Guildhall

05/09/2026

⏳ 1 WEEK TO GO! ⏳

Have you ever really looked at the buildings you walk past every day?

This September, for European Heritage Open Days, we're opening the doors to not one, but TWO of Derry's most iconic buildings - The Guildhall & Harbour House.

You've seen them from the outside. You might have even been inside The Guildhall before. But have you heard the hidden stories that shaped them?

And with Harbour House not normally open to the public, this is a rare chance to step inside and see it in a whole new light.

FREE COMBINED TOURS
Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th September
Tours at: 10am | 12pm | 2pm | 4pm

Spaces are filling up fast and are very limited - don't miss out!

BOOKING ESSENTIAL:
📍 Guildhall Reception
📞 028 7137 6510
📧 [email protected]

04/09/2026

⚠️ TRAFFIC NOTICE - SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER - DERRY ⚠️

Major road closures and diversions will be in place across the city this Saturday for the 2026 Europe Triathlon Cup – City of Derry.

The event will see 4 Europe Cup races plus the National Series Age Group race throughout the day:

Race Times:
Junior Men 8.50am | Junior Women 9.00am | Age Group 9.15am
Elite Women 4.30pm | Elite Men 6.30pm

Please plan ahead and allow extra time.

MORNING: 8.00am - 11.40am
Queen’s Quay Embankment: CLOSED both ways (8am - 8pm all day)
Foyle Embankment: Southbound lanes CLOSED, contraflow on northbound
Foyle Road to Lone Moor: FULLY CLOSED approx 9.15am - 9.45am for Junior race return, then single lane city-bound only
Lower deck Craigavon Bridge: CLOSED
Letterkenny Rd to Nixon’s Corner & Mullennan Rd to Newtownhamilton: CLOSED both ways with diversions in place

EVENING: 3.45pm - 7.30pm (Elite Races)
Queen’s Quay Embankment: Remains CLOSED
Foyle Embankment: Southbound CLOSED, contraflow on northbound
Foyle Rd to Moat St: FULLY CLOSED
Lower deck Craigavon Bridge: CLOSED

During racing, no vehicles or pedestrians can enter the 5km closed-road circuit. Please follow signage and marshal instructions.

Car Parks:
CLOSED from 5.30pm Fri 4th until 8am Sun 6th: Queen’s Quay & Council car parks
CLOSED all day Sat 5th: Foyle Road & Foyle Valley Railway car parks

Alternative parking: Ulster University Magee & Fort George (via Catalyst entrance)

Peace Bridge: Will remain open but with managed access - please keep left of cones.

All roads expected to reopen by approx 7.30pm (Queen’s Quay by 8pm) once safe to do so.

The Local Organising Committee apologises for any inconvenience and thanks everyone for their patience. Please come out and support what promises to be a fantastic day of international sport in the city!

Please share.

31/08/2026

Opportunity to perform in Guildhall as part of Derry Halloween 40th Anniversary under Luke Jerrams Gaia 🌏 See submission details below 🎃👻👇

🎃 CREATIVES,WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 🌕

There’s still time to be part of Derry Halloween 2026! 👻

We’re inviting creatives to submit Expressions of Interest to perform or deliver a workshop as part of our Guildhall programme, taking place beneath Luke Jerram’s spectacular GAIA artwork.

Whether you’re a performer, artist, facilitator or creative practitioner, we’d love to hear your ideas! ✨

📅 Deadline: Thursday 3rd September at 12 noon
📧 Submit to: [email protected]

👉 Download the application form and find full details here:
https://derryhalloween.com/business-hub/

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic of Derry Halloween 2026! 🎃

24/08/2026

We were delighted to welcome acclaimed Irish indie-folk trio Kingfishr to the Guildhall earlier today ahead of their sold-out performance at Ebrington Square this evening as part of Live at the Square.

The band met with the Mayor during their visit and spent some time with our team, even trying their hand at pulling a pint.

We would like to wish Kingfishr the very best of luck for tonight’s concert and wish everyone attending an enjoyable night at Ebrington Square.

If their gig is as good as their pint pulling, you’re in for a real treat!

17/08/2026

EHOD WEEKEND AT THE TOWER MUSEUM - Two unmissable experiences!

