Major city · United Kingdom
Castlerock
Base here 1–2 nights for Mussenden Temple and Downhill beach; day-trippers from Coleraine or Portstewart get the cliffs in 3–4 h.
Castlerock is a small seaside village on the north coast of County Londonderry, best known for Mussenden Temple and the Downhill Demesne ruins on the cliffs above the beach. Everything sits within walking distance of the railway station, so one night covers the temple, the beach and the golf course, and two nights let you add the Giant's Causeway or Derry by train. It is quiet, exposed to Atlantic weather and best from May to September.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (short days, wind and rain)
- Airports
- BFS · BHD · LDY
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Castlerock999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Castlerock, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyA quiet, low-crime village; the real risks are the sea, the cliff edges and fast-changing Atlantic weather.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police, fire, ambulance · 101 police non-urgent · 111 NHS non-urgent
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBFS Belfast International (Train from Antrim station, change at Coleraine; about 2 h 30 min total).
- Getting aroundThe village is walkable end to end in about 15 minutes.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and cake£3–6 (≈ US$4–8)
- Sit-down mealBar meal, main course£12–20 (≈ US$16–30)
- BeerPint of beer£4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8)
- Museum or sight ticketVisitor round, Castlerock Golf Club£75 (≈ US$100)
- Budget bedHostel or bunkhouse bed, a night, per person£25 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedB&B or hotel double room, a night, per room£110 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedB&B or hotel double room, a night, per room£180 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £45 (≈ US$60) · Mid £80 (≈ US$110) · High £150 (≈ US$200)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BFS Belfast International (Train from Antrim station, change at Coleraine; about 2 h 30 min total) · BHD George Best Belfast City (Train from Lanyon Place via Belfast; about 2 h 30 min) · LDY City of Derry (Bus 234 from Eglinton; about 1 h)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jul
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Aug
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Sep
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)), coolest Jan (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jan (18 rain days), driest Apr (13). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Castlerock: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
18 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
15 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
16 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
13 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
13 rd
Jul
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
15 rd
Aug
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
16 rd
Sep
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
15 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
17 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
17 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
18 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The village is walkable end to end in about 15 minutes. Trains run roughly hourly to Coleraine (10 min) and Derry (30 min); change at Coleraine for Portrush and the Antrim coast buses. Ulsterbus 134/234 links Coleraine, Castlerock and Limavady along the A2. A car helps for the Giant's Causeway and Bushmills, but the train plus a coast bus covers them too.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 30 min
Train from Castlerock station, about 10 min
Change here for Portrush and the Antrim coast buses.
Door to door: About 45 min
Train to Coleraine, then bus or taxi along the coast
Long strand and a second beach; no river crossing from the Barmouth.
Door to door: About 45 min
Train from Castlerock, about 30 min
Walled city; a half or full day works well from here.
Door to door: About 30 min
Ulsterbus 134/234 along the A2
Buses run every couple of hours and not on Sundays.
Giant's Causeway and Bushmills
goDoor to door: 1.5–2 h
Train to Coleraine, then the coast bus toward Bushmills
A full day; check the last bus back to Coleraine.
Door to door: About 2 h
Train to Coleraine, then bus inland
Too far for a comfortable return day from Castlerock.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Village centre, Sea Road and Main Street
Walk to the station, beach and both restaurants; the only real choice for a car-free trip.
Mussenden Road
B&Bs and the beach house toward Downhill; 10–15 min walk back to the station.
Castlerock Holiday Park
Next to the station; pitches and static caravans, availability varies by season.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £45–70 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- £70–120 (≈ US$95–160) excl. bed
- High
- £120 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B or hotel double room1 × 1 night × £110 | £110 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × £80 | £160 |
| Train Belfast → Castlerock, one way2 × £15 | £30 |
| Train Castlerock → Derry, one way2 × £8 | £16 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £10 | £20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £34 |
| Trip total≈ £185 per person per day, bed included | £370≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in pounds; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and cake | £3–6 (≈ US$4–8) |
| Fish and chips takeaway | £9–14 (≈ US$12–19) |
| Bar meal, main course | £12–20 (≈ US$16–30) |
| Pint of beer | £4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Visitor round, Castlerock Golf Club | £75 (≈ US$100) |
| Lion's Gate parking, DownhillNational Trust members free | £5 (≈ US$7) |
| Train Castlerock → Coleraine | £3–5 (≈ US$4–7) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The beach and cliff path are exposed: wind, spray and soft sand, and the sea is cold year-round.
- Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne are National Trust land with a parking charge at Lion's Gate; Bishop's Gate parking is small and free.
- Village shops and cafés close early; the Costcutter on Main Street is the reliable late option.
- Mobile coverage is 4G and patchy at the edge of town; 5G has not reached the area.
- Trains stop running in the evening; check the last departure before a late day out.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 999
- Police non-urgent
- 101
- NHS non-urgent
- 111
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
CastlerockCastlerock
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance999
- Police non-urgent101
- NHS non-urgent111
Embassy
No embassies in Castlerock; the US consulate-general is in Belfast and most embassies are in London.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Train Belfast → Castlerock: about £15 (≈ US$20), 90 min
- Train Castlerock → Derry: about £8 (≈ US$11), 30 min
- Bus 134/234 Coleraine → Castlerock: about £3 (≈ US$4), 20 min
Say or show
- Hello — Hello
- Thank you — Thank you
- Please — Please
- Where is the station? — Where is the station?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- One ticket to Coleraine, please — One ticket to Coleraine, please
English is the everyday language here; no phrase list is needed beyond standard UK usage.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Castlerock. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (short days, wind and rain) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for BFS, BHD and LDY: last train and bus times field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: station and beach, Sea Road cafés, Mussenden Road, the Downhill headland.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Mussenden Temple, Downhill Demesne, Hezlett House, Castlerock Golf Club) and eat pages with last orders.
- Weather and tide fixtures so the cliff and beach day can go green or be swapped.
Sources
Ask about Castlerock
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