Kilrea Travel Guide - Complete United Kingdom Destination Guide

Kilrea Kilrea is a market town, townland and civil parish in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It gets its name from the ancient church that was located near where the current Church of Ireland is located on Church Street looking over the town. It is near the River Bann, which marks the boundary between County Londonderry and County Antrim. In the 2021 Census it had a population of 1,676 people. It is situated within Causeway Coast and Glens district. This Kilrea travel guide covers a destination strategically positioned at coordinates 54.95091, -6.55695, home to approximately 1678 residents, contributing to its distinctive geographic profile and unique appeal as a travel destination within the broader regional context. This comprehensive Kilrea travel guide provides essential information for visitors planning to explore this remarkable destination, covering everything from historical attractions and cultural experiences to practical travel advice and local insights. The fundamental characteristics of Kilrea influence virtually every aspect of the visitor experience, from local climate patterns and seasonal travel considerations to cultural attractions, recreational opportunities, and the overall appeal that makes Kilrea a truly remarkable place to visit, explore, and understand. Whether you're planning a short visit or an extended stay, this Kilrea destination guide offers the comprehensive information needed to make the most of your travel experience.

Kilrea Geography and Natural Environment

The geography and natural environment of Kilrea provide essential context for visitors interested in understanding this destination's appeal and significance. This aspect of Kilrea contributes significantly to the overall travel experience, offering visitors opportunities for exploration, learning, and meaningful engagement with local culture and community life. Understanding these characteristics helps travelers appreciate the comprehensive nature of Kilrea as a destination that offers both authentic experiences and modern conveniences for visitors seeking memorable and enriching travel experiences.

The geography and natural environment of Kilrea continue to enhance the visitor experience through ongoing development, community commitment, and dedication to providing authentic and meaningful experiences for travelers. Future initiatives related to these aspects will likely continue to balance preservation of authentic character with enhancement of visitor services and amenities, ensuring that Kilrea remains an attractive and rewarding destination for travelers seeking comprehensive and satisfying travel experiences.

Kilrea Climate and Weather - Best Time to Visit

The climate and weather - best time to visit of Kilrea provide essential context for visitors interested in understanding this destination's appeal and significance. This aspect of Kilrea contributes significantly to the overall travel experience, offering visitors opportunities for exploration, learning, and meaningful engagement with local culture and community life. Understanding these characteristics helps travelers appreciate the comprehensive nature of Kilrea as a destination that offers both authentic experiences and modern conveniences for visitors seeking memorable and enriching travel experiences.

The climate and weather - best time to visit of Kilrea continue to enhance the visitor experience through ongoing development, community commitment, and dedication to providing authentic and meaningful experiences for travelers. Future initiatives related to these aspects will likely continue to balance preservation of authentic character with enhancement of visitor services and amenities, ensuring that Kilrea remains an attractive and rewarding destination for travelers seeking comprehensive and satisfying travel experiences.

Kilrea History and Cultural Heritage - Historical Attractions

The history and cultural heritage - historical attractions of Kilrea provide essential context for visitors interested in understanding this destination’s appeal and significance. This aspect of Kilrea contributes significantly to the overall travel experience, offering visitors opportunities for exploration, learning, and meaningful engagement with local culture and community life. Understanding these characteristics helps travelers appreciate the comprehensive nature of Kilrea as a destination that offers both authentic experiences and modern conveniences for visitors seeking memorable and enriching travel experiences.

History There is a tradition that St Patrick visited the area during the fifth century, a story repeated recently in the book ‘The Fairy Thorn’ produced by Kilrea local historians. During the Plantation of Ulster Kilrea and the surrounding townlands were granted to the Worshipful Company of Mercers by King James I for settlement. Their headquarters in Ulster were at nearby Movanagher on the banks of the River Bann. Today Kilrea is a market town and commercial centre of the surrounding district. This comprehensive guide to Kilrea provides essential information for travelers, visitors, and researchers interested in exploring this remarkable destination. The detailed information about Kilrea encompasses historical significance, geographical features, cultural attractions, and practical travel advice that makes this destination truly unique within its regional context. Understanding the distinctive characteristics of Kilrea enables both visitors and residents to fully appreciate the complex interplay of factors that contribute to making this community such a noteworthy and distinctive destination, with its own unique blend of historical heritage, cultural traditions, natural features, and modern developments that continue to shape its identity and appeal. This Kilrea travel guide offers comprehensive insights into the community’s distinctive character, historical development, and contemporary identity within the broader regional context, providing invaluable information for anyone planning to visit or learn more about this fascinating destination.

