Days Out NI
Museum Derry

St Columb's Cathedral & Chapter House Museum

Derry's oldest building and the first cathedral built after the Reformation, free to visit.

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Check hoursMon-Sat from 10:00 (to 15:00 most of the…
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St Columb's Cathedral & Chapter House Museum — Derry's oldest building and the first cathedral built after the Reformation, free to visit.

  • Getting in: Free entry, donations welcome. No ticket needed.
  • Opening: Mon-Sat from 10:00 (to 15:00 most of the year, to 16:00 in July and August). Closed Sundays. Check before you go.
  • Family: Yes, all ages welcome, though it is a historic working church rather than a hands-on attraction.
  • Tours: Self-guided with audio guides in English, French and Spanish; guided tours can be arranged.
  • Food: No café on site; plenty of options in the city centre nearby.
  • Parking: City-centre car parks nearby. Disabled parking by advance arrangement on 07794 666754.
Plan your visit

See the city's siege history up close

The Chapter House Museum is where the Siege of Londonderry comes alive, with artefacts, regimental flags and relics from the 1689 stand against the forces of James II. An audio-visual display walks you through the cathedral's four centuries. In the main church you will find silver communion plate, stained glass windows and the Book of Kells facsimile exhibition. Audio guides are available in English, French and Spanish, and guide leaflets cover several more languages.

Free entry Self-guided Guided tours on request Siege of 1689 artefacts Oldest bells in Ireland Audio guide in 3 languages
Good to know before you go:

As a working cathedral, St Columb's holds regular services, choral events and occasional concerts and seasonal events through the year. Check the cathedral's own channels for what is on during your visit.

Before you set off

What to bring

  • 📷Camera or phoneMost galleries are photo-friendly — just check for any no-photos rooms.
  • 👟Comfy shoesPlenty to take in on foot, room to room.
  • 💷A few poundsFor the café, the shop, or a donation where entry is free.
  • 🕰️A bit of timeThe stories reward a slow look rather than a dash round.
Good to know

Everything before you go

Getting in
Free entry, donations welcome. No ticket needed.
Opening
Mon-Sat from 10:00 (to 15:00 most of the year, to 16:00 in July and August). Closed Sundays. Check before you go.
Tours
Self-guided with audio guides in English, French and Spanish; guided tours can be arranged.
Age limits
None. All ages welcome.
Food
No café on site; plenty of options in the city centre nearby.
Family-friendly
Yes, all ages welcome, though it is a historic working church rather than a hands-on attraction.
Parking
City-centre car parks nearby. Disabled parking by advance arrangement on 07794 666754.
Accessibility
Step-free main entrance into the church. Wheelchair and mobility scooter access; wheelchair available on request. Assistance dogs welcome.
How long to allow
About 45 minutes to an hour.
Address
St Columb's Cathedral, 17 London Street, Londonderry, BT48 6RQ
Questions

Before you go

How much is it to get in?
Free entry, donations welcome. No ticket needed.
What are the opening times?
Mon-Sat from 10:00 (to 15:00 most of the year, to 16:00 in July and August). Closed Sundays. Check before you go.
Is it good for kids?
Yes, all ages welcome, though it is a historic working church rather than a hands-on attraction.
Are there guided tours?
Self-guided with audio guides in English, French and Spanish; guided tours can be arranged.
Is there parking?
City-centre car parks nearby. Disabled parking by advance arrangement on 07794 666754.
Getting there

St Columb's Cathedral & Chapter House Museum is at St Columb's Cathedral, 17 London Street, Londonderry, BT48 6RQ. City-centre car parks nearby. Disabled parking by advance arrangement on 07794 666754. Tap below for directions.

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The story

About St Columb's Cathedral

St Columb's Cathedral was built between 1628 and 1633 in the Planter Gothic style, making it the oldest surviving building in Derry and the first cathedral constructed in Britain or Ireland after the Reformation. It has grown over the centuries: the spire was added in 1821, the chancel in 1887 and the chapter house in 1910, with a full restoration completed in 2011.

The cathedral is closely tied to the Siege of Londonderry in 1689, when the city held out against the forces of James II. The Chapter House Museum preserves artefacts, flags and relics from that period, and the cathedral's bells are the oldest peal in Ireland, with the five largest gifted by Charles I in 1638.