Castlerock
Castlerock is a small seaside village 5 miles west of Coleraine and the Western Gateway of the Causeway Coast route on the north coast of Northern Ireland. It is a perfect blend of the present and the past. This town has less than fifteen hundred inhabitants. Still, it attracts many visitors in the season due to a variety of places to visit, being nearby, a naturally beautiful landscape, and great amenities.
Natural Beauty
Castlerock is an area of outstanding natural beauty, and it starts at the lower River Bann estuary, 5 miles west of Coleraine, in the direction of Londonderry and Limavady.
It is within the Benevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is surrounded by nature in many forms.
There is a small selection of tea shops, local shops, pubs, and restaurants, as well as a Community Centre and Village Green in the heart of the town.
The exceptional Blue Flag beaches at Benone, Downhill, Castlerock, and the excellent championship golf course draw visitors each year.
Castlerock’s Heritage and Architecture
Castlerock’s remaining architecture demonstrates its Settlement History. A Heritage walking tour in town showcases many late 19th century buildings, including The Villas (1860), the Presbyterian Church (1880), Castlerock Train Station (1853), and Twelve Apostles (1882), and Christ Church (1882). The Tunnel and Railway were constructed in about 1845.
The famous row of Castlerock houses known as the “Twelve Apostles” is located above the beach. They are pretty small but cute inside, and several have been renovated and extended at the back to take advantage of the magical location.
Castlerock Beach and Castlerock Promenade
Castlerock beach, with its golden sand, is slightly less than a mile long, and the fresh air, breathtaking views, and friendly people make it well worth visiting. Castlerock’s dunes lie west of the lower River Bann estuary, with Portstewart Strand located on the other side of the estuary.
The Rural Beach Seaside Award was awarded to Castlerock Beach in 2014. The award is based on the 15 ‘Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful criteria. This environmental charity aims to make Northern Ireland a more pleasant and cleaner place to live.
Castlerock Beach is beautiful and the perfect environment to play with the kids, canoe, surf, swim, fish, ride horses, and more. Parking and toilets are available, and dogs are permitted at certain times of the year. Seasonal RNLI beach lifeguards are available from June 1 to September 15.
The Promenade offers opportunities to cycle and walks while enjoying the views of the Donegal hills. A winding walk down to Castlerock Beach is also available from Donegal hills. Exploring the small bays is a perfect way to reach the Promenade and central Castlerock Beach, while you can also climb rocks and fish in rock pools.
Castlerock by Train
Castlerock’s peaceful and relaxed holiday destination can be reached by train from Londonderry or Coleraine. The train station was opened in the mid-19th century and was one of the main catalysts for the growth of what was once only a tiny fishing hamlet.
The trip from Londonderry to Castlerock by train is fantastic, and it passes spectacular views of Inishowen, Donegal, and stunning scenery alongside Lough Foyle.
Before arriving at Castlerock Train Station, there is a long tunnel ride through Tunnel Brae. This is a unique and spectacular train ride; to a fortunate few, it’s their daily commute. Regular public bus service is also available.
Castlerock Golf Club
Castlerock Golf Club overlooks more than half of the dunes and main beach.
Castlerock is a championship course rated one of ‘Ireland’s finest courses. It was founded in 1901. The Golf Course is a peaceful haven set in the naturally beautiful landscape and offers nine holes on the Bann Course and 18 spots on the Mussenden Course.
A Pro Shop, Clubhouse, Bar, and Restaurant are also available.
Beaches Near Castlerock
Downhill Beach
Downhill Beach is below and to the west of Mussenden Temple and is the beginning of a seven-mile strand of dunes and sand, going all the way to Magilligan Point, where it ends at Benone Strand. This beach is one of Ireland’s longest and has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag award.
It stretches to Donegal, Magilligan Point, and Lough Foyle ferry. It is possible to drive right onto the beach and park.
A walk near the west side of Tunnel Brae will take you towards Mussenden Temple high on the clifftop. If you’re fortunate enough, you may even see a train come speeding out from the tunnel. It’s an experience not easily forgotten.
Benone Strand
One of the most popular beaches on the Causeway Coast, Benone Strand, attracts locals and visitors. The Benone Strand’s golden soft sandy beach stretches out for seven miles and offers spectacular views of Donegal and Benevenagh Mountain. Downhill and Mussenden Temple are in one direction, with Lough Foyle and Magilligan Point on the opposite side.
You can reach Lough Foyle and Magilligan Point via a leisurely walk along the peaceful and stunning beach.
This beach is also great for adventure sports like Kite Surfing, Jet Skiing, Surfing, and Gliding. A lifeguard is on duty during the high season from July to August. Dogs are not allowed on Benone Strand between May and September, but horse riding is available at certain times. Fishing, Canoeing, Cycling, Swimming, and Walking are open all year round.
Magilligan
The Magilligan area has both conservational and historical significance. Magilligan Point’s Martello Tower is an example of the small defensive forts built during the 19th century to defend against a possible attack by Napoleon’s forces. This 32-square-mile reserve is adjacent to Lough Foyle.
Hezlett House, One of the Oldest Buildings in
Northern Ireland
When driving to Castlerock via the main A2 turnoff, the 17th-century Hazlett House can be seen one mile south of the town on the corner of Sea Road.
This is a fantastic example of a well-preserved Thatched Cottage. At Halloween each year, the ancient cottage is transformed into a scary haunted house.
The National Trust now owns Hazlett House, and visitors can step back in time as they explore the well-manicured cottage grounds and the inside of the cottage to experience what life was like in the late 1600s. This is one of Northern Ireland’s oldest buildings, and hot drinks and snacks are offered at the reception area.
Downhill Forest
Maintained by the National Trust, Downhill Forest is located to the South East of Castlerock. The forest comprises 80 hectares of mixed woodland and is the perfect place to walk or orienteer at the permanent course. The Forest Café provides refreshments along the way.
C S Lewis
It is interesting to know that C. S. Lewis, the author of the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Lion, and other classics, a young child spent many holidays at Castlerock travelling from Belfast. It is effortless to envisage that his imagination was sparked by the surrounding environment’s majesty, myth, and heritage.
Historical Significance
Close to Downhill Estate’s second entrance, you will find School Lane, where you can take a stroll through the grounds of the ruined home initially owned by Frederick Augustus Hervey. The historical Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demense were built in the late 1700s by the 4th Earl of Bristol high on the cliff tops in glorious surrounds overlooking the north Atlantic Ocean.
The Mussenden Temple sits perched right on the cliff’s edge with unparalleled inland, cliff, and coastal views. A visit here will be a treat for all your senses decadent and will stay with you for the rest of your life. It is a fantastic experience to stand in the spectacular circular stone building virtually hanging over the edge of a 280 ft. towering cliff.
Although the House is in ruins, mainly due to a fire in 1851, there is still enough to see to enable you to imagine the beautiful life in this Stately Home of its time. The National Trust has supplied numerous informative signs to help visitors paint the picture. There are breathtaking 360-degree views from this gorgeous location.
Downhill Demesne
Downhill Demesne, sometimes called Downhill House, is a spectacular mansion built by the eccentric Earl Bishop in the 18th century. Majestically located within open grounds, it is an excellent destination for a day trip. The sheltered gardens of Hezlett House are ideally suited for a leisurely, enjoyable picnic.
Mussenden Temple
On the edge of the cliffs that look over Downhill Strand, a circular stone building called Mussenden Temple is located. It is near Castlerock and within Downhill Demesne’s grounds. The Temple is open to the public around the year during the day and is run by the National Trust. Built in 1785, the Temple first served as a library, and its walls were once lined with bookcases.