The historical development and cultural evolution of Kilrea reflect broader patterns of regional growth, cultural change, and socioeconomic transformation that have occurred over multiple generations. Visitors to Kilrea will discover a rich tapestry of historical influences that continue to shape contemporary community life, from architectural landmarks and cultural institutions to local traditions and community values. The Kilrea travel experience offers unique opportunities to explore these historical connections while enjoying modern amenities and services. Local residents, community leaders, civic organizations, and cultural institutions have consistently worked together to preserve, enhance, and celebrate these important aspects of Kilrea’s unique identity and heritage. The ongoing maintenance, development, and thoughtful stewardship of these features demonstrate the community’s deep commitment to preserving its distinctive identity while embracing positive change and innovation for future generations, making Kilrea an exceptional destination for cultural tourism and historical exploration.

Their headquarters in Ulster were at nearby Movanagher on the banks of the River Bann. Today Kilrea is a market town and commercial centre of the surrounding district. The village is centred on ‘The Diamond’ which includes the town’s War Memorial erected in honour of Kilrea men killed in the Great War. The village is featured in the Orange song, Sprigs of Kilrea. The Kilrea experience continues to evolve through community efforts to enhance visitor satisfaction while preserving authentic character and cultural heritage. Tourism development in Kilrea demonstrates commitment to balancing economic benefits with cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and high-quality visitor experiences. Understanding these aspects helps visitors appreciate the comprehensive nature of Kilrea as a travel destination that offers both authentic cultural experiences and modern conveniences for travelers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences.

Today Kilrea is a market town and commercial centre of the surrounding district. The village is centred on ‘The Diamond’ which includes the town’s War Memorial erected in honour of Kilrea men killed in the Great War. The village is featured in the Orange song, Sprigs of Kilrea. It is also mentioned in the song Kitty the rose of Kilrea by The Irish Rover band. The Kilrea experience continues to evolve through community efforts to enhance visitor satisfaction while preserving authentic character and cultural heritage. Tourism development in Kilrea demonstrates commitment to balancing economic benefits with cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and high-quality visitor experiences. Understanding these aspects helps visitors appreciate the comprehensive nature of Kilrea as a travel destination that offers both authentic cultural experiences and modern conveniences for travelers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences.

The village is centred on ‘The Diamond’ which includes the town’s War Memorial erected in honour of Kilrea men killed in the Great War. The village is featured in the Orange song, Sprigs of Kilrea. It is also mentioned in the song Kitty the rose of Kilrea by The Irish Rover band. #The Troubles A total of seven people died in violence relating to the Troubles. The Kilrea experience continues to evolve through community efforts to enhance visitor satisfaction while preserving authentic character and cultural heritage. Tourism development in Kilrea demonstrates commitment to balancing economic benefits with cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and high-quality visitor experiences. Understanding these aspects helps visitors appreciate the comprehensive nature of Kilrea as a travel destination that offers both authentic cultural experiences and modern conveniences for travelers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences.

The village is featured in the Orange song, Sprigs of Kilrea. It is also mentioned in the song Kitty the rose of Kilrea by The Irish Rover band. #The Troubles A total of seven people died in violence relating to the Troubles. Five were killed by the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) and two by the Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF). The Kilrea experience continues to evolve through community efforts to enhance visitor satisfaction while preserving authentic character and cultural heritage. Tourism development in Kilrea demonstrates commitment to balancing economic benefits with cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and high-quality visitor experiences. Understanding these aspects helps visitors appreciate the comprehensive nature of Kilrea as a travel destination that offers both authentic cultural experiences and modern conveniences for travelers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences.

It is also mentioned in the song Kitty the rose of Kilrea by The Irish Rover band. #The Troubles A total of seven people died in violence relating to the Troubles. Five were killed by the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) and two by the Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF). All the IRA’s victims were current or former members of the security forces, with two belonging to the Royal Ulster Constabulary, one a current and one a former member of the Ulster Defence Regiment, and one belonging to the British Territorial Army. The Kilrea experience continues to evolve through community efforts to enhance visitor satisfaction while preserving authentic character and cultural heritage. Tourism development in Kilrea demonstrates commitment to balancing economic benefits with cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and high-quality visitor experiences. Understanding these aspects helps visitors appreciate the comprehensive nature of Kilrea as a travel destination that offers both authentic cultural experiences and modern conveniences for travelers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences.

