Street Stories - The Must-See Wall Art in Derry

Derry is a city that wears its history on its walls—quite literally. From powerful political murals to bold contemporary street art, its buildings have become a canvas for storytelling, protest, and artistic expression.

Walking through the city, you’ll find walls that don’t just divide space but speak volumes about the past, present, and future of this fascinating place.

If you’ve got an eye for art (or just a good Instagram feed to keep up with), here are the must-see murals and wall art in Derry that you won’t want to miss.

The People’s Gallery – The Iconic Bogside Murals

You can’t talk about wall art in Derry without starting in the Bogside. The People’s Gallery, a series of 12 large-scale murals painted by local artists Tom Kelly, William Kelly, and Kevin Hasson, tells the story of the city’s turbulent past. These striking works, painted on the gable ends of houses, depict key moments from the Troubles, from the Battle of the Bogside to the poignant Bloody Sunday Mural, where a lone figure waves a white handkerchief.

This is history told in colour and brushstrokes, and while the murals are a reminder of the city’s past, they also serve as a tribute to hope. A walking tour with one of the artists is highly recommended—it’s storytelling at its most powerful.

The Free Derry Wall – The City’s Most Famous Statement

Simple, bold, and impossible to ignore, the Free Derry Wall is perhaps the most iconic piece of street art in the city. Originally painted in 1969 with the now-famous words "You are now entering Free Derry," the wall has stood as a symbol of civil rights and resistance ever since.

Over the years, it has also become a space for artistic adaptation, often changing to mark significant events or social movements. Whether it’s painted in rainbow colours for Pride or adapted for international causes, the Free Derry Wall remains a living part of the city’s identity.

Derry Girls Mural – A Tribute to TV’s Favourite Foul-Mouthed Teenagers

From serious history to something a little more lighthearted—the Derry Girls Mural is an absolute must-see for fans of the hit Channel 4 series. Created by UV Arts, this larger-than-life artwork on Orchard Street perfectly captures Erin, Orla, Clare, Michelle, and of course, the ‘wee English fella’ James, in all their awkward, 90s glory.

It’s a testament to just how much the show has put Derry on the map in a whole new way, and it’s quickly become one of the most photographed spots in the city. If you don’t take a selfie with it, were you even in Derry?

The Contemporary Scene – UV Arts and the Next Generation

While the older murals dominate the historic landscape, Derry’s street art scene is far from stuck in the past. Local arts collective UV Arts is leading the charge in bringing fresh, contemporary works to the city, creating stunning large-scale pieces that celebrate culture, creativity, and social change.

Keep an eye out for the "Hope" mural on the side of the Museum of Free Derry, featuring a young girl releasing a dove—one of many newer artworks. UV Arts has also spearheaded projects brightening up otherwise forgotten corners of the city, proving that street art here is evolving just as much as Derry itself.

Explore Derry’s Open-Air Gallery

The best way to experience Derry’s wall art? Get walking. The city is essentially an open-air gallery, with every turn offering a new story painted on brick and concrete. These murals are a reminder that in Derry, the walls really can talk.