The north coast of Northern Ireland has long been a magnet for visitors who find themselves entranced by the area’s breath-taking rugged, natural beauty. Coleraine is the biggest town in the area, handily positioned near some of the region’s most striking and significant sites. It’s the perfect base for a holiday to the Causeway Coast.
- Ireland: green and bluebass_nroll / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND
Here are a few of the best things to do in and around this charming town:
Take in some history
Modern Coleraine was founded in the early 17th Century by English and Scots settlers who had moved to the area to work. The town has a heritage trail ‘Around the Ramparts’, which is a great way to learn more about modern Coleraine and it’s progression from workers’ settlement to thriving university town. The local tourist information centre can provide you with maps of this route, with information about the significant sights you will see.
The history of the area stretches back much farther than the modern town. Less than a mile south of Coleraine you can find Mountsandel forest, an area of great natural beauty and the home to the first known human settlement in Ireland. The hill fort at the top of Mountsandel forest has the remains of a 7,000 year old settlement, making it one of Ireland’s most significant archaeological sites.
Just relax
There must be something in the sea air that helps people to chill out and relax in coastal areas. Stroll through the award winning floral displays of Coleraine’s pedestrianized town centre and enjoy great modern shopping opportunities against a charming historical background. Or pick up a hire car from Europcar and make for Whitepark Bay Beach to sit on white sands and watch Atlantic breakers rolling in from the ocean.
And for the real experts in relaxation, a trip to Springwell Manor, just three miles west of the town, is a great way to unwind in the hands of professionals. The spa offers a wide range of treatments designed to dissolve all the stresses of modern life.
Explore the Causeway Coastal Route
The Causeway Coastal Route runs from Belfast to Londonderry and is widely accepted as one of the world’s greatest driving experiences. The rugged coastline that it follows contains some of Northern Ireland’s most significant attractions and a trip to Coleraine puts you right in the heart of some of the most spectacular sites.
Driving West of Coleraine you will find the beautiful and charming village of Castlerock, with its spectacular views along the coast. Travelling east of your base will take you to the popular seaside towns Portrush and Portstewart. With their picturesque harbours and first class fishing and golfing opportunities, both are well worth seeing.
Finally, travelling a few miles east of these delightful little towns will lead you to one of Northern Ireland’s most famous attractions, the Giant’s Causeway. This UNESCO world heritage site is a truly spectacular location, made up of around 40,000 hexagonal columns whose striking appearance has wowed visitors, and inspired myths and legends, for centuries. Have a look at them for yourself and see how the geological marvel fires your imagination.
How would you spend your trip to Coleraine?
