Derry’s new cultural hub 

This clocktower is part of the Ebrington Barracks complex that is located on ‘The Waterside’ of Derry City. It was once used as soldiers’ quarters and as a military hospital. It was once known as ‘Stronge’s Orchard’ and saw action during the Siege of Derry in 1688/9 when King James’s soldiers bombarded the city walls from this location. The founding stone was laid by Viscount Ebrington in 1839 and the base was subsequently opened 2 years later as a star fort. It measures some 26 acres and includes 19 buildings, 14 of which are listed. It was gifted to the NI Executive under the Good Friday Agreement. It is being regenerated as a cultural hub for the city and has recently held some of the biggest concerts and acts in the world including Radio 1’s Big Weekend Festival, The MTV Music Awards, The Buena Vista Social Club, and Niall Rogers. Not bad for a building that was once viewed as a symbol of oppression.