Overview
The Londonderry and Coleraine Railway is a 40‑minute commuter line that forms part of the Belfast‑Derry main route operated by NI Railways. Four stations – Derry Waterside, Bellarena, Castlerock and Coleraine – remain in regular use, while dozens of historic halts have been repurposed as private homes. The line hugs the shoreline of Lough Foyle, sweeps past Benone Strand, skirts the dramatic cliffs of Downhill and Binevenagh, and passes the iconic Mussenden Temple before crossing the River Bann into Coleraine.
Travelers can board at the modern Derry Waterside station (rebuilt in 2019) and enjoy a comfortable, window‑seat experience that showcases the rugged beauty of the Causeway Coast.
History
The Londonderry and Coleraine Railway was incorporated in 1845 and opened in stages between 29 December 1852 (Derry Waterside to Limavady) and 18 July 1853 (Limavady to Coleraine). Early on the line featured a short‑lived horse‑drawn branch to Magilligan Point (opened July 1855, closed October 1855) – the first railway to serve a ferry terminal on the north coast.
- Engineering feats – Construction required the reclamation of 22,000 acres from Lough Foyle and the excavation of two Downhill tunnels. The longer tunnel (275 m) was Ireland’s longest railway tunnel when completed.
- The Great Blast – In June 1846, 3,600 lb of gunpowder were detonated to break through the rock, drawing a crowd of up to 12,000 spectators. A banquet for 500 guests was held inside the tunnel to celebrate the achievement.
- Belfast & Northern Counties Railway – Financial difficulties led to a lease by the Belfast & Northern Counties Railway (BNCR) in 1861; the line was fully absorbed in 1871. The BNCR later became part of the London, Midland & Scottish Railway.
- River Bann viaduct – In November 1860 a lifting viaduct was built over the River Bann, linking the line to the Belfast‑Derry Railway and replacing the original Coleraine Waterside terminus.
- Bomb damage – Derry Waterside station suffered two IRA bombings in the 1970s, the most serious on 4 May 1978. The damaged 1874 building was replaced by a smaller 1980 structure, which itself was demolished after the new Waterside station opened in October 2019.
- Modernisation – Diesel multiple units replaced steam in the 1960s. Today the line is served by CAF‑built Class 3000 and Class 4000 DMUs.
The route’s historic significance is underscored by its appearance in Michael Palin’s Great Railway Journeys of the World and its 2016 ranking as the 7th most breathtaking railway journey in the UK by Country Living.
Heritage & Preservation
- Signal boxes – Castlerock’s mechanical signal box, the last of its kind in Northern Ireland, remained in operation until 2016. It is now a point of interest for railway enthusiasts.
- Preserved rolling stock – The classic Class 70 “thumper” DMUs that once hauled the line until 2011 are displayed in railway museums, offering a tangible link to the line’s mid‑20th‑century era.
- Downhill tunnels – The twin tunnels are still accessible for occasional rail tours and are a popular subject for photographers exploring the interplay of light and stone.
What to See & Do
| Stop | Highlights | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Derry Waterside | Last‑minute bus link to the walled city’s Diamond, modern transport hub | Ideal start‑point for a day exploring Derry’s walls, Guildhall and the Tower Museum |
| Benone Strand (visible from the train) | 7‑mile golden sand beach, dunes and surf spots | Perfect for a quick photo stop or a beach walk before the train continues |
| Downhill & Binevenagh (across the line) | Spectacular cliffs, peregrine‑falcon habitat, Binevenagh mountain backdrop | Offers dramatic sea‑cliff photography opportunities |
| Castlerock | John Lanyon‑designed station, sandy beach, pottery studios | A charming seaside village for a picnic or a stroll along the promenade |
| Mussenden Temple (visible from the tunnel side) | 18th‑century neoclassical temple perched on a 120‑ft cliff | One of Ireland’s most photographed landmarks; the tunnel runs directly beneath it |
| Bellarena | Restored 1853 station, twin‑platform passing loop opened 2019 by Queen Elizabeth II | A living example of Victorian railway architecture blended with modern facilities |
| Coleraine | Joint train‑bus terminal, Mountsandel Fort (2.5 km walk), River Bann bridge | Gateway to the Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills Distillery and the wider Causeway Coast |
Beyond the stations, the line itself is a moving museum of railway heritage. The signal box at Castlerock was the last in Northern Ireland to use mechanical signals and tokens, closing only in 2016. Enthusiasts can also spot the classic Class 70 “thumper” DMUs that served the route until 2011, now preserved in railway museums.
Activities & Tips
- Coastal walks – From Derry Waterside, a short walk along the River Foyle leads to the historic city walls. At Castlerock, the promenade connects to the Ballymacran Coastal Walk (Ballymacran), offering stunning sea‑views.
- Bird‑watching – The cliffs around Downhill and Binevenagh host peregrine falcons and other seabirds; early mornings give the best chances of sightings.
- Photography – The best light on Mussenden Temple is at sunrise when the sun illuminates the cliff face. The Downhill tunnels provide dramatic interior shots when the train passes.
- Family friendly – The short journey is ideal for children; the accessible stations at Derry Waterside and Coleraine provide toilets and level platforms.
- Dog‑friendly – Dogs are welcome on board but must be kept on a lead. The stations have open platforms where leashed dogs can stretch.
Practical Information
Getting There & Timetables
- Operator – NI Railways (part of Translink).
- Frequency – Hourly services each way, with extra peak‑time trains on weekdays.
- Journey time – Approximately 40 minutes between Derry Waterside and Coleraine.
- Connections – From Coleraine you can catch Ulsterbus routes 140, 172, 177 to the Giant’s Causeway, Portrush and the wider Causeway Coastal Route.
- Tickets – Purchase on board, via the Translink app or at ticket offices. Real‑time service updates are available on the app and at station displays.
Ticket Options
| Ticket | Description | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Adult | Single journey on any NI Railways service | One‑way |
| Family & Friends | Unlimited travel for up to 2 adults and 4 children (additional children at reduced rate) | Monday‑Friday after 09:30 am and all day on weekends |
| Student/Concession | Discounted fare for eligible students and seniors | Per journey |
Accessibility
- Step‑free access – Derry Waterside, Bellarena, Castlerock and Coleraine stations have level platforms and lifts where required.
- Assistance – Request help at the ticket office or via the Translink phone line (028 9066 6630).
- Facilities – Accessible toilets are available at Derry Waterside and Coleraine stations; smaller halts may lack such amenities.
Contact & Online Resources
- Website – (official site to be confirmed)
- Phone – (028) 9066 6630 (customer service for timetables, tickets and accessibility queries)
- Live updates – Real‑time service information is provided through the Translink app and at station display boards.
Why Take the Ride?
The Londonderry and Coleraine Railway is more than a commuter service; it is a living showcase of Victorian ambition, 19th‑century engineering, and 21st‑century scenic tourism. Whether you are a railway enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply a traveller seeking a memorable way to see the Causeway Coast, the line delivers a compact yet unforgettable experience that has earned praise from world‑renowned travellers and travel writers alike.
Service frequencies and ticket prices are subject to change; always check the official Translink website before travel.