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The Guildhall in Derry, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, is a building in which the elected members of Derry City Council meet. It was built in 1890.
It was badly damaged by fire in Easter 1908. Only the clock tower survived the fire intact. The whole building was re-built and renovated after the fire and was re-opened in 1912. During the troubles in Northern Ireland the Guildhall was the focus of many terror attacks. The building was badly damaged by two bombs in 1972. The original windows of the Guildhall were destroyed by the two attacks. The windows have been restored to their original glory with replicas.
The Guildhall houses a large hall where many events of social and political nature have been held. It has been home to the Derry Feis – an event which celebrates Irish culture. It was also home to the Saville Inquiry into the events of Bloody Sunday 30 January 1972 in Derry.
The square in front of the Guildhall, Guildhall Square, has played host to many events. It was the stage area for the visit of the US President Bill Clinton when he visited the city in November 1995. It is also the home for many city events, such as the annual Halloween Banks of the Foyle Film Festival and the Christmas Lights Switch-On which is held every mid-November.
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