Coleraine – Ireland's oldest settlement | Londonderry

Overview

It is worth being straight about Coleraine: the town itself has limited sights, and most people who stay here do so because it is a well-connected base within a few miles of the Causeway Coast. What it does have is depth. Coleraine (Irish: Cúil Raithin, “nook of the ferns”) sits at the lowest bridging point of the River Bann, which is why there has been a settlement here for the best part of ten thousand years, and it is the principal town of County Londonderry and home to Ulster University. The pedestrian centre revolves around The Diamond, a paved square framed by the sandstone Town Hall and the Visitor Information Centre; across the river, Anderson Park and the Phoenix Peace Fountain make a quiet riverside walk.

History

Archaeological digs at Mountsandel Fort uncovered the remains of a Mesolithic camp – circular huts, hearths and flint tools – dated to around 7,600–7,900 BC, which makes it the oldest known human settlement in Ireland. The town’s Gaelic name comes from a 9th-century account in the Tripartite Life of Saint Patrick, which records the saint being offered a fern-overgrown plot of ground by a local chieftain.

Coleraine’s modern shape was laid down by the Plantation of Ulster: on 28 June 1613 James I granted the town its charter, and the Honourable the Irish Society set out a fortified street pattern that still defines the centre. The town weathered the Williamite wars and grew through the 19th century with the railway and a busy river port.

Silver train crossing a blue railway bridge over the River Bann with green fields and houses behind. — Train crossing the River Bann at Coleraine Tourism Ireland by Richard Watson

The opening of the New University of Ulster (now Ulster University) in 1968 turned it into a university town, adding performance venues and a younger population to the historic streets.

What to See & Do

Mountsandel Fort & Forest Walk – the reason to detour into Coleraine at all. The site itself is a grassed-over Norman-era mound with an information board rather than visible ruins, so come for the story and the walk, not for standing stones. It is free and open dawn to dusk, with a small car park; the forest trail drops down to the River Bann, good for kingfishers and herons.
The Diamond & Town Hall – the sandstone Victorian Town Hall houses the Visitor Information Centre and anchors the monthly Causeway Specialty Market. The pedestrian square is the natural place for a coffee between coast trips.
St Patrick’s Church (Church of Ireland) – tied to the town’s founding legend, with parts dating from 1613 and a heavy remodelling by Sir Thomas Drew in the 1880s. The tourist office suggests viewing it from outside, as there are no set opening hours for visitors.
Riverside Theatre – a professional theatre on the university campus, with a year-round programme of drama, comedy, music and youth workshops.
Jet Centre – A family-focused indoor entertainment complex featuring ten-pin bowling, multiple cinema screens, a pool hall, arcade, and the “Alley Cats” indoor climbing play-park.
Coleraine FC & Motorsport – The Showgrounds hosts IFA Premiership football matches. Every May, the town becomes a key section of the North West 200 road race circuit, drawing international motorsport fans.
Nearby Highlights – Coleraine is a convenient launchpad for the coast. The Giant’s Causeway is roughly 25 minutes away by bus, while Mussenden Temple and the Downhill Demesne sit just 10 minutes north. Within the immediate area, you can also explore the historic earthworks at Ballyscullion, the medieval Brackfield Bawn, the scenic Broharris Canal walk, the River Faughan valley, and the wildlife-rich Roe Estuary Nature Reserve.

Nature & Outdoor Activities

The surrounding countryside offers a range of walks suitable for families, dog owners, and casual hikers. Beyond the popular Mountsandel Forest loop, shorter routes along the River Bann and through Anderson Park provide gentle riverside strolls. Birdwatchers frequently spot kingfishers, herons, ospreys, and wintering waders at the Roe Estuary, while the River Bann is a well-known venue for salmon and trout fishing. Most public parks and woodland trails have free parking and basic picnic facilities.

Events & Festivals

Coleraine maintains a busy cultural calendar year-round. Key annual events include:

Causeway Specialty Market – Northern Ireland’s largest regular outdoor market, over 50 stalls of crafts, artisan food and produce, held in The Diamond on the second Saturday of each month, 9am to 4pm.
North West 200 (May) – The world-renowned road racing event routes through the town, transforming the streets into a spectator zone.
SuperCupNI (Summer) – An international youth football tournament that draws teams from across Europe and beyond.
Summer Magic – A series of outdoor performances, workshops, and family activities hosted by the Roe Valley and Flowerfield Arts Centres, running through the warmer months.
Armed Forces Day – Typically held in April, featuring military displays, community stalls, and local business engagement.

All major events are coordinated and promoted by the Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council.

Practical Information

Getting There

Rail – Coleraine station is on the Belfast–Derry line with hourly services. A branch line connects directly to the university campus and continues to Portrush (approximately 15 minutes).
Bus – The Goldline 218 links Belfast and Coleraine (around 1 hour 45 minutes). Ulsterbus routes 134/234 serve Limavady and the university, while route 140 runs every 20 minutes on weekdays between Coleraine, Portstewart, and Portrush.
Car – The town sits on the A26/A29 corridor. Ample on-street and off-street parking is available in the centre and at the Riverside Car Park.
Air – Belfast International Airport (≈55 miles) and City of Derry Airport (≈30 miles) offer domestic and European connections, both reachable by car or coach.

Opening Hours & Admission

Mountsandel Fort & Walk – Free entry, open dawn to dusk, with a small free car park.
Town Hall & Visitor Centre – Free entry; the Visitor Information Centre is in the Town Hall on The Diamond.
Riverside Theatre & Jet Centre – Ticket prices vary by event and attraction. Check their respective websites for seasonal schedules.

Parking & Accessibility

There is pay-and-display parking on the streets around The Diamond, operating Monday to Saturday, 08:00–18:00, plus the larger Riverside Car Park; the Mountsandel Forest car park is free for walkers. At Mountsandel the main forest paths are broadly level, but the descent to the riverbank is steep and not suitable for wheelchairs. The Town Hall, Riverside Theatre and Jet Centre provide step-free access.

Useful Contacts & Climate

Tourist Information Centre (The Diamond) – 028 9082 3207. Open weekdays 09:00–17:00.
Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council – Handles event programming, community facilities, and local tourism information.

If you are basing yourself here, give Coleraine a morning – Mountsandel and The Diamond – and the rest of the day to the coast: the Giant’s Causeway is about 25 minutes on the bus, and Mussenden Temple and the Downhill Demesne only ten minutes north. Time the visit for a second Saturday and you catch the market before you head out.