CountyDerryDERRYStAugustine(BeaProsserSnellingSTAFF)11 BeaProsserSnelling

St Augustine

St Augustine's church is known as the 'Wee Church on the Walls' and is thought to be the site of a 6th century monastery.

Londonderry, County Londonderry

Opening times

During tourist season the church is open daily from 10.30am to 2pm.

Address

Palace Street
Londonderry
County Londonderry
BT48 6PP

A living church occupying an ancient monastic site on the historic walls of Derry.

Derry is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in Ireland.

For thousands of years people have been living in the area and it has been claimed that a monastery was founded there by St Colmcille (Columba). Between the 6th century and the 11th century, Derry was known primarily as a monastic settlement.

St Augustine's church is known as the 'Wee Church on the Walls' and is thought to be the site of the 6th century monastery in the Doire Calgach area on the east side of the River Foyle near the city walls. The site was granted by a local king. The monastery then remained in the hands of the federation of Columban churches who regarded St Colmcille as their spiritual mentor.

The present building dates from 1872 and is in the design of 13th century gothic style. It was dedicated by Bishop William Alexander, the husband of the famous hymn writer Frances Cecil Alexander. St Augustine's is one of two locations in the city that claim to be the site of St Columba's original monastery.

The church nestles serenely on the Grand Parade of the Walls of Derry and is acknowledged as the oldest Christian site in the city, stretching back to the 6th century. Throughout the centuries, it has remained a most sacred and religious site, often in the face o great turmoil. An oasis of peace in the midst of a buy city, it is foremost a place of spirituality, sanctity, pilgrimage and a live church with a worshipping congregation.

 

  • Captivating architecture

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Famous connections

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Bus stop within 100m

  • Church shop or souvenirs

  • Dog friendly

  • Level access throughout

  • Parking within 250m

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Sunday Services 11am.

  • Midweek Holy Communion each Tuesday at 10.30am, September to June.

  • Tourist ministry daily 10.30am to 2pm, Mat to the end of September.

  • Partnership with Art Arcadia, which runs artists in residence and monthly exhibitions within the church grounds.

  • Lunchtime recitals each Tuesday at 12.30pm during July and August in the church.

  • Church of Ireland

Contact information

Other nearby churches

Derry Cathedral

Londonderry, County Londonderry

St Columb is the oldest surviving building (1633) in the walled city of Derry, dedicated to Saint Columba, the Irish monk who established a Christian settlement in the area.

St Columba

Long Tower, County Londonderry

St Columba's is located in the heart of Derry City, Northern Ireland and dates back to 1783.

St Eugene's Cathedral

Derry Ciry, County Derry

Between an elegant Georgian district and the green tranquillity of Brooke Park, stands the Catholic cathedral dedicated to St Eugene in 1873 by Bishop Kelly, to whose memory the glass canopy was built.