Ferryquay Gate, Derry City Walls
Step through the gate that started the Siege of Derry and walk the ramparts of one of Europe’s finest walled cities.
Ferryquay Gate is one of the four original 17th-century gates in Derry’s historic city walls, famously closed by the Apprentice Boys in 1688 against James II’s forces. This stone gateway, overlooking the River Foyle, marks the start of the Siege of Derry and offers a powerful entry point to the walled city’s layered history. Today, it stands as a key landmark on the walkable ramparts, where visitors can step onto the walls and trace the Renaissance street plan of one of Europe’s finest surviving walled cities.
A brief summary to Ferryquay Gate Derry City Walls
- 38 Ferryquay St, Londonderry, BT48 6JB, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Start your walk along the city walls at Ferryquay Gate for the most historically resonant entry point into the walled city.
- Visit in daylight to fully appreciate the gate’s stonework, inscriptions, and the views over the River Foyle and surrounding cityscape.
- Combine your visit with a guided walking tour of the walls to gain deeper insight into the Siege of Derry and the city’s layered history.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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On foot from the city centre
From the Diamond in the heart of Derry, follow Ferryquay Street west for about 10 minutes. The gate is clearly visible where the street meets the city walls and the River Foyle, with rampart access steps nearby.
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From the Guildhall
From the Guildhall on the Foyle’s west bank, cross Craigavon Bridge and walk along the riverfront for roughly 15 minutes. Ferryquay Gate is at the end of Ferryquay Street, just inside the walled city’s perimeter.
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From the Peace Bridge
Cross the Peace Bridge from the Waterside and follow the riverside path into the city centre. Ferryquay Gate is about a 10-minute walk from the bridge’s city-side landing, signposted along the way.
Ferryquay Gate Derry City Walls location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Ferryquay Gate Derry City Walls
Gateway to a Siege
Ferryquay Gate is one of the four original 17th-century entrances to Derry’s fortified city, built between 1613 and 1619 as part of the Plantation of Ulster. Positioned to control access from the River Foyle’s ferry quay, this gate was the first to be shut in December 1688 by thirteen apprentice boys who locked the city against the advancing Jacobite army of James II. Their defiant act sparked the Siege of Derry, a pivotal moment in Irish and British history that lasted 105 days and cemented the city’s reputation as the ‘Maiden City’ – a walled town whose defences were never breached.Architecture and Symbolism
The current stone archway dates from 1865, replacing an earlier structure that once featured a drawbridge and tower. The gate’s exterior bears a headstone of Reverend George Walker, the city’s governor during the siege, while the interior side commemorates Reverend James Gordon. These inscriptions anchor the gate in the city’s Protestant heritage and the enduring memory of the siege. The gate’s form is functional yet symbolic, a triumphal arch of sorts that frames the entrance to the walled city and invites reflection on centuries of conflict, resilience, and identity.Walking the Walls
Ferryquay Gate is a natural starting point for a walk along Derry’s 1.5 km circuit of city walls, the only complete walled city in Ireland and one of Europe’s best-preserved examples. From here, the ramparts rise to offer panoramic views over the inner city’s Renaissance-style street grid, the River Foyle, and landmarks such as St Columb’s Cathedral, the Guildhall, and the Peace Bridge. The walls are dotted with restored cannons, including the famous ‘Roaring Meg’, and interpretive panels that trace the city’s military, religious, and political history from the 17th century to the Troubles.Layers of Memory
Standing at Ferryquay Gate, it is impossible to ignore the weight of history. The gate is not just a medieval-style arch; it is a living monument to the Siege of Derry, the Apprentice Boys’ tradition, and the city’s complex identity. Nearby, Free Derry Corner and Bogside murals speak to more recent struggles, while the Peace Bridge and revitalised waterfront reflect a city in reconciliation. The gate thus serves as a threshold between past and present, where the physical fabric of the city tells stories of division, endurance, and, increasingly, shared space and understanding.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ferryquay Gate Derry City Walls
0.0 km
Step through the gate that started the Siege of Derry and walk the ramparts of one of Europe’s finest walled cities.
City Walking Tours
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War Memorial
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Unmissable attractions to see
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St Columb's Hall
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Essential places to dine
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Kular Fashion
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Primark
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Bonmarché
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Next
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
