Derry~Londonderry Line: window card

About this journey

The railway leaves Derry~Londonderry beside the Foyle and reaches the Atlantic shore below Binevenagh. Benone Strand and the cliffs at Downhill form the coastal centrepiece, with Mussenden Temple above the railway. The train then passes through Castlerock and approaches Coleraine across the River Bann. This is a route of estuary, beach, cliff and river crossing. A stop at Castlerock adds time on the shore; Coleraine is also the interchange for the separate Portrush branch.

Castlerock makes a good focus when you want time beside the coast as well as views from your seat. Choose a village and beach pause. The tourism body's Causeway Coast itinerary gives ideas for a longer stay, but a railway day can be much simpler. One main break and a relaxed return give you time to enjoy the place you have chosen.

Coleraine also deserves attention as a destination. Discover Northern Ireland recommends it within its slow-travel itinerary, while the railway connects it with Portrush for a further coastal outing. Our preference for a first visit is the complete Derry–Coleraine journey with a proper pause, leaving the wider Causeway Coast for another day. Familiarity with the outward route makes the return a chance to notice details you missed.

The line follows the Foyle before squeezing between Binevenagh and the Atlantic, passing Benone Strand and beneath Mussenden Temple.

Travel from Derry~Londonderry to Coleraine and break one leg at Castlerock for the beach and village. Coleraine is the interchange for Portrush, which requires a separate branch journey. Check the return before taking a longer coastal walk. Mussenden Temple and Downhill are off-train destinations above the shore, with their own walking routes and access requirements. A town or station café stop keeps the day close to the scheduled railway.

Use Translink's station finder and accessibility guidance for both endpoints and any onward connection. Coleraine is staffed for much of the operating day, while assistance arrangements and facilities elsewhere vary; contact Translink in advance when support is important.

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