The Peace Bridge is a pedestrian and cycling bridge that spans the Foyle River in Londonderry (also known as Derry). Opened in June 2011, it connects two historically divided neighbourhoods: Cityside, predominantly nationalist and Catholic on the west bank, and Waterside, largely unionist and Protestant on the east bank. With its 235-metre curved deck and two pylons leaning in opposite directions, it has become one of the city's contemporary symbols.

Why visit the Peace Bridge

Beyond its function as an engineering marvel, the Peace Bridge carries powerful symbolic weight. Its construction is part of the post-Troubles reconciliation process, and its design physically links two communities long separated by the Foyle. Walking across it is to read the recent history of Northern Ireland between the lines.

Three main reasons to include the bridge in your itinerary:

• Remarkable contemporary architecture, designed by AECOM, scaled to a mid-sized city.
• A privileged vantage point over the Foyle, the fortified historic centre, and both banks of Derry.
• Direct pedestrian access between the Guildhall (Cityside) and Ebrington Square (Waterside), two of the city's major cultural hubs.

History and symbolism

The bridge was officially opened on 25 June 2011. Its name, The Peace Bridge, expresses its explicit purpose: to encourage movement and dialogue between residents of both banks, at a time when the city was seeking to rewrite its relationship with public space.

The project was largely financed by the European Union's PEACE III programme, a scheme dedicated to supporting reconciliation in Northern Ireland and border counties of Ireland. The total budget came to £14.5 million. Design was entrusted to AECOM, an international engineering and architecture firm.

The Peace Bridge is Londonderry's third bridge, after the Craigavon Bridge and the Foyle Bridge. Since its opening, it has recorded over three million crossings (cumulative figure released by local authorities) and is now part of the daily journeys of many residents and visitors alike.

What to observe on the bridge

Architecture laden with meaning

The bridge's design is directly inspired by the bronze statues Hands across the Divide, standing 7 metres high and installed nearby. The two structural steel arms that sweep in opposite directions evoke two hands reaching towards each other: a visual reading of the unity of the two communities. The slightly curved deck encourages walkers to slow down and observe.

Figures and materials

• Length: 235 metres; width: 4 metres; height: 7.5 metres.
• Total weight: approximately 1,000 tonnes.
• Steel imported from Wales, glass panels manufactured in Portugal.
• Estimated lifespan of 120 years, designed to withstand collision from a 30-tonne vessel travelling at 5 knots.

Photography viewpoints

The best perspectives are from the quays below the Guildhall, from the Ebrington Square viewpoint, and from the middle of the deck facing the sunset, when light catches the river head-on.

Practical information

• Access: open 24/7, free of charge, accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. No motorised vehicles.
• Visit duration: allow 20 to 30 minutes for a round trip with photo stops; longer if you explore Ebrington Square.
• From Foyle Bus Centre: approximately 15 minutes on foot.
• From Londonderry Railway Station: approximately 20 minutes on foot.
• Accessibility: flat, wide deck suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

When to visit

The bridge is accessible year-round. April to September offer milder conditions and longer evenings, ideal for strolling. Several highlights punctuate the calendar:

• New Year celebrations, which bring residents from both banks together.
• Brides across the Bridges, an iconic local event.
• Radio 1's Big Weekend, when the BBC chooses Derry as host city: the bridge then serves as a gateway and backdrop to the festival.

Weekday mornings see moderate footfall and the slanting light sets off the structure beautifully.

Nearby

• The Guildhall: a neo-Gothic town hall, the bridge's arrival point on Cityside, featuring a permanent exhibition on the city's history.
• Ebrington Square: a former military barracks converted into a public square on Waterside, an events and concert space.
• St Columb's Park: a large landscaped park extending from Ebrington, ideal for a break after crossing.
• Derry's walls: a ten-minute walk from the bridge's foot, one of Europe's best-preserved urban fortifications.
• The Bogside murals: a few minutes from Cityside, memorial frescoes dedicated to the Troubles.

To extend your visit, you can also explore other cultural sites in Ireland such as the Medieval Mile Museum in Kilkenny or Lissadell House in County Sligo.

Plan your trip

The Peace Bridge is a natural waypoint when visiting Londonderry, to be incorporated into an itinerary combining the Donegal coast, Causeway Coast and historic towns. To build your tailor-made itinerary, consult our trips to Ireland designed with our local agents.