The Tower Museum takes the visitor on a high-tech audio-visual narrative tour of the Story of Derry. From the first evidence of human habitation in 7000BC through to the troubles and the peace process, it is all here and exemplified by models and a wide range of artefacts.
The award winning Tower Museum is located within the city’s historic walls at Union Hall Place. Permanent exhibitions at the museum include The Story of Derry exhibition and An Armada Shipwreck – La Trinidad Valencera.
Derry city is one of the oldest inhabited settlements in Ireland and has a fascinating history. The Story of Derry exhibition at the Tower Museum uses a wide range of techniques and artefacts to narrate the story from monastic times, Plantation, Siege of Derry, through to the growth of Derry during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Life during the 20th century is also outlined, in particular the build up to the Civil Rights Movement and the impact of the Troubles on the people living here. The exhibition ends with a glimpse of where the city is today.
An Armada shipwreck – La Trinidad Valencera narrates the story of La Trinidad Valencera, one of the largest ships in the Armada Fleet. In 1588 it foundered in Kinnagoe Bay in Co. Donegal during a violent storm and was discovered nearly 400 years later by divers from the City of Derry Sub Aqua Club. The exhibition tells the story of the people involved, the soldiers and sailors aboard the Trinidad Valencera and the divers and archaeologists who discovered and excavated the ship.
The top of the Tower Museum (level 5) provides the only open air viewing facility in the heart of the city centre with stunning panoramic views of the inner city and river Foyle.
Opening Hours:
Tues - Sat 10 am to 5pm (last admission 4.30 pm)
Admission – Individual £4.00
Group rate £2.50
School rate £1.50