Ebrington Square – Vibrant Waterside Plaza in Derry (formerly Ebrington Barracks)

📍 71 Ebrington Square, Various

🏛️ Attraction

Last updated: 28 April 2026

Overview

Ebrington Square occupies the former parade ground of the historic Ebrington Barracks on the Waterside of Derry, Northern Ireland. The 29‑acre site stretches along the east bank of the River Foyle and is linked to the walled city by the striking Peace Bridge, a pedestrian and cycle crossing that opened in June 2011. Opened to the public on 14 February 2012, the square is now a flagship example of adaptive reuse – a vibrant civic plaza, cultural quarter and riverside promenade that draws locals and tourists alike.

History / Background

The hill overlooking the Foyle has been a military focal point since the Siege of Derry in 1689, when Jacobite forces positioned cannons there. In 1841 the British Army constructed a purpose‑designed star fort, naming the complex after Hugh Fortescue, Viscount Ebrington. The barracks served various roles:

  • 19th & early‑20th centuries – home to regular infantry units such as the 1st Battalion Cheshire Regiment.
  • Second World War – operated as HMS Sea Eagle, a naval hub supporting Atlantic convoy escorts.
  • Cold War – functioned as an anti‑submarine training centre.
  • The Troubles – headquarters of 8 Infantry Brigade, targeted in several bomb attacks. The peace process led to the barracks’ closure in 2003. The Executive Office, together with private partners, launched a multi‑million‑pound regeneration programme. Historic stone walls and listed 19th‑century buildings were preserved and repurposed, the parade ground was resurfaced as a modern square, and the Ebrington Hotel & Spa (housed in the former clock tower and captains’ house) opened in 2023. The redevelopment coincided with Derry’s designation as the UK City of Culture in 2013, during which the square hosted high‑profile cultural events.

What to See & Do

  • Ebrington Square (the plaza) – Level paving, ample seating and a permanent stage make it ideal for people‑watching, concerts, festivals and seasonal markets.
  • Mute Meadow – A permanent art installation by Turner Prize nominee Vong Phaophanit and Claire Oboussier, featuring 40 pairs of illuminated columns that change colour at night, echoing the stained‑glass of the nearby Guildhall.
  • Peace Pledge Tree – A living sculpture where visitors attach ribbons with personal messages of hope and reconciliation; it is a focal point for community gatherings.
  • Historic Star‑Fort Wall – The scheduled‑monument wall encircles the site, offering panoramic river views and a tangible link to Derry’s famous city walls.
Derry City Walls near Ebrington Square
Canons, Derry walls, Co. Derry~Londonderry (Credit: Courtesy of Tony Pleavin for Tourism Northern Ireland)
- **Ebrington Hotel & Spa** – While the hotel is a four‑star accommodation, its restored façade and ground‑floor bar are open to all visitors. - **Food & Drink** – Independent eateries line the square, including The Embankment Restaurant, Ollie's Bar and the award‑winning Walled City Brewery, serving craft beer, locally sourced Irish cuisine and specialty coffee. - **Creative Spaces** – Former barracks buildings now host galleries, co‑working offices and a multi‑award‑winning brew house. - **Live Music & Festivals** – The open‑air stage regularly welcomes pop acts, folk sessions and cultural programmes; notable events include Radio 1’s One Big Weekend (2013) and City of Culture performances. - **Water Activities** – The proximity to the River Foyle makes the square a launch point for stand‑up paddle‑boarding and river tours, with operators such as *River Foyle Stand‑Up Paddle Boarding* offering hire nearby.

Getting There

  • Public transport – Derry’s city‑centre bus network stops within a few minutes’ walk (routes 601, 602, 603). The Londonderry railway station is a 15‑minute walk away.
  • Car – Limited on‑street parking is available on the Waterside; a larger multi‑storey car park on the west bank can be reached via the Peace Bridge.
  • Cycle & pedestrian – The Peace Bridge provides fully wheelchair‑accessible, level‑paved routes for cyclists and walkers from the historic city centre.
  • Airport – City of Derry Airport lies 5 km to the north, with shuttle services to the city centre.

Practical Information

  • Access – The square is free and open year‑round, 24 hours a day. It is fully wheelchair‑accessible via the Peace Bridge and level paving throughout.
  • Facilities – Public toilets are located near the Peace Pledge Tree; free Wi‑Fi is provided in the central plaza. Information boards detail the site’s history and upcoming programmes.
  • Safety – The area is well‑lit and monitored by city security; the Peace Bridge and surrounding promenades are popular with cyclists and pedestrians.

Nearby Attractions

  • Bogside – Famous for its political murals and the free‑entry Museum of Free Derry, a short walk across the Peace Bridge from Ebrington Square.
  • Derry City Walls – The historic walls run close to the square, offering a scenic walking route around the old city.
  • Guildhall and St Columb’s Park – Both lie within easy walking distance on the west bank of the Foyle.

Ebrington Square stands as a living testament to Derry’s ability to reinvent its heritage, offering a dynamic blend of history, art, food and riverfront leisure.