The Guildhall is a major landmark in Londonderry in Northern Ireland and has been at the centre of city life since the late 19th Century. Built by The Honourable Irish Society in 1890, the neo-Gothic style building dominates Guildhall Square, the city’s main square.
Built using red sandstone and largely consisting of a cavernous hall and clock tower, the Guildhall was the administrative hub for the Londonderry Corporation and today serves as the city’s council chamber and Mayor’s Parlour, making it the last remaining working guildhall in Ireland.
Restoration work completed in 2013 has lent the Guildhall a pristine new look, returning its stonework, clock, roof and windows to their original splendour and adding a new exhibition space detailing the history of the Ulster Plantation, as well as a café and other facilities.
What to See and Do at the Guildhall
Aside from the Guildhall’s striking façade, the interior boasts a number of attractions for visitors. You can head inside to admire the echoing main hall with its magnificent stained glass windows and vast concert organ, one of the finest in Europe. Other interesting features include the elegant carved staircase, oak panelled corridors and marble statuary, all brought alive by special interpretative panels.
Visitors can also delve into the Guildhall’s Plantation of Ulster exhibition, which charts the story of the plantation and Londonderry’s development during the 17th Century through fascinating digital displays and original artefacts.
The Guildhall is open daily between 10am and 5.30pm and admission is free.
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