Coleraine Museum, located at Coleraine Town Hall (The Diamond, Coleraine, County Derry, BT52 1DE, ), is an accredited exhibition venue managed by the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Museum Services. Housed in a historic 1859 Italianate-style sandstone building, the museum celebrates Coleraine’s remarkable history as one of Ireland’s earliest settlements and the first “planted” town during the Ulster Plantation. Without a permanent museum venue, it offers vibrant temporary exhibitions and access to its extensive collection by appointment.
Exhibitions and Collections:
- Temporary Exhibitions: The museum hosts changing displays for over six months annually (typically April–September, Tuesday–Saturday, 11:00 AM–4:00 PM), focusing on Coleraine’s history from the Mesolithic settlement at Mountsandel (circa 7000 BCE, one of Ireland’s earliest known human settlements) to its role as a key Plantation town granted a charter by James I in 1613. Themes include the town’s production of “Coleraines” linen, Coleraine whisky (once favored by the House of Commons), and its cultural contributions. Exhibitions often feature artifacts, artworks, and interactive elements exploring local folklore, industry, and notable figures.
- Notable Collections: Highlights include the world’s largest public collection of works by Hugh Thomson, a Coleraine-born illustrator known for his illustrations of Jane Austen’s novels, as well as artworks by local artists J.W. Carey, A.D. McCormick, and J.H. Campbell. The Sam Henry collection, featuring books and papers from the renowned folklorist, documents Ulster’s musical and cultural heritage. These collections, reflecting Coleraine’s history, are accessible by appointment at the Museum Services office (1 Townhead Street, Ballymoney, BT53 6BE).
- Community Archive: The museum contributes to this digital archive, allowing visitors to explore Coleraine’s stories online, augmenting the experience for those unable to visit in person or seeking deeper research.
- Atmosphere: Housed in the iconic Coleraine Town Hall, the museum offers a compact, engaging experience in a central, pedestrian-friendly piazza. Visitors describe it as informative and well-curated, though its temporary nature and lack of a permanent venue mean it’s best suited for those with a specific interest in local history. The Town Hall’s main hall (seating 350) and smaller meeting room (seating 65) also host community events, adding vibrancy.
- Educational Programmes: The museum offers workshops, talks, and events tied to its exhibitions, appealing to families, schools, and history enthusiasts. These may include storytelling sessions, art workshops, or lectures on Coleraine’s heritage, such as its role in the Plantation or its prehistoric significance at Mountsandel.
- Visitor Information Centre: Located within the Town Hall, the centre provides free tourist information, maps, event tickets, and souvenirs, with staff praised for their helpfulness in guiding visitors to local attractions like the Causeway Speciality Market or Mountsandel Fort. Note that town maps cost 20p due to budget constraints, though free digital versions are available online.
- The Town Hall is accessible, with step-free entry, an induction loop system, and toilets (including an accessible one). However, visitors should confirm exhibition-specific accessibility, as some displays may involve stairs or uneven surfaces.
Surrounding Area:
- Coleraine’s central location on the River Bann, 55 miles northwest of Belfast and 30 miles east of Derry, makes it a gateway to the Causeway Coast. Visitors can walk the 2-mile riverside path along the Bann to Mountsandel Fort, explore the monthly Causeway Speciality Market in the Diamond, or visit nearby attractions like Mussenden Temple, Downhill Demesne, or the Giant’s Causeway (25 minutes by bus). The town’s cafes, shops, and cultural venues, such as the Riverside Theatre, enhance the visit.
- Practical Details: Coleraine Town Hall, The Diamond, Coleraine, BT52 1DE, .
- Cost: Free admission to temporary exhibitions; appointments to view the collection will be free or have a nominal fee (contact for details).
- Hours: Temporary exhibitions typically run April–September, Tuesday–Saturday, 11:00 AM–4:00 PM. Collection access by appointment only. Confirm via www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk or +4428 2766 0230.
- Contact: Email cms@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk or call +4428 2766 0230 for inquiries or bookings.
- Tips: Check exhibition schedules in advance, as the museum is not open year-round. Allow 1–2 hours for a visit. Combine with a riverside walk or nearby attractions like Castlerock Beach or Hezlett House for a full day.
What’s New:
- New Temporary Exhibitions: The museum’s practice of rotating exhibitions suggests new displays, likely focusing on Coleraine’s history, such as Mountsandel’s Mesolithic significance, the Plantation era, or local figures like Hugh Thomson or Sam Henry. themes could include Ulster’s linen industry or folklore, with interactive elements or artworks from the Causeway Museum Service’s collection. Check the museum’s Facebook page (Causeway Coast and Glens Museum Services) for announcements.
- Community Events and Workshops: The Town Hall’s role as a community hub orgianises a programme of talks, workshops, or family-friendly activities tied to exhibitions. Events may include art classes inspired by Hugh Thomson or storytelling sessions based on Sam Henry’s folklore, building on the museum’s educational outreach. The Coleraine Specialty Market, held monthly in the Diamond, may feature heritage-themed stalls or demonstrations, augmenting the museum’s visibility.
- Digital Enhancements: The Community Archive, to which Coleraine Museum contributes, will see expanded online content, such as digitized artifacts or virtual tours of the collection, making it more accessible for remote visitors or researchers. This aligns with the museum’s appointment-based access model.
- Visitor Information Centre Updates: Following the March 2023 closure of the standalone Coleraine Visitor Information Centre, its services have been integrated into the Town Hall., expect improved resources, such as updated free literature (despite the 20p map fee) and digital guides, to address past visitor feedback about signage and information availability. Staff training may also enhance the centre’s ability to guide visitors to Saint Patrick’s Church or other local sites.
Practical Information
- Getting There: From Belfast (55 miles, 1-hour drive), take the A26 to Coleraine. The railway station is a 5-minute walk from the Town Hall. Eglinton Airport (LDY) is 30 minutes away. Free parking is available near The Diamond, with accessible spaces.
- Tips: Confirm exhibition dates and hours, as the museum operates seasonally. Book collection viewings in advance. Wear comfortable shoes for riverside walks or nearby Mountsandel Fort. Visit during the Causeway Speciality Market (monthly, typically Saturdays) for a lively experience.
- Weather: Coleraine’s weather can be rainy; bring an umbrella for outdoor exploration. Spring–summer (April–September) aligns with exhibition season and better weather.
Coleraine Museum offers a focused, engaging exploration of the town’s history, from its Mesolithic roots at Mountsandel to its Plantation legacy, through temporary exhibitions and a rich collection accessible by appointment. The Town Hall’s central location, free entry, and integration with visitor information services make it a convenient stop for history enthusiasts visiting the Causeway Coast., expect new exhibitions, community events, and potential digital enhancements, visit www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk
