Bangor, Northern Ireland


Bangor, Northern Ireland, lies along the Belfast Lough where it feeds into the Irish Sea. The town is within the Belfast Metropolitan area, and sits only a few minutes away from the city itself. Through much of its modern history Bangor has been a favored resort town, and tourism still plays a large role in its economy.

The climate around Bangor is mild, with average low temperatures above freezing throughout the winter. Although it is situated by the sea, Bangor’s location on the sheltered east coast of Northern Ireland means that it gets only moderate amounts of rainfall. The sea air and moderate weather were key factors in making Bangor a resort destination in the Victorian Era.Bangor Marina, Bangor Northern Ireland

Bangor’s early claim to fame arrived ca 555, when Saint Comgall established a monastery there. The abbey was destroyed by the Danes in the early 800s, but rebuilt 300 years later.

Because of its northerly location, Bangor did not see the same level of air attacks as did some of the United Kingdom’s southern ports during the Second World War. The city did play a role during the conflict though, and some of the troops who took part in the D-Day landings departed from Bangor. The Bangor marina’s North Pier was renamed Eisenhower Pier to commemorate this event.


During the violent political troubles that plagued Northern Ireland in the late twentieth century, there were several bombings in the 1970s and 90s. Peace returned after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

There are many things to see and do in Bangor. The marina is the largest in Ireland and hosts many sailing events. Bangor Castle, a mansion built in the 1850s, now serves as the meeting place for the North Down Borough Council. The current abbey in Bangor sits on the site of the original monastery, and many of the buildings are hundreds of years old.

Visitors to Bangor don’t have to look far for accommodations. There are several hotels in and near the town, as well as a number of bed and breakfast establishments. The night life can be enjoyed at several pubs and nightclubs.

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Belfast, Northern Ireland

 


Belfast, Northern Ireland has a millennium of documented history and has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. It is a city of over half a million people and the capitol of Northern Ireland. The name, Belfast, means something like “sandbar at the mouth of the rivers.” It was an ideal location for ship building.

Since the the century anniversary of the Titanic sinking, Belfast has been in the news for its museum, Titanic Belfast. It tells the story from beginning to end and events afterwards. Called “The Iceberg” for its silvery aluminum, block-like appearance, it sits on the grounds of the former Titanic ship builders, Harland and Wolff.City Hall, Belfast Northern IrelandVisitors will not want for restaurants and bars in Belfast. From very inexpensive fare to fine dining, it is well-stocked with food and beverage purveyors in every quarter. The Black Taxi tours provide information about all aspects of Belfast, including dining and drinking establishments, and the tour ends with a Guinness and a bowl of Irish stew. This simple fare tastes divine in Ireland and cannot be replicated elsewhere.

The Troubles in the 1970s drew attention to Belfast for the tragedy and violence of the Catholic-Protestant conflicts and frequent murders. Since the 1998 peace treaty between Republican and Loyalist factions, peace has reigned and tourism has boomed. The Belfast Murals Tour is a good way to learn about this sad history and the hard-won path to peaceful times.

The western part of Belfast, where many incidents occurred, has murals depicting scenes from those times, and visitors can talk with individuals who were involved as activists, former prisoners or educated guides. Some who went on hunger strikes, MPs, peace negotiators and escapees from the horror of jail are also available to talk with on some tours. There is no more authentic account about this time period and what it meant because both sides are represented.


Since Belfast and Northern Ireland are part of the United Kingdom, there is a long history of English-Irish conflicts over ownership, culminating in the 1922 partitioning of Ireland. The Parliament Buildings at Stormont, in Belfast, were built in 1932 to house the Northern Ireland Assembly. Tours are open to the public.

Belfast has also been known as a producer of linen since the 1820s. Good linen is easily found in stores around Belfast for beautiful, easy to carry gifts. Belfast has survived and prospered, and welcomes the world.

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