Overview
Bellarena sits on the A2 coastal road between Limavady and Coleraine, just north of Limavady in County Londonderry. The village forms part of the Causeway Coast and Glens District Council area and lies within the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). From its name – a blend of the French belle (beautiful) and Latin arena (sand) – to its sweeping views over the Binevenagh scarp, Bellarena lives up to its reputation as a picturesque gateway to the north‑west coast of Ireland.
The settlement grew around a 17th‑century estate bought by William Gage, a Northamptonshire gentleman, and today it functions as a modest service centre with retail, community and recreational facilities for the surrounding rural population. Despite its small size (the 2001 census recorded 291 residents), Bellarena punches above its weight thanks to a cluster of attractions: a historic railway station, a demesne garden, ancient ruins, a thriving gliding club, and a bold new golf‑course development that promises to put the village on the world‑golf map.
History
The land that became Bellarena was originally known as Ballymargy (Irish Baile an Mhargaidh, “town of the market”). In the mid‑1600s William Gage secured the lease from the Lord Bishop of Derry and began shaping the estate. The village’s later name derives from the Earl Bishop of Derry, reflecting the layered Anglo‑Irish heritage of the area.
The original Bellarena railway station opened on 18 July 1853 as part of the Londonderry and Coleraine Railway, later absorbed into the Northern Counties Committee. After periods of closure for goods traffic (1965) and passengers (1976‑1982), the station was revived and, in 2016, a modern two‑platform facility replaced the 19th‑century building. The current station provides an hourly service to Derry/Londonderry and Belfast Grand Central on weekdays and six daily services each way on Sundays.
Bellarena Primary School opened in 1861 to serve the children of estate workers; it closed in 2018 due to declining enrolment. The former police station, built in the 1960s, now operates as the Magilligan Field Centre, a base for outdoor‑education activities.
Heritage Garden – Visitor Details
The Bellarena demesne garden, managed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, lies on the north bank of the River Roe, four miles north of Limavady (grid reference C664299, latitude 55.11224, longitude ‑6.97360). It is listed on the Heritage Gardens Inventory (Reference L 2) and features mature specimen trees, a walled garden with a historic glasshouse, a garden house, and an 18th‑century folly tower that offers modest views over the surrounding countryside. The garden is open year‑round, free of charge and dog‑friendly on a leash. A small car park is available at the entrance.
Nature & Outdoor Activities
Binevenagh AONB & Scenic Viewpoints
The surrounding Binevenagh AONB offers dramatic basalt cliffs, sweeping valleys and a network of walking, running and cycling routes. Popular loops include the moderate Binevenagh Hill and Lake circuit and the easier Eagle Hill loop, all of which can be accessed via the Manannán Mac Lir Statue and Bishop’s View. The statue, a tribute to the Celtic sea‑god, sits beside a parking area and is fully wheelchair‑accessible, providing panoramic vistas over Magilligan, Donegal and Greencastle.
Binevenagh Lake
Perched on a cliff‑top within Binevenagh Forest, the artificial Binevenagh Lake overlooks Benone Strand. It is a favoured angling spot (permits available from the local post office) and a tranquil picnic location, especially in summer when the lake mirrors the surrounding forest and coastline.
Historical Ruins
The ruins of St Cadan’s Church and its associated holy well lie a short drive from the village. Parts of the structure date back to the 13th century, offering a tangible link to the medieval spiritual landscape of the region. The site is open year‑round and free to explore.
Ulster Gliding Club & Bellarena Airfield
Aviation enthusiasts can experience the landscape from a different angle at the Ulster Gliding Club, based at Bellarena Airfield. The club runs regular gliding sessions from April to October; visitors can watch launches from the viewing platform or book a tandem flight.
Benone Beach
Just a few kilometres west, Benone is a Blue Flag beach with dunes, a promenade and a range of water‑sports facilities. Free parking is available at the beach car park, and the beach is suitable for families, walkers and dog owners (dogs on leads in the summer months).
Future Golf Destination
In July 2025, the luxury hospitality group Galgorm Collection announced a £30 million investment to create Bellarena Golf Links – the first championship links course in Northern Ireland in over a century. Planned to open in 2029, the 18‑hole course will sit between Portrush and Limavady, promising world‑class golfing amid the region’s stunning coastal backdrop. While still in the planning stage, the project is already generating excitement among golf tourists and local businesses.
Transport & Access
Rail – Bellarena railway station offers an hourly service to Derry/Londonderry (≈30 min) and Belfast (≈1 h 30 min) on weekdays, with six services each way on Sundays. The station has a small car park (free for short stays) and step‑free access to both platforms.
Road – The village is easily reached by car via the A2 coastal road, which links Derry, Limavady and Coleraine. Sign‑posted parking is available at the Manannán Mac Lir viewpoint, Binevenagh Lake and the railway station.
Bus – Ulsterbus routes 260 and 261 stop in Bellarena, providing connections to Derry, Limavady and Coleraine.
Ferry – The Magilligan‑to‑Greencastle ferry runs daily from late May to early September, a short 15‑minute crossing that adds a maritime dimension to day‑trips.
Practical Information
Opening Hours & Fees – Most outdoor attractions (Binevenagh AONB, Binevenagh Lake, the viewpoint and St Cadan’s Church ruins) are open year‑round and free of charge. The Ulster Gliding Club operates seasonal flight sessions; visitors should check the club’s website for timetables. The upcoming Bellarena Golf Links will publish a fee structure closer to its 2029 opening.
Accessibility – The Manannán Mac Lir Statue and Bishop’s View is wheelchair‑accessible, with a paved parking area and level pathways. Trail difficulty varies across the AONB; the Eagle Hill loop is suitable for families and less‑experienced walkers.
Facilities – Bellarena’s primary school closed in 2018, but the village still hosts a small shop, a post office and a community centre. Refreshments are readily available in nearby settlements such as Moville Waterfront and Greencastle Fishing Village, both offering pubs, cafés and local seafood.
Dog‑friendly – Dogs are welcome on most AONB trails provided they are kept on a leash, and they are allowed on the beach at Benone outside the peak summer months.
Planning Ahead – The Bellarena Golf Links project is subject to planning approval. Preparatory work is expected to begin in 2026, with the first round of guests anticipated in 2029. Golf enthusiasts should monitor the Galgorm Collection website for updates and pre‑booking opportunities.
Useful Links
- Bellarena railway station details: Wikipedia – Bellarena railway station
- Binevenagh AONB official site: Binevenagh AONB
- Ulster Gliding Club: Ulster Gliding Club
- Galgorm Collection golf project news: Explore Causeway Coast & Glens – Golf Links