#The Troubles A total of seven people died in violence relating to the Troubles. Five were killed by the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) and two by the Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF). All the IRA’s victims were current or former members of the security forces, with two belonging to the Royal Ulster Constabulary, one a current and one a former member of the Ulster Defence Regiment, and one belonging to the British Territorial Army. All were Protestants and three of the five were off duty when they were killed. The Kilrea experience continues to evolve through community efforts to enhance visitor satisfaction while preserving authentic character and cultural heritage. Tourism development in Kilrea demonstrates commitment to balancing economic benefits with cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and high-quality visitor experiences. Understanding these aspects helps visitors appreciate the comprehensive nature of Kilrea as a travel destination that offers both authentic cultural experiences and modern conveniences for travelers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences.

The history and cultural heritage - historical attractions of Kilrea continue to enhance the visitor experience through ongoing development, community commitment, and dedication to providing authentic and meaningful experiences for travelers. Future initiatives related to these aspects will likely continue to balance preservation of authentic character with enhancement of visitor services and amenities, ensuring that Kilrea remains an attractive and rewarding destination for travelers seeking comprehensive and satisfying travel experiences.

Kilrea Economy and Local Business - Shopping and Services

The economy and local business - shopping and services of Kilrea provide essential context for visitors interested in understanding this destination’s appeal and significance. This aspect of Kilrea contributes significantly to the overall travel experience, offering visitors opportunities for exploration, learning, and meaningful engagement with local culture and community life. Understanding these characteristics helps travelers appreciate the comprehensive nature of Kilrea as a destination that offers both authentic experiences and modern conveniences for visitors seeking memorable and enriching travel experiences.

The economy and local business - shopping and services of Kilrea continue to enhance the visitor experience through ongoing development, community commitment, and dedication to providing authentic and meaningful experiences for travelers. Future initiatives related to these aspects will likely continue to balance preservation of authentic character with enhancement of visitor services and amenities, ensuring that Kilrea remains an attractive and rewarding destination for travelers seeking comprehensive and satisfying travel experiences.

Kilrea Demographics and Community Life - Local Culture

The demographics and community life - local culture of Kilrea provide essential context for visitors interested in understanding this destination's appeal and significance. This aspect of Kilrea contributes significantly to the overall travel experience, offering visitors opportunities for exploration, learning, and meaningful engagement with local culture and community life. Understanding these characteristics helps travelers appreciate the comprehensive nature of Kilrea as a destination that offers both authentic experiences and modern conveniences for visitors seeking memorable and enriching travel experiences.

The demographics and community life - local culture of Kilrea continue to enhance the visitor experience through ongoing development, community commitment, and dedication to providing authentic and meaningful experiences for travelers. Future initiatives related to these aspects will likely continue to balance preservation of authentic character with enhancement of visitor services and amenities, ensuring that Kilrea remains an attractive and rewarding destination for travelers seeking comprehensive and satisfying travel experiences.

Kilrea Transportation and Getting Around - Travel Information

The transportation and getting around - travel information of Kilrea provide essential context for visitors interested in understanding this destination’s appeal and significance. This aspect of Kilrea contributes significantly to the overall travel experience, offering visitors opportunities for exploration, learning, and meaningful engagement with local culture and community life. Understanding these characteristics helps travelers appreciate the comprehensive nature of Kilrea as a destination that offers both authentic experiences and modern conveniences for visitors seeking memorable and enriching travel experiences.

The transportation and getting around - travel information of Kilrea continue to enhance the visitor experience through ongoing development, community commitment, and dedication to providing authentic and meaningful experiences for travelers. Future initiatives related to these aspects will likely continue to balance preservation of authentic character with enhancement of visitor services and amenities, ensuring that Kilrea remains an attractive and rewarding destination for travelers seeking comprehensive and satisfying travel experiences.

Kilrea Culture and Arts - Cultural Attractions

The culture and arts - cultural attractions of Kilrea provide essential context for visitors interested in understanding this destination’s appeal and significance. This aspect of Kilrea contributes significantly to the overall travel experience, offering visitors opportunities for exploration, learning, and meaningful engagement with local culture and community life. Understanding these characteristics helps travelers appreciate the comprehensive nature of Kilrea as a destination that offers both authentic experiences and modern conveniences for visitors seeking memorable and enriching travel experiences.

