Coleraine Christmas Lights Switch On
Coleraine's annual Christmas lights switch on in November, with a festive parade, Santa's parade, grotto and family entertainment.
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Coleraine
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ℹ️Practical info — Coleraine
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Use Coleraine as a strategic home base for exploring the nearby Giant's Causeway.
- The town center is largely pedestrianized, allowing for a relaxed walking experience.
- The Riverside Theatre at Ulster University often hosts excellent evening entertainment.
- Central parking is best found at the large Abbey Street car park.
- Northern Irish weather often shifts rapidly; wearing layers is highly recommended.
🍽 Food
🍽
Ulster Fry
A very hearty traditional breakfast best tried in cafes around the Diamond area.
🍽
Fresh Atlantic Salmon
Frequently featured on the menus of finer dining spots located along the river.
🍽
Traybakes (e.g., Fifteens)
Grab this local sweet treat alongside a coffee in any traditional bakery.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
The Diamond
The town's central square offering a good mix of high street brands and independent boutiques.
🛍
Craft Fairs
Keep an eye out for seasonal pop-up markets selling beautiful Northern Irish artisan crafts.
🧘
Mountsandel Wood
Take a quiet forest walk right at the site of Ireland's oldest known historical settlement.
🧘
Christie Park
Provides a peaceful pathway along the River Bann, not far from the urban bustle.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
1
Coleraine is a prominent university and market town in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, situated on the banks of the River Bann. The area holds extraordinary historical significance as the location of the earliest known human settlement in Ireland at Mount Sandel, dating back to approximately 7000 BC. The modern town was incorporated in 1613 during the Plantation of Ulster, developed and funded by the London Companies, which established its distinctive planned layout centered on 'The Diamond'. Geographically, Coleraine serves as a strategic hub for the world-famous Causeway Coast, located just minutes from the Giant's Causeway and the historic Bushmills Distillery. Today, it is a premier educational center, hosting the main campus of Ulster University, which contributes to its animated cultural life. The River Bann, the longest river in Northern Ireland, provides a scenic backdrop for watersports and salmon fishing. Key architectural landmarks include the neoclassical Town Hall and St. Patrick's Parish Church, which stands on a site associated with the saint himself. Coleraine remains a vital commercial engine for the north-east, bridging ancient heritage with modern academic and economic importance.
- Location: Ireland
- Top sights: Articrunaght Reservoir · Ballinrees Reservoir · Dunalis Reservoir
- Nearby: Ballymoney (11 km)
- Population: ~24.483 (2021)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 |
| Rain mm | 108 | 85 | 82 | 66 | 80 | 92 | 105 | 114 | 90 | 120 | 117 | 109 |
Geography
Facts
- Mount Sandel Mesolithic site dates back over 9,000 years.
- Coleraine was the first county town of County Coleraine (now Londonderry).
- The University of Ulster at Coleraine was Northern Ireland's second university.
- The town's name in Irish, Cúil Raithin, translates to 'nook of ferns'.
- The River Bann flows from Lough Neagh to the Atlantic Ocean at Barmouth.
- St. Patrick is said to have founded a church in Coleraine in the 5th century.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→17:176.8 km walk5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 17–23 €Entries 20€ · Transport 0€
Your walking tour of Coleraine begins in the bustling Diamond, the heart of the town. In the morning, you'll explore the spiritual tranquility of St. Patrick's Church before strolling along the riverside to the modern Riverside Theatre. The afternoon is dedicated to a journey back in time as you hike to Mountsandel Fort, the site of Ireland's first settlers, feeling the deep historical roots. After so much history, return to the center for a late lunch at a traditional pub, savoring local flavors to round off the day.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 47'
The Diamond
Start here with a coffee from a local café to soak in the morning atmosphere.
🚶 9'0.3 km
📍
10:06 · 47'
St. Patrick's Church
Pay attention to the impressive stained-glass windows and the serene atmosphere inside.
