Overview
Coleraine (Irish: Cúil Rathain, “nook of the ferns”) is the principal town of County Londonderry and a key stop on the Causeway Coastal Route. With a 2021 population of 24,483, the town straddles the River Bann at its narrowest, bridgeable point, giving it a natural role as a market and transport hub. The central square, known locally as The Diamond, is framed by the sandstone Town Hall (1859) and the Visitor Information Centre, while the riverbank hosts a modern marina, riverside walk and the iconic Phoenix Peace Fountain in Anderson Park.
History
Archaeological evidence from Mount Sandel and Mountsandel Fort shows human activity in the area as far back as 7 000 BC, making Coleraine the site of Ireland’s oldest known settlement. The town’s name derives from a 9th‑century episode in the Tripartite Life of Saint Patrick, when the saint was offered a fern‑overgrown plot of ground by a local chieftain – “Cúil Rathain”. During the Plantation of Ulster in the early 17th century, the Honourable Irish Society laid out a fortified street pattern that still defines the town centre. The town endured the turbulence of the Williamite wars and later grew rapidly in the 19th century with the arrival of the railway (1855) and a thriving river port. In 1968 the New University of Ulster opened on the town’s northern fringe, reshaping Coleraine into a vibrant university town.
What to See & Do
| Attraction | Why Visit | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mountsandel Fort | Ireland’s earliest settlement, Mesolithic tools and a Norman‑era earthwork. | A 2.5 km circular walk from the Mountsandel Forest car park offers river views, bird‑watching (kingfishers, herons) and the chance to stand on a site dated to 7 600‑7 900 BC. The trail is dog‑friendly and largely level, with wheelchair‑accessible sections at the car park. |
| The Diamond & Town Hall | Victorian architecture and a pedestrian‑only shopping piazza. | The Town Hall houses the Visitor Information Centre and hosts the monthly Causeway Specialty Market (second Saturday of each month, 9 am‑4 pm). |
| St Patrick’s Church (Church of Ireland) | Direct link to the town’s legendary naming. | Remodeled by Sir Thomas Drew in the 1880s; notable stained‑glass windows. |
| Riverside Theatre | One of Northern Ireland’s oldest professional theatres. | Located on the Ulster University campus; programme includes drama, comedy, music and youth workshops. |
| Jet Centre | Indoor entertainment complex for families. | Ten‑pin bowling, multiple cinemas, pool hall, arcade and the indoor climbing play‑park “Alley Cats”. |
| Coleraine Leisure Centre | Fitness and aquatic facilities. | Gym, swimming pool, sports hall and health suite on Railway Road. |
| Coleraine Football Club & North West 200 | Sport and motorsport excitement. | The Showgrounds hosts IFA Premiership matches; every May the town becomes part of the high‑speed North West 200 road race circuit. |
| Nearby Natural Highlights | Day‑trip possibilities along the Causeway Coast. | Giant’s Causeway (UNESCO World Heritage, 25 min by bus), Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne (clifftop library, 10 min drive), Castlerock Beach, Portrush and Portstewart (Blue‑Flag beaches). Also within easy reach are the historic earthworks at Ballyscullion, the medieval tower of Brackfield Bawn, the scenic Broharris Canal walk, the River Faughan valley (River Faughan) and the wildlife‑rich Roe Estuary Nature Reserve. |
Nature & Outdoor Activities
Coleraine’s surrounding countryside offers a range of walks suitable for families, dog owners and wheelchair users. The Mountsandel Forest loop is the most popular, but shorter routes along the River Bann and through Anderson Park provide gentle riverside strolls. Bird‑watchers can spot ospreys and wintering waders at the Roe Estuary, while anglers frequent the Bann for salmon and trout. All major parks have free parking, and most have picnic facilities.
Events & Festivals
Coleraine’s calendar is busy throughout the year. Highlights include:
- Armed Forces Day 2026 – the town will host an Armed Forces Day celebration in April, featuring military displays, community activities and a business‑engagement session organised by the Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council.
- North West 200 (May) – the world‑famous road‑racing event passes through the town’s streets, drawing motorsport fans from across the globe.
- SuperCupNI (summer) – the international youth football tournament draws teams from Europe and beyond; the 2026 draw was announced by the council in April.
- Roe Valley and Flowerfield Arts Centres – Summer Magic – a series of outdoor performances, workshops and family‑friendly activities run through the summer months, adding a cultural splash to the riverside setting.
- Causeway Specialty Market (second Saturday each month) – a vibrant market in The Diamond offering local crafts, food and produce.
These events are promoted by the Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, the local authority responsible for community development, leisure facilities and cultural programming.
Practical Information
Getting There
- Rail – Coleraine railway station opened 4 December 1855. Hourly services run north to Derry and south to Belfast on the Belfast‑Derry line; a branch line connects the station to the Ulster University campus and continues to Portrush (15 min).
- Bus – Goldline 218 links Belfast to Coleraine (1 h 45 min). Ulsterbus routes 134/234 serve Derry, Limavady and the university; route 140 triangle runs every 20 min on weekdays between Coleraine, Portstewart and Portrush.
- Car – The town lies on the A26/A29 corridor; ample on‑street and off‑street parking is available in the town centre, at the Riverside Car Park and at the Mountsandel Forest car park (free for walkers). Limited timed spaces are available near the Diamond during market days.
- Air – Belfast International Airport (≈55 mi) and City of Derry Airport (≈30 mi) provide domestic and European connections; both are reachable by car or bus.
Opening Hours & Admission (Mountsandel Fort)
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Other days | Closed |
| Attraction | Admission |
|---|---|
| Mountsandel Fort | Free entry |
| Town Hall (museum displays) | Free |
| Riverside Theatre | Ticket prices vary by performance |
| Jet Centre | Admission to individual attractions varies |
Parking
Free on‑street parking is available on the main thoroughfares surrounding The Diamond, with pay‑and‑display meters operating Monday‑Saturday 8 am‑6 pm. The Riverside Car Park offers 150 spaces at a modest hourly rate, and the Mountsandel Forest car park is free for walkers and cyclists.
Accessibility
- The Mountsandel Forest car park and the main footpaths are level and suitable for wheelchair users; the steep descent to the riverbank is not wheelchair‑accessible.
- Town Hall, Riverside Theatre and Jet Centre provide step‑free access and accessible restroom facilities.
Useful Contacts
- Tourist Information Centre (The Diamond) – open weekdays 9 am‑5 pm; phone: 028 9082 3207.
- Ulster University – Campus Services – enquiries about parking and public transport links.
- Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council – Community Services – events information and community support.
Climate
Coleraine enjoys a maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters. Rainfall peaks in October (over 100 mm) and is lowest in May (under 60 mm). The town’s proximity to the Atlantic means weather can change quickly, so a light waterproof layer is advisable for coastal walks.
Coleraine blends deep‑rooted history with a modern, student‑driven energy. Whether you are tracing the footsteps of Mesolithic hunters at Mountsandel, cheering at a football match, or using the town as a launchpad for the dramatic cliffs of the Giant’s Causeway, the capital of the Causeway Coast offers a rich, varied experience for every traveller.