Castlerock & Beyond information panel

Image: © Kenneth Allen Taken: 11 May 2025

It includes the following text: The railway line connecting Coleraine and Londonderry opened in 1853. The construction of the line involved the cutting of two tunnels named 'Castlerock' and 'Downhill'. These are 668 yards and 307 yards respectively, ranking them among the longest railway tunnels in Ireland. The arrival of the railway line in 1853 was a significant catalyst in the growth of the village. By 1860 eight residences had been built and by 1870 Christ Church (COI) and the Presbyterian Church. From this elevation, some of the key landmarks and earliest buildings can be identified. Cliff House was the first house built in 1849-50. The Castlerock Hotel, 'Miramar, 'The Villa' and 'Rock Ryan' (the Bathing Lodge) followed in the 1850S. These buildings were designed by Samuel Angell, who was an architect for The Clothworkers' Company. A terrace of twelve labourers cottages known as 'The Twelve Apostles', was built in 1882. These architecturally attractive black stone cottages can be seen a short distance from this car park. Tunnel Brae is an excellent vantage point which overlooks the village of Castlerock and surrounding coastline. When visibility is good, you can see the Scottish islands of Islay and beyond to the mountains of Jura. Pictured here Image]

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