🚶 37'1.7 km
📍
11:30 · 47'
Riverside Theatre
Check the schedule; you might catch an interesting afternoon performance.
🚶 64'3.05 km
🏛️
13:21 · 84'
Mountsandel Fort
Wear sturdy shoes, as the path to Ireland's oldest known settlement site can be uneven.
🚶 38'1.77 km
09:00→16:408.1 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 31–43 €Entries 25€ · Transport 12€
Hop on your bike for a cycling tour of Coleraine and its green surroundings. You'll start at The Diamond, making brief stops at St. Patrick's Church and the Riverside Theatre. The main part of your morning ride takes you on a scenic route to the ancient Mountsandel Fort. After exploring this historic site, enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch on the banks of the River Bann. The afternoon is all about a leisurely ride back along the cycle paths, letting you soak up the scenery at your own pace.
← swipe for more places →
🚲 5'0.3 km
📍
10:02 · 47'
St. Patrick's Church
A brief stop to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before you cycle on.
🚲 13'1.7 km
🚲 21'3.05 km
🏛️
12:10 · 84'
Mountsandel Fort
Lock your bike at the entrance and explore the historic grounds on foot.
🚲 18'2.43 km
🍽️
13:52 · 84'
Lunch and a break by the river
Find a nice spot on the banks of the River Bann for a picnic lunch.
🚲 7'0.65 km
📍
15:23 · 47'
Cycle back along the path
Enjoy the slow ride back, stopping to take in the views.
09:00→19:4355.1 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 33–45 €Entries 29€ · Transport 10€
Your car journey begins in the heart of Coleraine, exploring the central sights on foot. In the morning, you'll drive to the dramatic north coast. The second stop is a cluster of history and nature: Mussenden Temple perched on the cliffs, followed by a relaxing lunch at Castlerock Beach. In the afternoon, a short drive takes you to Gortmore Viewpoint, one of the most spectacular spots on the Causeway Coastal Route. From there, you'll return to Coleraine, rich with impressions, to finish the evening in town.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 47'
Cluster 1: Coleraine Centre - The Diamond
Park in one of the central car parks for the morning.
🚗 4'0.3 km
🚗 9'1.87 km
🏛️
10:57 · 84'
Mountsandel Fort
Follow the footpath from the centre to the fort for an invigorating walk.
🚗 62'17.78 km
📍
13:23 · 47'
Cluster 2: Coastal Drive - Mussenden Temple & Downhill House
The National Trust car park is the best starting point. The views are panoramic.
🚗 9'1.95 km
📍
14:19 · 47'
Castlerock Beach for Lunch
Take a stroll along the beach and pop into a café in Castlerock for lunch.
🚗 34'9.38 km
📍
15:40 · 47'
Cluster 3: Panorama - Gortmore Viewpoint
An iconic spot on the Causeway Coastal Route. Have your camera ready.
🚗 82'23.84 km
🍽️
17:49 · 84'
Return to Coleraine
End the day with dinner at one of the town's excellent restaurants.
Sights in the town Coleraine (10)
Frequently asked questions
What is Coleraine known for?
A historical town on the River Bann, home to the oldest settlement site in Ireland.
What is Mountsandel Fort?
An earthwork fort on the riverbank, site of the earliest Mesolithic settlement (7000 BC).
Is there a shopping center?
Yes, the Diamond and Riverside Retail Park offer many shops.
What can you do on the river?
Water sports, fishing, and walks in Somerset Riverside Park.
How close is the Giant's Causeway?
About 20 km north, roughly 25 minutes by car or bus.
Coleraine: where is it located?
Coleraine is located in Ireland.
Coleraine: what is there to see?
Highlights include Articrunaght Reservoir, Ballinrees Reservoir, Dunalis Reservoir.
Coleraine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Coleraine: why is it worth visiting?
Coleraine is a prominent university and market town in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, situated on the banks of the River Bann.
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