North Down Museum exudes charm and packs a lot into a small space, telling the history of the area from the Bronze Age to the present day – “an absolute gem” a TripAdvisor commentator said. Located in the former 19th century laundry and stables of Bangor Castle, this museum is the most visited local authority museum in Northern Ireland, welcoming nearly 74,000 visitors through its doors in 2019.
What’s alluring is the striking array of accessible exhibits and permanent and temporary exhibitions. These relate to the area’s myths and legends, history and heritage, the spread of Christianity and highlight the museum’s own collection of artefacts. These range from the Bronze age Ballycroghan Swords, to the 9th century Bangor Bell and early 17th century Raven Maps, the only complete folio of Plantation-era maps remaining in Ireland.
Older buildings are always hard to bring up to modern standards and a constant programme of updating the lighting makes for a comfortable and appealing environment to view displays. Each year the museum creates an energetic exhibition programme from museum artefacts, as well as in partnership with local groups. Many of these are developed into travelling exhibitions which travel across the Borough. Other temporary galleries are also spaces for local people to display their work.
The museum’s integration into its community is further demonstrated by its educational and events programmes. There are over 2000 pupil and 200 teacher curriculumlinked visits each year. The numerous events held in the museum and cafe (Coffee Cure @ the Museum, which sources its ingredients locally) include craft markets, family friendly events, book launches, lunchtime and evening talks – often jointly with local historical societies – demonstrations of local craft, wood carving and other skills and participation in festivals like Aspects, Creative Peninsula and Museums at Night.
Accessible for visitors with disabilities, the Museum also houses a shop - offering a range of locally sourced artwork, family learning activities, games, toys, souvenirs and books on local and historical topics.
To experience Ards and North Down’s history and heritage, visit most days from 10.00am.
northdownmuseum.com
The Green Tourism programme was funded by the Council’s Recycling Community Investment Fund - a scheme which is powered by the recycling efforts of local residents and businesses. Thanks to an increased amount of recycling by the local community, almost £15M has been saved in landfill costs since the programme’s inception. These savings have allowed the Council to create the RCIF which supports new and existing environmentally friendly initiatives.
