Coleraine offers two distinct ways to shape a stay: the town’s history can be explored at the Town Hall and along the heritage trails, while Mountsandel Wood south of the town offers a connection with the landscape. When looking for a hotel in Coleraine, this combination can provide a starting point: consider whether town history or the landscape will be the focus of your stay.
Town Hall, Museum and Town History
Built in 1859, Coleraine Town Hall is the accredited exhibition venue of the Coleraine Museum. The museum offers changing exhibitions, events and talks inspired by its extensive collection. This collection includes books and documents belonging to the renowned folklorist Sam Henry. The Town Hall is made of warm, golden sandstone and designed in a restrained Italian style. It also hosts the monthly Coleraine Specialty Market. Check the specific market day for your travel dates.
Heritage Trails and Different Perspectives on History
The Coleraine 400 Heritage Trail explores the historic town centre and Coleraine’s history as a fortified town dating from King James I’s Plantation in the early 17th century. The Coleraine Heritage Trail includes a map with a suggested route that begins at Coleraine Town Hall. A companion 3D map and audio feature about the Coleraine Heritage Trail can be accessed at the Coleraine History Hub in the Diamond Centre. The Coleraine 400 Heritage Trail is available in Ulster Scots, Irish, Polish and French.
The Coleraine Heritage Trail is a leisurely walk that explores the town’s history through a number of historic buildings. Another historical perspective comes with the 1718 Heritage Trail: it tells the story of families from the Bann Valley, including those from Coleraine, Aghadowey, Macosquin, Dunboe, Ballywillan, Garvagh, Kilrea and Ballymoney. These families emigrated to New England in 1718 because of economic hardship and in search of religious freedom.
Mountsandel Wood: Landscape and Archaeology
Mountsandel Wood covers approximately 21 hectares and stretches for about a mile along the eastern bank of the River Bann, south of Coleraine. Two linear paths can be joined to form a circular route. Swans, kingfishers and herons nest along the riverbank at Mountsandel. The woodland path from Mountsandel Fort leads to the banks of the River Bann and runs close to the weir at The Cutts.
The site’s historical depth is also remarkable: the earliest known human settlement in Mountsandel Wood in Ireland dates to 7600–7900 BC. The earthwork fortification at Mountsandel is thought to date from the Norman period. The historical themes here therefore span from very early settlement to a later, probably Norman, fortification.
Woodland Trail and Getting Your Bearings on Arrival
On the Coleraine campus of Ulster University, the woodland trail connects mature woodland with landscaped gardens and trees in the arboretum. The routes range from 1.5 to 3 kilometres, with the campus’s horticultural features complementing the landscape. Two practical details can help with your journey: the Coleraine campus is an eight-minute walk from the University Rail Halt. Coleraine Bus and Train Station has 74 car parking spaces and 32 bicycle parking spaces.
Discover more destinations: Portballintrae, Aghadowey, Portstewart, Portrush
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