Overview
The Tower Museum is tucked inside the historic city walls of Derry (Londonderry) on Union Hall Place, just opposite the iconic Guildhall. Since opening in October 1992, the museum has earned four major tourism awards and quickly become a favourite for both locals and visitors. Its compact five‑storey tower houses permanent and temporary exhibitions, a rooftop viewing area with panoramic views of the River Foyle, and facilities that make it a comfortable stop on any city‑walking itinerary.
History and building
The museum occupies a replica 16th‑century tower house built as part of a public‑private partnership funded by the European Development Fund and the International Fund for Ireland. The opening ceremony in 1992 was attended by political leaders Ian Paisley and John Hume, underscoring the project’s significance as a flagship tourism development for the city. Over the years the museum has amassed a reputation for high‑quality displays, winning several national tourism awards and being described by the local press as “magnificent”.
Awards
Since its launch the Tower Museum has collected four major tourism awards, recognising its innovative exhibition design, community outreach and contribution to Derry’s cultural landscape. These accolades highlight the museum’s role as a benchmark for small‑scale heritage attractions in Northern Ireland.
Exhibitions
Permanent collections (currently under restoration)
- The Story of Derry – a chronological journey from the founding of St Colmcille’s monastery in the 6th century to the Battle of the Bogside in the late 1960s.
- An Armada Shipwreck – La Trinidad Valencera – artefacts recovered from the 1588 Spanish Armada wreck that lies off the Irish coast.
Both galleries are temporarily closed while work prepares them for the upcoming DNA (Derry on the North Atlantic) Museum.
Current highlights
- The Derry Girls Experience – step onto the set of the hit TV series Derry Girls and view original memorabilia such as Erin’s diary, Aunt Sarah’s pyjamas and the infamous Spice Girls costumes. Visitors can sit in the Quinn family’s living‑room chair and relive the show’s humour.
- DNA Preview Space – a sneak‑peek into the forthcoming DNA Museum, slated to open in Ebrington Square in late 2027. The preview offers a taste of future exhibitions on the city’s maritime heritage.
- Mabel Colhoun Collection – scholars and curious visitors can explore a rich archive of photographs, maps and oral histories that document Derry’s social fabric.
- Viewing Platform – the top floor provides an open‑air terrace with sweeping views over the city centre and the River Foyle, perfect for a quick photo stop.
- Temporary exhibitions – the museum rotates special shows throughout the year; recent highlights have included a record‑breaking Derry Girls exhibition in 2023 and a maquette of the Hands Across the Divide sculpture.
Visitor experience
The Tower Museum is designed with families and school groups in mind. Audio‑visual guides and interactive displays bring history to life, while a dedicated learning area hosts workshops for children. The museum shop sells locally‑made books, crafts and souvenirs related to Derry’s heritage. Staff are praised for their helpfulness and can arrange autism‑friendly tours on request.
Practical information
Opening hours (subject to seasonal variation – please check the official website before you go)
| Season | Days open | Opening | Last admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| September – May | Tue‑Sat | 10:00 | 16:30 |
| June – August | Mon‑Sat | 10:00 | 16:00 |
| All year (special events) | Sun (select days) | 10:00 | 16:00 |
Admission fees (as listed on the museum’s website)
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | £6.00 |
| Child (5‑17) | £3.00 |
| Concession (students, 60+) | £4.00 |
| Family (2 adults + 3 children) | £16.00 |
| Group (10+ people) | £4.00 per person |
Tickets can be purchased online or at the desk on the day. The museum accepts euros and card payments.
Contact & access
- Phone: +44 (0)28 7137 2411
- Email: tower@derrystrabane.com
- Website: Tower Museum Collections
- Accessibility: autism‑friendly tours, internal lift serving all five levels, wheelchair‑accessible toilets, baby‑changing facilities, and staff assistance for low‑lighting galleries.
Getting there
- Walking – a short stroll from the city centre, directly opposite the Guildhall.
- Bus – Ulsterbus routes 202 and 203 stop at the nearby “City Walls” stop, a 2‑minute walk away.
- Car – limited on‑site parking is available; additional street parking can be found on the surrounding streets (pay‑and‑display during office hours).
- Coach parties – welcomed; advance notice recommended for larger groups.
Events & special programmes
The Tower Museum frequently hosts themed days, school‑holiday workshops and occasional Sunday openings for festivals or community events. Keep an eye on the museum’s website for dates of special exhibitions, live talks and family‑friendly activities such as heritage craft sessions.
Visitor tips
- Arrive early on weekdays (Tue‑Fri) to avoid the peak lunchtime crowd.
- The rooftop viewing platform is open year‑round; weather permitting, it offers the best photo opportunities at sunrise or sunset.
- Photography is allowed in most galleries, but flash is prohibited in the low‑lighting artefact rooms.
- The museum’s learning area runs scheduled workshops for children aged 5‑12 – check the timetable online and book in advance if you’re visiting with a school group.
Nearby attractions
While you’re in the walled city, consider a stroll to the Void Gallery, the Siege Museum, or the Guildhall – all within a few minutes’ walk. The River Foyle waterfront and the historic city walls provide additional scenic routes for a leisurely afternoon. For a deeper look at Derry’s recent history, visit the Bogside murals, a short walk away.
Enjoy a blend of history, pop‑culture, and sweeping views at the Tower Museum – a compact yet richly rewarding stop in the heart of Derry.