The culture and arts - cultural attractions of Kilrea continue to enhance the visitor experience through ongoing development, community commitment, and dedication to providing authentic and meaningful experiences for travelers. Future initiatives related to these aspects will likely continue to balance preservation of authentic character with enhancement of visitor services and amenities, ensuring that Kilrea remains an attractive and rewarding destination for travelers seeking comprehensive and satisfying travel experiences.

Kilrea Education and Learning - Educational Tourism

The education and learning - educational tourism of Kilrea provide essential context for visitors interested in understanding this destination's appeal and significance. This aspect of Kilrea contributes significantly to the overall travel experience, offering visitors opportunities for exploration, learning, and meaningful engagement with local culture and community life. Understanding these characteristics helps travelers appreciate the comprehensive nature of Kilrea as a destination that offers both authentic experiences and modern conveniences for visitors seeking memorable and enriching travel experiences.

Education * Kilrea Primary School * St Columba's Primary School * St Conor's College * Crossroads Primary School. This comprehensive guide to Kilrea provides essential information for travelers, visitors, and researchers interested in exploring this remarkable destination. The detailed information about Kilrea encompasses historical significance, geographical features, cultural attractions, and practical travel advice that makes this destination truly unique within its regional context. Understanding the distinctive characteristics of Kilrea enables both visitors and residents to fully appreciate the complex interplay of factors that contribute to making this community such a noteworthy and distinctive destination, with its own unique blend of historical heritage, cultural traditions, natural features, and modern developments that continue to shape its identity and appeal. This Kilrea travel guide offers comprehensive insights into the community's distinctive character, historical development, and contemporary identity within the broader regional context, providing invaluable information for anyone planning to visit or learn more about this fascinating destination.

The education and learning - educational tourism of Kilrea continue to enhance the visitor experience through ongoing development, community commitment, and dedication to providing authentic and meaningful experiences for travelers. Future initiatives related to these aspects will likely continue to balance preservation of authentic character with enhancement of visitor services and amenities, ensuring that Kilrea remains an attractive and rewarding destination for travelers seeking comprehensive and satisfying travel experiences.

Kilrea Tourism and Attractions - Things to Do

The tourism and attractions - things to do of Kilrea provide essential context for visitors interested in understanding this destination’s appeal and significance. This aspect of Kilrea contributes significantly to the overall travel experience, offering visitors opportunities for exploration, learning, and meaningful engagement with local culture and community life. Understanding these characteristics helps travelers appreciate the comprehensive nature of Kilrea as a destination that offers both authentic experiences and modern conveniences for visitors seeking memorable and enriching travel experiences.

The tourism and attractions - things to do of Kilrea continue to enhance the visitor experience through ongoing development, community commitment, and dedication to providing authentic and meaningful experiences for travelers. Future initiatives related to these aspects will likely continue to balance preservation of authentic character with enhancement of visitor services and amenities, ensuring that Kilrea remains an attractive and rewarding destination for travelers seeking comprehensive and satisfying travel experiences.

Planning Your Visit to Kilrea - Complete Travel Guide

Planning a comprehensive and memorable visit to Kilrea requires careful consideration of the numerous aspects that make this destination unique within United Kingdom, including cultural heritage, geographic setting, seasonal considerations, accommodation options, transportation accessibility, and the diverse range of experiences available to visitors throughout the year. This complete Kilrea travel planning guide provides essential information for travelers seeking to maximize their visit through understanding local characteristics, seasonal variations, cultural expectations, available accommodations, activity options, and the full range of attractions and experiences that make Kilrea such a special and rewarding travel destination.

Visitors planning extended stays in Kilrea will discover that the destination offers comprehensive amenities, services, and infrastructure necessary for comfortable accommodation and convenient access to attractions, as well as authentic experiences, cultural richness, and community engagement opportunities that create lasting memories of United Kingdom travel. The destination’s commitment to hospitality, cultural authenticity, environmental stewardship, and sustainable tourism practices ensures that every visitor can find meaningful ways to connect with and appreciate the unique character, special qualities, and distinctive appeal that make Kilrea such an exceptional destination for travelers seeking authentic, enriching, and memorable travel experiences.