Fountain Murals
Loyalist street art narrating unionist identity and perspective on Northern Ireland's complex history
The Fountain Murals represent a powerful collection of Loyalist street art located on the West Bank of Derry, showcasing the political and cultural identity of the unionist community. Situated in a compact residential area accessible from multiple city gates, these striking murals offer a counterpoint to the Republican Bogside Murals, presenting a balanced perspective on Northern Ireland's complex history. The site is best explored as part of a guided walking tour to fully understand the historical context and significance of each artwork.
A brief summary to Fountain Murals
- 10 Kennedy St, Londonderry, BT48 6JN, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit as part of a guided walking tour to gain full historical context and understanding of the murals' significance to the Loyalist community
- Combine your visit with the Bogside Murals on the opposite side of the city to develop a balanced perspective on both communities' narratives
- Allow time to explore the nearby New Gates Arts and Cultural Centre, which provides additional context on Ulster Scots and Irish cultural heritage
- Bring a camera or smartphone for photography, as the murals are visually striking and offer excellent photo opportunities from various angles
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the colors and details of the murals, and to safely navigate the residential neighborhood
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Guided Walking Tour
Book a licensed guided walking tour departing from Waterloo Place or the Visit Derry Visitor Information Centre. Tours typically last 90 minutes to 2 hours and cover the Fountain Murals along with other West Bank street art. Multiple tour operators offer this service, with prices ranging from approximately 27 to 48 British pounds per person. Tours include historical context, community perspectives, and interpretation of individual murals. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
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Public Transport from City Centre
From Derry's city center, walk to the nearest bus stop on Foyle Street. Local bus services operate throughout the day, with typical journey times of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the West Bank area. Bus fares are approximately 1.50 to 2.50 British pounds per journey. Services run regularly Monday through Saturday, with reduced frequency on Sundays. Check local transport schedules for current timetables and service availability.
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Walking from Derry Walls
If you are already on or near the historic Derry Walls, the Fountain Murals are accessible via a 10 to 15 minute walk. Exit the walls at Bishop Gate, Wapping Lane, or New Gate and navigate into the West Bank residential area. The route is relatively flat and straightforward, suitable for most fitness levels. Street signs and local landmarks provide navigation guidance. This approach allows you to combine your visit with exploration of the city's historic fortifications.
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Taxi or Ride-Share Service
Taxis and ride-share services operate throughout Derry and can transport you directly to the Kennedy Street area where the murals are located. Journey time from the city center is approximately 5 to 10 minutes, with typical fares ranging from 6 to 12 British pounds depending on exact pickup and drop-off points. This option is convenient if you have mobility limitations or prefer not to walk.
Fountain Murals location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Fountain Murals
A Window into Unionist Identity and Political Expression
The Fountain Murals stand as a testament to the artistic expression of Derry's Loyalist community, representing their cultural identity and political perspective during and after the Troubles. Located on the West Bank of the city, these murals are fewer in number than their Republican counterparts in the Bogside, but they hold equal historical and cultural significance. Created and maintained by local residents, the murals serve as a visual narrative of unionist heritage, reflecting the community's values, symbols, and historical memory. The artworks transform ordinary residential streets into an open-air gallery where political and cultural messages are communicated through bold imagery and striking colors.Geographical Setting and Urban Context
Situated at 10 Kennedy Street in the BT48 6JN postcode area, the Fountain Murals occupy a specific neighborhood on Derry's West Bank that can be accessed from multiple entry points including Bishop Gate, Wapping Lane, and New Gate. The area surrounding the murals is residential in character, with the New Gates Arts and Cultural Centre located nearby, which promotes Scots-Irish and Ulster Scots cultural identity. The compact nature of the site means visitors can explore the murals within a relatively short walking distance, making it an accessible destination for those interested in street art and political history. The neighborhood's layout and architecture provide an authentic setting for understanding how public art functions within community spaces.Historical Significance and Community Narrative
The Fountain Murals emerged as a response to and counterbalance against the dominant Republican artistic narrative visible in the Bogside. While the Bogside Murals, created by the Kelly brothers and Kevin Hasson since 1993, commemorate events from the Republican perspective, the Fountain Murals present the unionist viewpoint on Northern Ireland's turbulent history. These artworks are intrinsically linked to their geographical location and reflect the ideology and experiences of the Loyalist community. Understanding the murals requires recognizing that they represent one perspective within a complex, multifaceted conflict, and visitors are encouraged to examine both communities' artistic expressions to develop a comprehensive and balanced understanding of Derry's past.Artistic Expression and Visual Impact
The murals demonstrate the power of street art as a medium for political and cultural communication. Each artwork employs vivid colors, symbolic imagery, and carefully chosen compositions to convey messages about identity, history, and community pride. The artistic quality and technical execution of the murals reflect the skill and dedication of local artists who have invested time and resources into creating these public works. The visual impact of encountering these large-scale artworks in their original urban context differs significantly from viewing photographs, as the murals interact with their architectural surroundings and the natural light of the street environment. The murals function both as individual artistic statements and as a collective expression of community identity.Visitor Experience and Guided Exploration
While the Fountain Murals can be viewed independently by walking through the neighborhood, guided walking tours provide substantially enhanced understanding of the historical context, artistic techniques, and community stories behind each mural. Licensed tour guides offer interpretations that connect the visual elements to broader historical narratives, helping visitors understand not only what they see but why these artworks matter to the community. Tours typically last between 90 minutes and two hours and often combine the Fountain Murals with other West Bank attractions, providing a comprehensive overview of Derry's diverse artistic heritage. The guided experience transforms the visit from simple sightseeing into a meaningful cultural and historical engagement.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
City Walking Tours
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Ferryquay Gate Derry City Walls
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Heritage Tower Museum
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The Siege Museum
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Scenic
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Street Art
For the architecture buff
- Street Art
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
