Travel writer, actor and explorer, Michael Palin once described the train ride between Derry~Londonderry and Coleraine as “one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world”. Now who in their right mind is going to argue with a member of Monty Python. Certainly not us, so let’s hop on board and relax and enjoy the stunning views along this short stretch of train track.
Train travel in Northern Ireland is about more than the journey
Whether you start your day in Derry-Londonderry or Coleraine, there’s lots to do at each destination and many things to see along the way. Taking the train means you’ll travel in comfort, avoid the hassle of traffic and parking and get plenty of time to take it all in. History, heritage, stunning scenery as well as plenty of great restaurants, pubs and shops await you on this fun-filled day.
Wander the Walled City of Derry-Londonderry before you board
Before boarding the train in Derry-Londonderry, you can meander through the bustling compact streets of the last remaining completely walled city in Ireland and listen to the echoes of almost fifteen centuries of history.
Your train journey follows the River Foyle out of the city and heads into the lush green countryside before arriving at the golden sands of Benone Strand. The railway track runs alongside the sand, so you have spectacular views of one of the most unspoilt beaches in Ireland.
On the opposite side of the track, you’ll see the maritime cliffs at Downhill and the impressive Binevenagh Mountain. The sand dunes and the cliffs are home to a wide range of wildlife and unique habitats such as a range of birds including peregrine falcon.
You’ll soon arrive at the small John Lanyon designed station of Castlerock. This popular seaside village is an ideal stop for a beach picnic or a potter around the village. The construction of the railway to the growth and development of this village. And as you can imagine there was always plenty of excitement around, particularly during ‘The Great Blast’ when 3,600lbs of gunpowder was used to remove rock and build two tunnels. These are still the longest railway tunnels in Ireland, measuring 668 and 307 yards respectively.
Along the banks of the Bann to Coleraine
From Castlerock your train ride continues along the banks of the River Bann before sweeping into Coleraine. The town itself is steeped in history and if you visit the Mountsandel Fort in the woods of the same name, you’ll be standing on top of the island’s most ancient human settlement.
Hop from Coleraine to the Causeway Coast
After you’ve explored the town, you can hop on board a bus to travel on to The Giant’s Causeway or one of the many pretty coastal towns and villages.
The Causeway Coastal Route is one of the most scenic regions in these islands and is home to some of Northern Ireland’s best known attractions including Bushmills Distillery, Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and of course The Giant’s Causeway.
The Causeway is a World Heritage Site and home to a wealth of local history and legend. Explore the basalt stone columns left by volcanic eruptions and search for distinctive stone formations fancifully named the Camel, Harp and Organ.
Getting there
You can travel between Derry~Londonderry and Coleraine by rail and transfer to The Giant’s Causeway and coastal towns by bus. Rail connections to Coleraine are also available from Belfast.
Return bus services from The Giant’s Causeway to Coleraine will allow you to hop on and off at coastal locations. Bus services 402, 172 and 177 serve The Causeway Coastal Route. Return rail services to Derry~Londonderry and Belfast operate throughout the day.
Getting around
iLink is available for adults and children and is ideal if you travel by both bus and train to your destination on a regular basis. Translink Family & Friends Ticket – offers unlimited day travel on all bus & rail services. Valid Monday – Friday after 9.30am as well as every Saturday and Sunday with no time restrictions for up to 2 adults and 4 children. Additional children under 16 will be charged at a discounted rate.
Full timetables are available from www.translink.co.uk or by calling (028) 9066 6630
Derry~Londonderry is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and is one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe. A walk around the walls reveals a city crammed full of history, heritage, interest and a vibrant cultural scene.
Benone Strand, multiple recipient of the European Blue Flag and Seaside Award, is a must-see when visiting the area. With seven miles of golden sand and a magnificent back drop of mountain and cliff scenery and stunning views.
Downhill is a golden sandy beach stretching from Downhill Cliffs in the east towards Magilligan Point. It's overlooked by one of Northern Ireland's leading landmarks, Mussenden Temple, and benefits from classic views of the Donegal Coast and beyond.
Binevenagh is a tranquil area where the sights of Lough Foyle and Donegal can be seen on a clear day. This reserve is part of the northernmost outcropping of the Antrim Plateau as molten lava poured out over the surface 60 million years ago.
In 1608, in Bushmills, a legend was born. In that year, King James I granted a very particular licence to this small village, just a few miles inland from Ireland’s rugged north coast. The licence gave Bushmills the right to distil whiskey. Today, Bushmills is home to the oldest licenced whiskey distillery in the world.
Dunluce Castle is located dramatically close to a headland that plunges straight into the sea, along the North County Antrim coast.
Carrick-a-Rede one of Northern Ireland’s most loved attractions in Northern Ireland, cared for by the National Trust, a registered conservation charity founded to protect beautiful and special places for ever, for everyone.
Flanked by the wild North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, the Giant's Causeway is a geological wonder and home to a wealth of history and legend. The 40,000 basalt stone columns left by volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago, has captured the imagination of all who see it.
