The Guildhall is one of Derry’s most recognisable landmarks and has been at the heart of city life since 1890. It was built in 1887 by ‘The Honourable The Irish Society’ on land reclaimed from the River Foyle at a cost of L19,000 (equivalent to L1.5 million today). It is free to the public and it is not only gorgeous but educational. There is an historic, interactive exhibit that is well worth visiting. The guildhall is a beautiful building inside and out and looks like a church, but has never been one. Derry City Council Meetings are still held in the Guildhall. The area around it was the scene of many bombings during the Northern Ireland Troubles. One IRA bomb in 1972 destroyed the glass artwork.
credit: leppre