The Rough Guide was somewhat reticent about Coleraine (I know - it is only one person's opinion).
Having visited three times over the past three years I have always found it to be a pleasant place to stop and wander.
There are many small owner managed shops and, with a wide flowing river passing by the centre, is no less interesting than many Northern Ireland towns(Belfast is Best!).
Eating Out - Last year we ate in McNultys. We received a great welcome and the food was excellent. This year we thought we would try again. Great welcome & great food again. We shall return! If you want a good meal for about £18 each I really recommend it. Opposite the Tesco store on the 'inner ring road', you'll find McNultys at 2-4, Limemarket Street, Coleraine. Phone 028 7035 3924.
How about a great place to work up an appetite? Benone Strand is about a 10 minutes drive WNW. 7 miles of clean gently sloping golden sand, and you can drive down 2.5 miles of it, with two vehicle access points. Walking, paddling, kite surfing, boogie boarding. Great Place.