Coleraine Museum — Days Out NI

See where Ireland's first settlers lived

The headline story is Mountsandel, on the edge of Coleraine, where the earliest known human settlement in Ireland dates back nearly 10,000 years to the Mesolithic. The museum shows finds and the story behind this archaeology. Alongside it you will see how Coleraine became the first Planted town 400 years ago, plus illustrations by Hugh Thomson and the folklore work of Sam Henry. Because the museum runs temporary exhibitions rather than a fixed display, the theme on show changes through the year.

Free entry Mountsandel Mesolithic finds First Planted town history Self-guided Changing exhibitions Town centre location

Good to know before you go:

Coleraine Museum runs a rotating programme of temporary exhibitions, talks and seasonal events drawn from its collection, so what is on show changes through the year. Check the museum's listings before you travel to see the current exhibition.

What to bring

📷Camera or phoneMost galleries are photo-friendly — just check for any no-photos rooms.

👟Comfy shoesPlenty to take in on foot, room to room.

💷A few poundsFor the café, the shop, or a donation where entry is free.

🕰️A bit of timeThe stories reward a slow look rather than a dash round.

Everything before you go

Getting in

Free admission

Opening

Open over six months of the year during exhibitions, typically Tuesday to Saturday 11am to 4pm; closed Bank Holidays. Check before you go.

Tours

Self-guided; group tours can be arranged in advance with Museum Services on 028 2766 0230

Age limits

None; all ages welcome

Food

No museum café; cafés and shops in the surrounding town centre

Family-friendly

Yes, suitable for all ages

Parking

Town centre car parks nearby; check before you go

Accessibility

Located in the listed 1859 Town Hall; contact the museum on 028 2766 0230 for access details

How long to allow

30 to 45 minutes

Address

Coleraine Town Hall, The Diamond, Coleraine, BT52 1DE

Questions

Before you go

How much is it to get in?

Free admission

What are the opening times?

Open over six months of the year during exhibitions, typically Tuesday to Saturday 11am to 4pm; closed Bank Holidays. Check before you go.

Is it good for kids?

Yes, suitable for all ages

Are there guided tours?

Self-guided; group tours can be arranged in advance with Museum Services on 028 2766 0230

Is there parking?

Town centre car parks nearby; check before you go

Getting there

Coleraine Museum is at Coleraine Town Hall, The Diamond, Coleraine, BT52 1DE. Town centre car parks nearby; check before you go. Tap below for directions.

Directions on Google Maps See it on our map

Nearby

Make more of the day

More days out in ColeraineSee what else is close by More museums across NIGreat for a rainy day

The story

About Coleraine Museum

Coleraine Museum is an Accredited museum run by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. Rather than a single permanent display, it presents its collection through changing exhibitions in Coleraine Town Hall, a listed building dating from 1859 on The Diamond in the centre of town.

Its collection supports a long local history. The standout is Mountsandel, on the southern edge of Coleraine, recognised as the first known settlement in Ireland and dated to the Mesolithic around 10,000 years ago. The museum also covers Coleraine as the first Planted town 400 years ago, and holds work by illustrator Hugh Thomson and folklorist Sam Henry.

Where current exhibitions cannot show everything, the museum offers appointments to view other parts of the collection, and arranges group tours and talks on request.