IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Solitude Park, COLERAINE, BT51 4RG

Post-mounted EIIR letter box (BT51 135) at the Tunnel Brae Image

Heading south from Tunnel Brae

About ¼ mile after Castlerock station Image the railway enters Castlerock tunnel (668 yards). Beyond, after a short spell in the open, it enters the shorter Downhill tunnel (307 yards). The red and white chequered signs indicate restricted clearance (for railway employees). I’m told that there are recesses (once known as “manholes”) inside to allow permanent way staff to shelter in the event of being in the tunnel when a train is passing.

The houses pictured are known to the locals as the "Twelve Apostles" The terrace was erected in 1882 by Sir Henry Harvey Bruce, owner of the Downhill Estate and is now "listed" because of its distinctive architectural style and charm. An on-going police investigation was taking place in 2009 after new evidence came to light on an apparent suicide pact that took place there 20 years ago.

It includes the following text: Castlerock developed as a village following the opening of the Londonderry to Coleraine railway line in 1853, now hailed as one of the best railway journeys in the world. Castlerock train station was designed by John Lanyon, son of the renowned architect Charles Lanyon who designed Queen's University Belfast and many other landmark buildings across Northern Ireland, Overlooked by the majestic Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, Castlerock has long been a popular seaside resort. C.S Lewis, author of the world-renowned Chronicles of Narnia series of novels is believed to have drawn inspiration from the time he spent here and today the award-winning beach continues to be a major draw, backed by impressive sand dunes, themselves home to Castlerock Golf Club, a classic championship links course. Separated from Portstewart by The Barmouth, where the River Bann meets the Atlantic Ocean, the Castlerock area is a wonderful wildlife reserve, perfect for coastal walks and birdwatching. Pictured here Image]

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]

There were a couple of information boards here Image] Image]

Ocean View is a fairly recent development built on the site of the old library and swimming pool.

A three-car “80” class set (738,764,92) approaching the entrance to Castlerock tunnel with the 14.10 Belfast Central – Londonderry (via Lisburn). Image shows a similar view in March 2008.

Looking west and overlooking the beach