Museum of Free Derry and Bloody Sunday Memorial

Museum of Free Derry and Bloody Sunday Memorial
Museum of Free Derry and Bloody Sunday Memorial
Museum of Free Derry and Bloody Sunday Memorial
Museum of Free Derry and Bloody Sunday Memorial
Museum of Free Derry and Bloody Sunday Memorial

Explore displays about the Troubles that shook Derry in the mid-20th century in a museum on the site of the tragic struggles.

The Museum of Free Derry is a fascinating institution with collections and displays on momentous parts of Ireland’s history. The Irish conflict between unionists who wanted to stay in the United Kingdom and nationalists resulted in bloody battles in the second half of the 20th century. Learn about the societal changes to Derry during the civil rights movement of the 1960s and the Irish Troubles a decade later. See the Bloody Sunday Memorial that honours civilians violently killed by British soldiers.

Find out about significant parts of Derry’s history through the eyewitness accounts of its residents. Peruse photos of some of the key parts of the conflict. Inspect some of the relics that remain from the Battle of the Bogside, Bloody Sunday and the Internment ruling.

Listen to tales of the Battle of the Bogside, which took place on the streets beside the museum. This historic area was also the site of two killings and five injuries during Bloody Sunday. Note the two bullet holes that remain ingrained in the building from that day.

Gaze up at the elegant granite obelisk of the Bloody Sunday Memorial. It pays tribute to the 14 unarmed civilians killed by the British Army during a peaceful demonstration on January 30, 1972.

Wander down these historic streets and marvel at the murals of the Bogside Artists. Decipher the meaning behind the symbolic political and war paintings on the walls. Encounter the You Are Now Entering Free Derry Mural, also known as Free Derry Corner. It marked the self-declared autonomous zone of nationalists between 1969 and 1972.

Study the causes of the conflict. In general, Protestant loyalists fought to remain in the United Kingdom, while Ireland’s Catholic worshippers desired their own republic.

Visit the museum for a small fee, with discounts for kids and groups. Its hours during the week are from morning until late afternoon. On weekends, it opens at lunchtime.

The Museum of Free Derry and Bloody Sunday Memorial are west of the city centre. Walk for 5 minutes from popular attractions, such as Guildhall, the Tower Museum and the Diamond, to reach the museum.

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Things to do near Museum of Free Derry and Bloody Sunday Memorial

While visiting the Museum of Free Derry and Bloody Sunday Memorial, immerse yourself in guided tours that delve into the region's poignant history. Enjoy leisurely walks around the area to take in the striking murals and local culture, or engage with various entertainment options that showcase the vibrant spirit of Londonderry. This destination offers a profound insight into the past while providing a lively atmosphere for exploration.

Shopping

Visit Foyleside Shopping Centre, just 186m from the Museum of Free Derry, offering a vibrant mix of shops, eateries, and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, explore the nearby Crescent Link Retail Park, located about 1.9km away, featuring a range of popular retailers.

Recreation

Relax at Templemore Sports Complex, just 1.2km away, offering wellness facilities for rejuvenation. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at The Star Factory, located 373m away, for an entertaining musical experience. For nature lovers, Ness Wood, 1.2km away, provides peaceful trails for a refreshing retreat.

Adventure

Campsie Karting Centre offers an exhilarating karting experience located 3.7km from the Museum of Free Derry and Bloody Sunday Memorial. Feel the adrenaline rush as you navigate the twists and turns of the track, perfect for thrill-seekers looking for a fun challenge.

Nightlife

In Londonderry, the Millennium Forum offers a vibrant theatre experience, just 186m from the Museum of Free Derry. For a cinematic night out, The Nerve Centre is a mere 62m away, while the Waterside Theatre, located 435m away, provides a charming cultural atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Museum of Free Derry and Bloody Sunday Memorial

When visiting the Museum of Free Derry and Bloody Sunday Memorial, explore nearby points of interest such as historic gates and civic government buildings. The area offers a rich cultural experience, with opportunities for adventure and outdoor activities. Just metres from the museum, you can discover more about Londonderry's history and attractions, making it a perfect spot for travellers seeking to immerse themselves in the local heritage.

  • Guildhall: A stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture, Guildhall is a historic civic building that offers a glimpse into Derry's rich cultural heritage. Its intricate stained glass windows and grand interior make for a captivating visit, often hosting exhibitions and events that celebrate local history.
  • You are Now Entering Free Derry Mural: This iconic mural is a powerful symbol of the city's identity and political history. It vividly encapsulates the spirit of the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland and provides a thought-provoking backdrop for photographs.
  • Walled City: The Walled City of Derry is a remarkable historic site, featuring well-preserved 17th-century walls. Walking along the ramparts offers panoramic views, while exploring its cobbled streets immerses visitors in the city's storied past.

Best time to go to Museum of Free Derry and Bloody Sunday Memorial

The best time to visit Museum of Free Derry and Bloody Sunday Memorial can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Museum of Free Derry and Bloody Sunday Memorial falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Museum of Free Derry and Bloody Sunday Memorial falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May50.4°F (10.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June55.4°F (13.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November44.1°F (6.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Museum of Free Derry and Bloody Sunday Memorial

To save money during your visit to the Museum of Free Derry and Bloody Sunday Memorial, consider travelling in the cheaper months of January to February or November, and aim to book your accommodation around one month in advance. Tuesdays are typically the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays are the most costly. Explore last-minute hotel deals on Expedia, and utilise the price filter to find the best offers. Don't forget to check for package deals that bundle your hotel with flights and activities for potential savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Museum of Free Derry and Bloody Sunday Memorial are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Museum of Free Derry and Bloody Sunday Memorial about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Museum of Free Derry and Bloody Sunday Memorial is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Museum of Free Derry and Bloody Sunday Memorial is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at the Museum of Free Derry and the Bloody Sunday Memorial with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.