Coleraine - Co. Londonderry is a large town situated in Northern Ireland. It is about 50 miles from Belfast and right at the mouth of the River Bann. The population is about 25,000 people and sit of the University of Ulster that was built in the 1960's. It is noted for its Riverside Theatre where many great concerts and plays are held throughout the year.
Mountsandel is the site where the earliest proof of a human community is found and it dates back to about 5900 BC. The town that sits there today was developed by the London Companies during the 17th century. During the World War II it expanded greatly because of industrial development and the placement of the University in town.
Coleraine has seen its share of history. The town was burned down in 1100 and then again around 1170. St. Mary's Abby was built in town and is now the site of what is called Diamond Center in the middle of the downtown area where many retail stores now reside. In the 1500's English soldiers took occupation of the town. There was an Irish uprising in 1641 that lasted about six weeks behind St. Patrick's Church that ended with Cromwell sent in 3000 soldiers to stop it. Then in around 1680 it was involved in the Siege of Londonderry. Finally war stopped and the town was able to develop into a market town.
Coleraine is near the famous Causeway Coast that brings many tourists in every year. It is also near several popular beach resorts in the region. Mountsandle forest with the ancient fort of Mountsandel is on the east side of town. The archaeological site has several wooden houses from around 7000 BC that were discovered.
The area is very scenic and is graced with many lovely sandy beaches and tall spectacular cliffs near the coast. There are 11 areas that are considered Special Scientific areas. There are cruises on the River Bann via water bus that takes you all around to see area scenic sites. The water bus accommodates 60 people and goes past Mountsandle, the Victorian Cutts Lock and by the Camus Ford and Loughan Island. Another cruise goes through Coleraine and the Harbor and by an estuary to see the scenery and wildlife. There is a guide and you can rent binoculars. Snacks are available as well.
There are many things to do in and around town. Barry's Amusements and Leisure Center is one place that will keep a family busy for several fun hours. You can see St. Patrick's church which is built on the original site of a 5th Century church. St. Patrick's was built in 1613 and you can see what remains of the city earthen wall that used to encircle the city. You can learn how to fly fish in nearby Castlerock at the Stone Falls Specimen Trout Fishery and School of Fly Fishing. Here only 5 anglers are given permission to fish in order to keep space and provide quite serenity for people to fish. They supply wheelbarrows to wheel your catch back from the lakes. They cater to groups and teach the techniques of fly fishing in the lower lake.
There are many places to stay in Coleraine including hotels and bed and breakfasts. Quilly Farmhouse is a very nice bed and breakfast situated on a 100 acre farm. Another Bed and Breakfast is Town Bed and Breakfast which is a house in Georgian style built in 1820 and was were Hugh Thomson lived when he was a child. This was the illustrator for many Jane Austin and Dickens novels. Maddybenny Mews Rose Cottage is another place where you can see the countryside. It has beautiful gardens and family friendly area. Kings Country Cottages where built in a farm yard in a rural area. Ardagh Cottage is a 17th century house that has been restored beautifully and caters to family vacations. Cottages are self catering and have their own kitchens.
Colerain is a great place to go if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the world. You can explore the beaches or go fishing. You can go shopping in the center of town or just relax at a cottage and see the beautiful scenery.
For a wide selection of Coleraine hotels just click here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone