Guildhall, Derry

This article is about the building where Derry City Council meet. For the square, see Guildhall Square. For the building for people who work for the council, see Derry City Council Building.

Guildhall, August 2009

The Guildhall in Derry is a building with a clock and a bell in which members of Derry City Council who have been elected meet. It was built in 1890.

It was badly damaged by fire in Easter 1908. Only the clock tower survived the fire intact. The whole building was re-built and renovated after the fire and was re-opened in 1912. During the troubles in Northern Ireland the Guildhall was the focus of many terror attacks by Irish Republican paramilitary organisations. The building was badly damaged by two bombs attributed to these organisations in 1972. The original windows of the Guildhall were destroyed by the two attacks. The windows have been restored to their original glory with replicas.

The Guildhall houses a large hall where many events of social and political nature have been held. It has been home to the Derry Feis – an event which celebrates Irish culture. It was also home to the Saville Inquiry into the events of Bloody Sunday 30 January 1972 in Derry.

The square in front of the Guildhall, Guildhall Square, has played host to many events. It was the stage area for the visit of the US President Bill Clinton when he visited the city in November 1995. It is also the home for many city events, such as the annual Halloween Banks of the Foyle Film Festival and the Christmas Lights Switch-On which is held every mid-November.

Today the Guildhall Square is being renovated and restructured to bring a more cosmopolitan feel to the area. Extensive renovation work will see new seating areas, fountains, and flowers which will enhance the city centre area.

Gallery

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  Guildhall, August 2009
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  Guildhall clock tower, August 2009
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  Guildhall entrance, August 2009