Step inside the Tower Museum and discover the Derry Girls Experience and get a behind the scenes look at the process as we prepare to move to the DNA Museum!

THE DERRY GIRLS EXPERIENCE - FREE!
The gang's back in town! Explore the much-loved Derry Girls Experience and see where it all began:

📓 Erin’s diary, Aunt Sarah’s famous pyjamas & Ma Mary’s Woolworths sweater
👗 The infamous Spice Girls costumes
🛋️ Step onto the set of the Quinn household and feel like one of the family
😒 Sit in Sister Michael’s chair and perfect your eye-roll

EXCLUSIVE BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR
Looking for more? Join an exclusive Behind the Scenes Tour as part of EHOD 2026.

This exclusive experience offers a rare opportunity to meet the Tower Museum's Curator, Archivist and Conservation team, and gain insight into the fascinating work involved in caring for and preparing historic collections for display at the new Derry on the North Atlantic (DNA) Museum.

Discover how items are selected, conserved and interpreted, and hear first-hand about the stories they will tell in the new museum. A unique chance to see heritage in action before it reaches the exhibition space.

📅 Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th September 2026

⏰ Derry Girls Experience: 09:00 - 16:00 | FREE ADMISSION
⏰ Behind the Scenes Tours: 12:00-13:00 & 14:00-15:00

BOOKING ESSENTIAL FOR TOURS:
📞 028 7137 2411
📧 [email protected]

17/08/2026

Ready to explore Derry's architectural heritage?

You walk past it every day. You may have never been inside, or you've probably visited many times but have you ever heard the stories that have shaped the history of our building?

This September for European Heritage Open Days, join us for a special combined tour of two iconic buildings - The Guildhall and Harbour House.

With Harbour House not usually accessible to the public, this is a unique opportunity to step inside both and see them in a whole new light.

FREE TOURS
Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th September
10am | 12pm | 2pm | 4pm

Spaces are limited, so be sure to book your spot early!

BOOKING ESSENTIAL:
📍 Enquire at Guildhall Reception
📞 028 7137 6510
📧 [email protected]

12/08/2026

Join us for an intimate evening of music, memories, and milestones as celebrated cellists Julian Lloyd Webber and Jiaxin return to Ireland for a unique, insightful event celebrating Julian’s new autobiography, Bows and Arrows.

What to Expect
The Mystery of Bach: Discover the incredible story behind Bach's Cello Suites and how they lay undiscovered for two centuries.

A Legendary Career: A look back at Julian’s remarkable life, from busking on the London Underground to playing the 2012 Olympics, spanning 60+ albums and a Brit Award-winning Elgar concerto.

Live Performances & Archives: Enjoy live music from Jiaxin alongside rare video footage and personal reflections.

Audience Q&A: A once-in-a-lifetime chance to question the duo about working with greats like Elton John, Philip Glass, and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Special Offer
Save 20% on your tickets! Use discount code JLWBBA27 at checkout to avail of this special offer.

Additional Details
Autographs: Exclusive signed copies of Julian's autobiography, Bows and Arrows, will be available to purchase at the venue.

Tickets: Tickets are on sale now! Secure yours here: linktr.ee/julianlloydwebber

12/08/2026

Important Security Notice: Phishing Alert

We want to bring an important security matter to your attention. Today, we were made aware that a phishing email was sent by an unauthorized party falsely claiming to be from the Guildhall.

Please be advised:

We will never send communications asking for your personal credentials, private details, or financial aid.

We will never request urgent wire transfers or sensitive information via email.

We will never contact you via Facebook or Instagram comments to ask for details, offer prizes, or request payments.

If you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from the Guildhall that asks for sensitive information, financial assistance, or unusual actions, please do not click any links, open attachments, or reply. Instead, please report it to us directly so we can investigate and take the necessary steps.

11/08/2026

It was a real pleasure to welcome the County Cork Pipes and Drums all the way from New York City to the Guildhall today for a special meet and greet with the Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District

The band are fresh from competing in the Fleadh last week, where finishing third in their category as a non-competitive band was quite an achievement, and it was wonderful to have the opportunity to celebrate that success with them here in the Guildhall.

During their visit, the group treated us to a fantastic performance in the Main Hall, enjoyed by those who came across it, before taking a guided tour of our historic venue to learn more about its rich history.

11/08/2026