the gallery invites you to walk through a living chronicle of a city that has turned its walls into a canvas of hope.