Overview
The Cutts, locally known as the “Salmon Leap,” sits on the Lower Bann just outside Coleraine in County Londonderry. This striking riverside feature combines 17th-century engineering with raw natural beauty. The site comprises a set of lock gates, a substantial weir, and sluice flood-gates that together manage the river’s flow and create a dramatic viewing platform. While the engineering draws history buffs, the area is equally prized by birdwatchers and nature lovers. The experience is best enjoyed aboard the Best of the Bann river cruise, a two-hour round trip on the M.V. Kingfisher, a restored 1947 vessel. From the cushioned deck, visitors can enjoy freshly brewed tea and homemade cake while a guide shares stories of the river’s ecological and industrial past.
A History Carved in Rock
The Cutts dates to around 1660, when the Honourable Irish Society – commissioned during the Plantation of Ulster – sought to make the Lower Bann navigable. Before their intervention, the river’s rapids forced traders to unload goods at Coleraine, carry them overland, and reload them downstream. The Society’s engineers blasted a channel through the solid rock to bypass the treacherous waters, installing lock gates that transformed the river into a vital commercial artery. The project was named after Lord Cutts of Gowran, a key figure in the Society’s early administration.
The river remains tidal up to this point, roughly 9 km from the sea. Historically, it was one of Ireland’s most productive salmon rivers. Remnants of the old salmon traps, which operated until 1995 and once caught up to 2,500 fish annually, are still visible on the opposite bank, offering a tangible link to the area’s working past.
Wildlife & Seasonal Highlights
The Cutts is a premier location for observing river wildlife. The weir’s fast-flowing water creates ideal feeding grounds, while the deep pools attract a variety of species.
- Birdwatching: Kingfishers are frequent visitors, flashing their iridescent blue-green plumage along the banks. Grey herons often stand motionless on the far side of the weir, waiting for prey. Spring and early summer bring migratory waders and swallows to the area.
- Salmon runs: Although commercial trapping ended in 1995, the Lower Bann continues to support wild Atlantic salmon. Autumn (September–October) offers the best chance to see spawning salmon, particularly from the riverbank or the cruise deck.
- Otters: Small families are regularly sighted at dusk. Binoculars are highly recommended for spotting these elusive mammals as they navigate the river’s eddies.
What to See & Do
- Best of the Bann River Cruise: The M.V. Kingfisher accommodates up to twelve passengers on a leisurely two-hour journey. The covered deck is equipped with plush seating, blankets, and binoculars. The cruise includes commentary that weaves together natural history, local folklore, and the engineering legacy of the lock.
- Historic Lock & Weir Walk: A short stroll along the riverbank allows you to view the lock gates and the massive weir up close. Information panels detail the 17th-century construction techniques and the river’s tidal mechanics.
- Photography: The interplay of historic stonework, sweeping river vistas, and active birdlife makes this a compelling subject for photographers. Early morning light, when mist rises off the water, provides particularly atmospheric conditions.
- Nearby Walks: A short woodland path from The Cutts leads to Mountsandel Fort, an earthen fortification with Norman-era roots. The surrounding forest contains Ireland’s earliest known settlement (c. 7600–7900 BC). The trail offers panoramic views over Somerset Wood and the Bann, passing the old salmon traps for a glimpse of industrial heritage. Further downstream, the Bann Estuary provides extensive bird-watching hides and walking paths along the tidal flats.
Practical Information
The river cruise operates from March to December, running daily from Thursday to Monday. Prior booking is required. The M.V. Kingfisher departs from a small dock at The Cutts; exact departure times vary seasonally, so checking the operator’s schedule in advance is essential.
Opening Hours & Booking
- Cruise Season: March – December
- Operating Days: Thursday – Monday
- Booking: Mandatory. Reserve online via White River Charters. Private charters are available on request.
Access & Parking
The Cutts is located at Lower Bann, Castleroe Road, Coleraine, BT51 3RL. Free on-site parking is available. The site is open year-round and can be reached on foot from Coleraine town centre (approximately 0.7 miles). Visitors should note that the paths around the lock area are uneven and include steps, which may present challenges for those with limited mobility.
Getting There
The site is easily accessible by car via the A2 road from Coleraine. Public transport users can take local bus services to Coleraine town, followed by a short walk or taxi ride to the riverbank. Belfast International Airport is the nearest major air terminal, situated approximately 45 km away.
Note: “The Cutts” is also the name of a major road junction in Dunmurry, County Antrim. That location is unrelated to the Lower Bann lock described here.