Overview
The Cutts, often called the “Salmon Leap”(/salmon-leap/), sits on the Lower Bann just outside Coleraine in County Londonderry. It is a striking river feature comprising lock gates, a large weir, and sluice flood‑gates that together create a dramatic water‑flow and a natural viewing platform for wildlife. The site is best known for the Best of the Bann river cruise, a two‑hour round‑trip aboard the historic M.V. Kingfisher, a 1947 vessel restored by White River Charters. From the deck you can sip tea, nibble homemade cake and soak up the sweeping river scenery while a guide narrates the Bann’s heritage.
History
The Cutts dates back to around 1660 when the Honourable Irish Society, a legacy of the Plantation of Ulster, cut a channel through the rock to bypass the rapids that had made navigation impossible. Before the lock’s construction, goods travelling between Coleraine and Lough Neagh had to be off‑loaded, carried overland, and re‑loaded onto another vessel. The new lock gates turned the Bann into a navigable waterway, boosting trade in the region. The river remains tidal up to this point, roughly 9 km from the sea, and was once one of Ireland’s most prolific salmon rivers. Remnants of the old salmon traps, which closed in 1995 after catching up to 2 500 salmon per year, are still visible on the far bank.
What to See & Do
- Best of the Bann river cruise – The M.V. Kingfisher carries up to twelve passengers on a leisurely two‑hour journey. The covered deck is fitted with plush cushions, blankets, and binoculars for spotting herons, kingfishers and the occasional swan. The cruise includes freshly brewed tea, coffee and a slice of homemade cake, plus a commentary that weaves together natural history and local folklore.
- Wildlife watching – The Cutts is a hotspot for river birds. Herons perch on the far side of the water, while kingfishers flash their iridescent blue‑green plumage along the banks. The deep, fast‑flowing water also attracts otters and occasional salmon during their spawning runs.
- Historic lock and weir – Walk along the riverbank to view the lock gates and the massive weir that controls water levels. Information panels explain the engineering feats of the 17th‑century project.
- Nearby attractions – A short woodland walk from The Cutts leads to Mountsandel Fort, an earthen fort with roots in the Norman era and a surrounding forest that contains Ireland’s earliest known settlement (c. 7600‑7900 BC). The trail offers panoramic views over Somerset Wood and the Bann, and passes the old salmon traps for a glimpse of industrial heritage.
- Photography – The combination of historic engineering, sweeping river vistas and abundant birdlife makes The Cutts a photographer’s delight, especially at sunrise when the water glistens and the mist lifts.
Recent news & lock maintenance
The lock is part of the Lower Bann navigation managed by Waterways Ireland. Periodic maintenance can lead to temporary closures – for example, an emergency works programme in August 2024 required the lock to be shut for several days. Visitors planning a cruise should check the latest status on the Waterways Ireland website or contact White River Charters before travelling.
Wildlife & seasonal highlights
- Birdwatching – Spring and early summer bring a surge of migratory waders and swallows. The weir’s fast‑flow creates ideal feeding spots for kingfishers and herons.
- Salmon runs – Although commercial salmon traps closed in 1995, the Lower Bann still supports wild Atlantic salmon. Autumn (September‑October) offers the best chance to see spawning salmon, especially from the riverbank or during the cruise.
- Otters – Small families are regularly sighted at dusk; binoculars are recommended.
Nearby walks & attractions
The Cutts forms a natural hub for several short trails. In addition to the Mountsandel Fort loop, the Bann Estuary(/bann-estuary/) lies a short drive downstream and provides extensive bird‑watching hides and walking paths along the tidal flats. The Somerset Forest and the Jet Centre are also within a kilometre, making a full day of outdoor activity possible.
Practical Information
The river cruise operates from March to December, running daily from Thursday to Monday. Prior booking is required, and all major credit or debit cards are accepted. The M.V. Kingfisher departs from a small dock at The Cutts; the exact departure time varies, so check the latest schedule on the operator’s website before you travel.
Opening Hours & Booking
| Season | Days | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| March – December | Thursday – Monday | Cruise runs daily (specific times vary) |
Booking is mandatory – you can reserve a spot online via the White River Charters page. Private charters are also available on request.
Access & Parking
The Cutts is located at Lower Bann, Castleroe Road, Coleraine, BT51 3RL. On‑site parking is available free of charge. The site is open year‑round and can be accessed on foot from Coleraine town centre (approximately 0.7 mi). The surrounding paths are uneven in places; visitors with limited mobility should be aware that the lock area involves some steps and uneven ground.
Public transport
Local bus services stop at Coleraine bus station; from there it is a short 10‑minute walk or a quick taxi ride to the riverbank. The nearest major airport is Belfast International Airport, about 45 km away.
Nearby Amenities
- Accommodation – A range of options is available in Coleraine, from boutique hotels to cosy B&Bs. The nearby Cairn Bay Lodge offers comfortable rooms within a short drive.
- Food & Drink – The town centre hosts several pubs and eateries where you can enjoy traditional Irish fare after your cruise.
- Other attractions – In addition to Mountsandel Fort, the area boasts the Somerset Forest, the Jet Centre, and the Causeway Coast Tours hub, all within a kilometre radius.
How to get there
The Cutts is easily reachable by car via the A2 road from Coleraine. Public transport options include local bus services that stop in Coleraine town; from there, a short walk or taxi ride will bring you to the riverbank. For visitors arriving by air, Belfast International Airport is the nearest major airport, about 45 km away.
Note: “The Cutts” is also the name of a major road junction in Dunmurry, County Antrim, where recent safety improvements have been made. That junction is unrelated to the Lower Bann lock described here.