St Columb's Park

About

St Columb’s Park is a 70 acre park located on the Limavady Road and gets its name from the city's patron saint - St Columba; of which you will find a bronze statue within the park. 

Within the grounds of the park you will find beautiful wooded walkways, the ruins of a medieval church and 18th century Manor House - St Columb's Park House and a Walled Garden. There are also a number of modern amenities including a cafe, the Foyle Arena Leisure Centre, all weather sports pitches and a running track as well as a small play park. 

St Columb’s Park – Ebrington Loop is comprised of two distinct landscape characters one urban, the other parkland and is contained all within a highly compact, safe and walkable space. This short route of approximately 2.5km/1.5 miles features some of Derry-Londonderry’s most iconic attractions such as Ebrington Square and the Peace Bridge; provides an opportunity to sample the LegenDerry food experience; while also blending city cosmopolitan vibes alongside an oasis of natural serenity.

Starting from St Columb’s Park exit the car park via the pedestrian access route across St Columb’s Road into Ebrington. From here you will encounter the Peace Pledge Tree; keep right following the signs for Ebrington square. A site plan of Ebrington can be found on the entrance wall to the square.   

On entering Ebrington Square area keep left initially and circumnavigate the square. On route, key features will include Ebrington Hotel; the Walled City Brewery; the Parade Ground; the Mute Meadows artwork (which extends towards the riverfront), views towards the River Foyle, the Peace bridge, and the walled city; an artillery piece; Stitch & Weave Restaurant; and the International Sailor Sculpture.   

Exit Ebrington Square area via a sloped underpass. On exiting take a left and a winding downward slope to remain on the St Columb’s Park –Ebrington Loop. At the base of the slope follow the signs for St Columb’s Park.    

Follow the route for approximately ¾ km before descending at the Local Heroes Artwork to the main entrance of the St Columb’s Play Park. At this point take a right, veering off the Waterside Greenway route (follow the route opposite the play park entrance) onto the St Columb’s Park Greenway Link. Continue for 275m along a gentle upward slope which has to its left a burn which adds to the enchantment of the setting. Take a right at this point to continue on the St Columb’s Park -Ebrington Loop.  Turn left towards the Acorn Farm Gate Lodge and the main entrance to St Columb’s Park. Take a right opposite the Gate Lodge to return to the car park and finish point.      

While the Ebrington Loop represents one of the city’s most enjoyable and accessible routes for users, there are multiple off shoot options within St Columb’s Park to enjoy such as Foyle Arena and St Columb’s Park House. These can have varying surface types including self-binding gravel, clay and grass tracks and are therefore not suitable for all.