Guns of the Siege - Cannon and Musket Firing Demonstration

What to Expect

Soldiers in 17th century dress give a talk and firing demonstration of replica muskets and cannon on the street outside the Siege Museum on Society Street. The demonstration recreates the sights and sounds of the Great Siege of 1689, when the city’s Apprentice Boys shut the gates against the army of James II and the walled city held out for 105 days before the boom across the Foyle was broken and the siege lifted. Costumed guides walk through the loading and firing sequence for 17th century muskets and cannon, explaining how the garrison and townspeople defended the walls under bombardment and disease, and are on hand afterwards to answer questions about the siege and the museum’s collection of relics from the period. It runs three times a day, outdoors, weather permitting, and forms part of the closing weekend of the Maiden City Festival, which brings a wider programme of music, pageant and street theatre to the walled city over the same days. Visitors can also meet costumed “siege ladies” outside the museum and climb to Walker’s Plinth on the Royal Bastion for views over the Bogside and the Foyle while the demonstrations are running.

Good to Know

• Friday 7 and Saturday 8 August 2026, with demonstrations at 11:00am, 1:00pm and 3:00pm each day
• Takes place outside The Siege Museum, 13 Society Street, Derry, on the city walls near the Royal Bastion
• Free to attend, no booking required
• The Siege Museum itself is open Monday to Saturday, 10:00am to 5:00pm, last entry 4:00pm; admission is £6 for adults, £5 concession, and free for children under 12
• Part of the Maiden City Festival programme, which runs from 31 July to 8 August 2026
• Combine with a visit to Walker’s Plinth on the Royal Bastion for panoramic views across the Bogside and River Foyle

Getting There

The Siege Museum sits within the city walls on Society Street, a short walk from Bishop Street and the Diamond in Derry city centre. The nearest car parking is at Foyleside Shopping Centre or the Fountain Street car park, both a few minutes’ walk away, and the venue is well served by local bus routes into the city centre.