Coleraine is situated at the lowest bridgeable point of the River Bann in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland.

Within the town, the river is crossed by the Bann Bridge, Coleraine Bridge, and Sandelford Bridge. Known as The Diamond, the town square includes Coleraine Town Hall.

Archaelogical evidence suggests that the area of Coleraine has been inhabited since the Mesolithic era, around 7000 BC. The nearby Mount Sandel Mesolithic site is one of Ireland's oldest known human settlements. Excavations at the site have uncovered remnants of ancient buildings, tools, and other artifacts.

Over the centuries, Coleraine became a focal point for various cultures and civilizations. During the Neolithic period, megalithic structures, including dolmens (portable tombs) and passage tombs, suggest a shift toward a more settled agricultural community. During the Bronze Age, metalworking and trade networks connected Coleraine to other parts of Ireland.

The arrival of the Celts around 500 BC introduced new social structures, languages, and artistic traditions that would shape the region for centuries. Its location along the river made it an important center for trade and communication.

The town's name is derived from the Irish Cúil Rathain, which translates to "nook of the ferns," a reference to the lush landscape along the river.

The town's early economy was derived from its natural resources and geographical advantages. Fertile land along the river supported agriculture, with early inhabitants cultivating crops like barley, wheat, and oats, while the river provided fish and facilitated trade and transportation.

During the medieval period, its economy continued to evolve, with the establishment of monastic settlements like the Abbey of Saint Mary and others. These religious institutions served as centers of spiritual life while contributing to the local economy through agriculture, craftsmanship, and trade.

The Plantation of Ulster in the early 17th century was a transformative period for Coleraine. Under the auspices of the London Companies, the town was systematically colonized and developed, including new infrastructure, like roads, bridges, and fortified walls. Improved agricultural practices and the establishment of industries, like linen production, bolstered the economy.

During the War of the Two Kings (1689-1691), Coleraine was a centre of Protestant resistance to the rule of James II. Richard Hamilton's Irish Army was repelled, although the Protestants were later forced to abandon the town and withdraw to Derry.

During the Industrial Era, the expansion of the river port and the development of the railway, the town expanded considerably, its population doubling.

Following World War II, the town's population again expanded.

During The Troubles, eleven people were killed in Coleraine, ten by explosions, while another was shot. Although the conflict is generally considered to have ended with the Belfast Agreement of 1998, there are indications of continued sectarian violence and paramilitary activity, albeit to a lesser extent.

Today, the town's economy depends on education, retail, tourism, and manufacturing. Ulster University has a campus in Coleraine that has contributed to the local economy through employment, research initiatives, and business partnerships.

However, Northern Ireland is one of the poorest countries in Europe, and Coleraine sits within the second poorest council areas in the country. There has been a steady decline in recent years, with several shops closing. The town once had thirty-five pubs, which have been reduced to five. Some of the products historically produced in Coleraine have moved out of town. For example, Coleraine Cheddar is now produced in Portadown, while Irish Distillers now make Coleraine Whiskey in Cork.

Coleraine has a population of about 25,000 and is classified as a relatively small town within the official classification of a large town.

Coleraine has considerably more churches per capita than the average town in the United Kingdom.

The town also has a lively educational sector, including a large campus of the University of Ulster and several primary and secondary schools. Also in Coleraine, the Causeway Institute is a College of Further and Higher Education.

Coleraine has several sports clubs, including Coleraine Football Club, Coleraine Rugby Football & Cricket Club, Coleraine Bowling Club, and some equestrian facilities.

Topics related to businesses, industries, schools, health facilities, places of worship, historical places, museums, art galleries, entertainment venues, organisations, transportation services, and events within the town are appropriate for this category.

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