Shirt Factory Tour EHOD 2026
Date: 13 September 2026
Venue: Meeting point - Former gate of Tillie and Henderson, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6JJ
Discover the remarkable story of Derry~Londonderry's shirt-making heritage on a guided walking tour. Explore former factory buildings and learn how a once-thriving industry shaped the city's growth, economy and architecture.
In the late 1990’s, the 9 largest, purpose built, historic shirt factories in Derry~Londonderry lay vacant or underused. Two had been badly damaged by fire. Today, with one notable exception, all have been converted to new uses.
Manus Deery, Director of the Historic Environment Division, will lead a tour from Craigavon Bridge via Bishop Street to Great James’ Street describing the history, development and decline of an industry that once employed over 18,000 people across 44 factories in the city and, with the port, formed the backbone of the city’s economy and expansion for over 100 years.
Manus will point out the many former factories along the route, those that were purpose built and those that reused existing buildings and he will consider how, over the last 25 years, most have found new uses.
Meeting point - Former gate of Tillie and Henderson at the end of Carlise Bridge
BOOKING ESSENTIAL