The First Revolution Tour

How the Siege of Derry Changed the World

The New City Wide Tour

The Siege of Derry is known as the “First Revolution”. The ordinary citizens of Londonderry defeated and humiliated the mighty army of the Sun King in Versailles and his cousin King James the second of England. It took the French almost another century to stand up to their King Louis XVI in this way.

Sun King, Louis XIV of France is said to have wept on his throne in Versailles at the news of the death of his General Maumont at the Siege of Derry.

King James II of England began his final retreat from Londonderry to ultimate humiliation and defeat.

Meet your Guides

Bart O’Donnell of Boomhall Trust

Stuart Moore of the Siege Museum

The Siege Museum and Boomhall Trust have joined to bring this often untold story to life in a new city wide tour. It is the hidden history of two sieges in the city; full of insights and explanations which may surprise even those who have lived here all their lives. How western democracy was born and how this city was ahead of its time and played a central role in creating the modern world and the freedoms we often take for granted.

Click to view the tour route

This tour is now available for groups and coach tours by appointment only.

For more information email: admin@boomhall.org 

Overview of the tour:

  • Starting with a warm welcome, tea/coffee, scones and comfort break at the Siege Museum (13 Society St, Londonderry BT48 6PJ). Followed by a 90 minute guided tour of the Siege Museum and Walker’s Plinth on the City Walls.
  • Journey from the Siege Museum inside the City Walls by coach to the historic Battle site at Boomhall beside the Foyle Bridge on the Culmore Road, for a short guided walking tour (90 minutes), where the siege of Derry was ended by the breaking of the boom across the river.
  • Bus returns to the front of Siege Museum.
  • The whole tour including bus connections takes 4.5 hours from  10.30 am to 3pm.
  • Cost £35 per person, including 2 guided tours, refreshments and return bus trips.
  • There are no toilets at Boomhall. Toilet facilities are available at the Siege Museum.
  • At Boomhall walking is confined to a short flat tar macadam cycle path so wheelchairs are welcome.
  • The Siege Museum and buses are wheelchair accessible.
  • Please bring a warm coat for the outdoors walk at both Boomhall and Walker’s Plinth.
  • Carbon Neutral. Boomhall Trust plant an oak tree for everyone who attends.