Coleraine Travel Guide

Get ready to explore Coleraine, Northern Ireland. Our travel guide will take you to the best places to visit in Coleraine and things to do, food to try, where to stay, and travel logistics.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Coleraine, Northern Ireland

Are you dreaming of visiting Northern Ireland? Coleraine, a town full of history, culture, natural beauty, outdoor activities and friendly people, should be on your list. This small town has so much to offer for every type of traveler. In this travel guide, we will take you to the best places to visit in Coleraine and things to do, food to try, where to stay, and travel logistics.

List of Places to Visit in Coleraine

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Mountsandel Fort - Known as the oldest known site of human habitation in Ireland, Mountsandel Fort is a must-see historical attraction in Coleraine. It dates from 7,000 BC and was discovered in the early 20th century.
  • Coleraine Town Hall - This stunning Gothic building is home to Coleraine Borough Council and houses a museum and art gallery that offers visitors a glimpse of the town’s rich history.
  • Downhill Palace - This 18th-century mansion is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Coleraine. Explore the stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, and don’t forget to take a photo in front of Mussenden Temple.

Natural Attractions of Coleraine: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Giant’s Causeway - This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most popular attractions in Northern Ireland and is located just a short drive from Coleraine. Marvel at the impressive basalt columns and the stunning coastal views.
  • Binevenagh Mountain - Located just a few miles from Coleraine, Binevenagh Mountain offers picturesque hiking and biking trails suitable for all levels. Get ready to capture some of the most breathtaking views.
  • Rathlin Island - Take a ferry to Rathlin Island to encounter the beautiful scenery and wildlife on the island, including seals, puffins, and hawks.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Coleraine

  • Downhill and Mussenden Temple Walk - This 2.5-mile walk takes you from Downhill to the Mussenden Temple and back. The temple is located on a stunning cliff, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the coastline.
  • Binevenagh Mountain Bike Trails - With trails suitable for all levels of bikers, Binevenagh Mountain is a great place for a mountain biking adventure.

Best Things to Do in Coleraine: Activities and Tours

  • Distillery Tour - Head to Bushmills Distillery, the oldest distillery in the world, and get a behind-the-scenes look into the whiskey-making process. Don’t forget to taste the locally-made whiskey at the end of the tour.
  • Outdoor Activities - If you’re an adventure seeker, Coleraine will offer you countless options such as water sports, hiking, biking, and horse riding.
  • Guided Tours - Join one of the guided tours in Coleraine to learn more about the town’s rich history and culture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Coleraine

Day Activity
1 Explore Coleraine town center and visit Coleraine Town Hall
2 Visit Downhill Palace and Mussenden Temple
3 Take a distillery tour of the Bushmills Distillery
4 Go hiking in Binevenagh Mountain or biking on its trails
5 Day trip to the Giant’s Causeway
6 Visit Mountsandel Fort
7 Spend a day on Rathlin Island

Food and Drink Scene of Coleraine

Must-Try Dishes

  • Ulster Fry - A hearty breakfast featuring Irish bacon, sausage, black and white pudding, fried eggs, and soda bread.
  • Champ - Mashed potatoes, milk, butter, and scallions make this Irish side dish a must-try.
  • Fish and Chips - This classic, deep-fried dish can be found at many local restaurants and is often served with mushy peas.

Local Beverages

  • Bushmills Whiskey - This whiskey has been produced in the Northern Ireland town of Bushmills since 1608 and is one of the oldest in the world.
  • Guinness - This iconic Irish beer is commonly found in pubs throughout Coleraine.

Where to Stay in Coleraine: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Lodge Hotel Coleraine - This hotel offers comfortable rooms within easy reach of many of Coleraine’s top attractions.
  • Cul-Erg House - A charming guesthouse located in the heart of Coleraine.
  • Bushmills Inn - Located just outside of Coleraine, this hotel is perfect for exploring the Giant’s Causeway area and offers traditional Irish hospitality.

What to Buy in Coleraine: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Crystal - Coleraine is home to a few crystal shops that sell locally-made crystal products, including vases, glasses, and other home decor items.
  • Crafts and Artifacts - Local artisan shops offer hand-crafted pottery, jewelry, handbags, and other unique products.

Local Culture and Customs of Coleraine

  • Religion - The majority of the population in Northern Ireland is Christian, with the majority of those being Protestant or Roman Catholic.
  • Gaelic Language - Whilst Irish Gaelic is the native language of Northern Ireland, the vast majority of the population speak English.
  • Gestures - If you want to convey approval or agreement to someone in Coleraine, give a nod of the head, which is the preferred gesture over a thumbs-up or a pat on the back.

Best Time to Visit Coleraine

The best time to visit Coleraine is from April to June and September to November when the weather is mild, and the crowds are thinner than during the peak summer months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Coleraine

Do:

  • Dress appropriately for the weather, as it can change quickly in Northern Ireland.
  • Try some of the local dishes and beverages.
  • Respect the cultural and religious differences in the area.

Don’t:

  • Visit areas affected by sectarian violence.
  • Make jokes about political or religious beliefs.
  • Leave trash behind when you’re exploring the natural attractions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Coleraine

Coleraine is generally a safe place to visit, but it’s essential to stay aware of your surroundings, especially when exploring the natural attractions.

Health in Coleraine

Northern Ireland has an excellent healthcare system, so visitors should have no problem finding doctors or medical facilities if needed.

Getting to Coleraine: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Coleraine

The nearest airport to Coleraine is Belfast International Airport, approximately 30 miles away. The second closest airport is City of Derry Airport, just 16 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Coleraine

Bus Eireann and Ulsterbus operate regular services to Coleraine from Belfast and Derry/Londonderry.

Other Options

Driving is recommended, as it provides the most flexibility in terms of where and when you can travel. If you’re not comfortable driving, taxis are readily available in Coleraine.

How to Get Around in Coleraine

The best way to explore Coleraine is on foot or by bicycle. If you’re looking to travel outside of town, car rentals are available throughout the area.

Where to Go Next from Coleraine: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Belfast - The capital city of Northern Ireland, Belfast, is just a 60-minute drive from Coleraine and is a great place to explore the local culture and history.
  • Derry/Londonderry - The historic walled city of Derry/Londonderry is just a 40-minute drive from Coleraine and is home to many cultural attractions and historical landmarks.

Conclusion

Coleraine is a hidden gem that offers travelers an authentic Irish experience. With stunning scenery, rich culture and history, and countless outdoor activities, Coleraine should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Northern Ireland. So pack your bags and head to Coleraine, where you will create memories that will last a lifetime.

St Patrick's Church window St Patrick's Church window Town Hall Town Hall Mount Sandel hut, before property prices took off Mount Sandel hut, before property prices took off Seals in the river near Coleraine Seals in the river near Coleraine