New free Railways of Binevenagh booklet celebrates its rich history

Described as ‘one of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world’ by Michael Palin (host of the BBC’s Great British Railway Journeys), the Derry to Coleraine railway has cut through the spectacular landscape of Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for almost 200 years. The fascinating history of this outstanding railway is celebrated in a new free publication by Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust.
By Peter Hutcheon
Published 6th Aug 2020, 11:17 BST
Updated 6th Aug 2020, 11:20 BST
A steam train from Derry exiting West Tunnel on its way into Castlerock on the North Coast in the 1950s.A steam train from Derry exiting West Tunnel on its way into Castlerock on the North Coast in the 1950s.
A steam train from Derry exiting West Tunnel on its way into Castlerock on the North Coast in the 1950s.

he brilliant Railways of Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty booklet follows the history of the Derry to Coleraine line from its construction to the present day. It explores how the railway shaped the Binevenagh landscape, helped keep time, grew early tourism along the North Coast and even contributed to the war efforts of the 20th century. Featuring memories and stories of local people, the booklet highlights what the railway has meant to generations of residents and visitors – including tales of eccentric events and reminiscences which are the stuff of local legend.

Readers also get to learn more about the wildlife and habitats of Binevenagh AONB, with a handy guide to local flora and fauna to watch out for from the train window.

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Voicing his support for the new publication, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Mark Fielding said: “The Causeway Coast and Glens area has a fascinating industrial history set amid a spectacular landscape and it’s fantastic to see it explored and celebrated in this way. The new booklet is a valuable resource for community and heritage groups, schools and interested individuals across the Borough and I hope everyone enjoys finding out more about the story of Binevenagh and that it encourages readers to travel on one of the most beautiful railway journeys.”

Visit the Binevenagh AONB Facebook page to view the digital launch of the booklet – which is available to download free from ccght.org. It is hoped that hard copies of the booklet will be made available from local Visitor Information Centres and other venues.

Related topics:MayorBBCDerryColeraineCauseway Coast