Coleraine Tourist Attractions
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The A 37 runs from Limavady to Coleraine (pop. 16,500), one of the oldest English settlements in the area. This lively town on the River Bann (which is navigable at this point) is noted for its salmon and its linen factories.
Downhill Castle (Mussenden Temble)
Downhill Castle is a landscaped estate established in the 18th C. by the Earl Bishop, Frederick Hervey. It includes the Mussenden Temple (perched on a spectacular cliff top), the ruins of the Bishop's house, various family memorials, gardens, a fish pond, woodlands and cliff top walks offering panoramic views of Northern Ireland's coast.Hezlett House offers a glimpse of life during the 17th century.
Hezlett House
Hezlett House was built in the 17th C as a rectory. It has an impressive cruck/truss roof. The farm museum contains a variety of equipment such as churns and a grindstone. The maids' room used to sleep between 10 and 12 girls.
Mount Sandel Fort
One mile southeast of Coleraine is Mount Sandel Fort, a large oval mound dominating over the Bann River. Beside it is the site of Ireland's oldest house, built 9,000 years ago.
Bar Mouth - Bird Watching Estuary
Bar Mouth is a National Trust estuary with significant populations of nesting and wintering birds. Facilities for visitors with disabilities.
Guy Wilson Daffodil Garden
In memorial to the famous daffodil breeder, Guy Wilson, the Wilson garden in Coleraine contains rare collections of Irish-bred daffodils and narcissi.
Martello Tower
Martello Tower was built during the Napoleonic Wars and has walls over nine feet thick.
Surroundings
Portrush
Portrush (pop. 5,114) is a seaside resort on the north coast near the Giant's Causeway.
Dunluce Castle
Dunluce Castle, one of the most romantic Irish castles, clings to the cliff tops just outside Portrush. It was the ruling powerbase of the North Coast for nearly 50 years. Most of the fortifications date from the 16th and 17th centuries.A new visitor center has been built at the site. Guided tours and an audio-visual presentation are available.
Dunluce Centre
The Dunluce Centre in Portrush is a family entertainment centre featuring a motion simulator, soft play area, laser game, and a viewing tower.
Countryside Centre
The Portrush Countryside Centre offers rock-pool animals in a touch-tank.
Kilrea
Kilrea is a fishing resort located southeast of Coleraine on the Bann River.
Festival of the Fairy Thorn
This week-long festival takes place in late July to early August.
