Discover the City of Bangor

Bangor is a historic, vibrant, and culturally rich city situated on the northern tip of Ards and North Down, in County Down on the east coast of Northern Ireland (NI). In 2022, Bangor was awarded city status by Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

Bangor by the sea is brimming with places to explore, all within walking distance. Surrounded by stunning coastline, the city is wrapped around its award-winning marina and is home to a top ten NI visitor attraction, Pickie Funpark. The wide range of restaurants, cafés, and bars offer delicious local food and drink and a warm welcome.  Nearby beaches, coastal paths, and piers all offer opportunities to escape, relax and breathe in the sea air. 

Learn more about the city’s rich heritage with visits to Bangor Abbey, Eisenhower Pier and Bangor Marina, Bangor Castle and Walled Garden, and North Down Museum. On the way stop at one of our independent stores to pick up locally crafted mementos or eateries to sample tasty local food and drink. 

For perfect seaside fun visit, the award-winning Pickie Funpark, grab an ice cream and enjoy a stroll along the piers. Venture further along the 16 mile North Down Coastal Path to enjoy the beauty of the water’s edge scenery. 

 
Bangor Seafront Area 

Historic Tower House - Bangor Visitor Information Centre

5 Quay St, Bangor BT20 5ED

Approx. 15-20 leisurely walk through the city centre, from Bangor Train Station, slightly downhill.

The Tower House in Bangor is the most important 17th-century port building surviving in Northern Ireland and are well preserved reminders of Bangor's sea-faring history. Originally built in 1637 as a Custom House by Sir James Hamilton who had ambitions to develop Bangor into an important port.  The architecture of the Tower is unique in Bangor and rare in Ulster. Over the past 300 years the building has served various purposes - private dwellings, an antique shop and housed hot sea water baths. In more recent times the building has been used as a photographic studio, the Council-run hot sea water baths, and an antiques shop. The building now houses the Visitor Information Centre.

Call into the City's Visitor Information Centre and chat with our expert team members who would be delighted to help offer tips and suggestions for how to make the most of your time in the city and the wider borough.
Whilst there, pick up a memento of your trip from the gift shop which sells a range of souvenirs as well as locally crafted jewellery, ornaments, beauty goods and so much more. 

Eisenhower Pier 

The Seafront, Quay Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5ED

Approx. 2 minutes walk, across the road, from Tower House

Mosaics on Eisenhower Pier depict the key role this region played in World War II, including General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s historic send off to the hundreds of Allied ships which were gathered in Bangor Bay before the D Day landings. It was renamed in a ceremony in 2005 by General Eisenhower’s granddaughter. Under the pier is a colony of black guillemots, locally known as the Bangor Penguins.
The pier is a popular fishing spot with great views over Bangor Marina and out over Belfast Lough.

Bangor Marina, leading to the promenade

Quay St, Bangor BT20 5ED

Approx. 2 minutes walk from Eisenhower Pier

Bangor Marina is one of Ireland’s largest and has achieved Blue Flag Award status. The McKee Clock and Sunken Gardens are situated on Bangor’s marina, as well as local Coastguard Headquarters, Bregenz House. The two aforementioned venues hold various events/festivals throughout the year. The maritime-inspired Sea Bangor Festival, held annually in June, is one of the most popular events in the year.

Pickie Funpark

Marine Gardens, Bangor BT20 5AG

Approx. 10-15 minutes walk, along the promenade from McKee Clock at the marina

Pickie Funpark (a top 10 attraction in Northern Ireland) provides an entertaining day out for all the family. Visitors can enjoy the Pickie Puffer steam train, giant Pickie pedal swans and an 18-hole nautical-themed mini golf course. It is also the perfect vantage point to sit and enjoy the superb views over Bangor Marina and Belfast Lough.

The North Down Coastal Path

The 16 mile stretch of North Down Coastal Path from Holywood, through Helen's Bay, Crawfordsburn, Stricklands Glen on to meet Pickie Funpark, from which it continues as the promenade, leading to Bangor Marina. The path carries on a number of miles, past Ballyholme, Groomsport, Orlock to Donaghadee. Whether you explore it in parts or make a journey of the 16 mile stretch, it offers beautiful views over Belfast Lough, taking in inlets of forests, beaches, villages and more.

Bangor – Light of the World 

Delve into the City’s Rich Christian Heritage and Fascinating History.

Find out about the Ards and North Down Christian Heritage Trail

Bangor Abbey

Newtownards Rd, Bangor BT20 4JF

Approx. 15 minutes walk from Tower House

Early Irish saints had an enormous and lasting impact on the development of Christianity across Europe, and none were as influential as the men who studied in this area. Bangor was one of most important monasteries in Early Ireland. 
Historic Bangor Abbey which was founded by St Comgall in 558AD. The Abbey’s celebrated literary work, Bangor Antiphonary - a collection of hymns, prayers, and poems are now kept in the Ambrosian Library in Milan, Italy. The churchyard has many old and interesting gravestones including a memorial to the assistant surgeon of the Titanic, John Edward Simpson.

Find out about the Ards and North Down Christian Heritage Trail

Bangor Castle 

Castle Park Rd, Bangor BT20 4TF

Approx. 10 minutes walk from Bangor Abbey

Bangor Castle is an impressive building which was built for the Honorable Robert Edward Ward and his family in 1852. The building is situated in the grounds of Castle Park alongside North Down Museum and is just a short walk from Bangor Castle Walled Garden. Ards and North Down Borough Council presently use the building as their headquarters. Tours of the building are by arrangement only.

North Down Museum

Castle Park Rd, Bangor BT20 4TF

Approx. 2 minute walk from Bangor Castle. The Museum is attached to the Castle, at the rear.

History enthusiasts will love the North Down Museum (FREE to visit) where you can learn the story of the North Down area from the Bronze Age to the present day. It also hosts local interest and art exhibitions throughout the year.

Bangor Castle Walled Garden 

Valentine Rd, Bangor BT20 4TF

Approx. 10 minute leisurely walk through Castle Park from the Museum.

The Ward family designed the Bangor Castle Walled Garden in the 1840s. It was officially opened as a visitor attraction in April 2009. Before that it was considered by many as a secret garden. The Garden opens all year round with seasonal opening hours.

Ward Park

Gransha Road, Bangor BT20 4TA 

Approx. 10 minutes walk from Castle Park or 15 minutes from Bangor seafront

Just a 10 minute stroll away from Castle Park is Ward Park, a local recreation area always full of life, offering a camling retreat so close to the city centre. It features a duck pond, aviary area and a playground, as well as tennis courts, a multi-surface pitch, and it is home to Bangor Library.

Near the library, the Bandstand plays stage to live music in the summer as part of Open House Festival. 

Walk through the park to the far side from Castle Park and you will find yourself within a short distance from the centres Main Street and High Street.

Town Trails

Set off on foot to explore the city with the help of a Town Trail booklet, available from our Visitor Information Centre. You might be inspired to venture further by the surrounding trails available too!

For even more inspiration, go to our Things to do section

Find out What's On when you are visiting Bangor