'''Bangor''' is the third largest town in Northern Ireland, after Belfast and Londonderry. It is situated on the southern shores of Belfast Lough and has a population of about 76000.

Understand

Bangor is widely considered as the wealthiest town in Northern Ireland. The town was not as badly affected by the "troubles" as most of Northern Ireland however the town was subject to some bombs. The threat now though has gone. The town was the tourism capital of Northern Ireland in the 1960s, but has lost this reputation. Now, though, many areas are being redeveloped and the town was awarded winner of the Best Kept Town Competition in 2003. The town was voted the most desirable place to live in August 2007.

Get in

The town does not have its own airport but George Best Belfast City Airport is just 15 minutes away, and Belfast International Airport is about 40 minutes away. The town also has excellent road and rail links to Belfast, with newly rebuilt train station.

Get around

The centre of town can be explored by foot, however there is any excellent bus service operated by Translink to all parts of the town. Taxis can also be found waiting beside the train station, at the top of Main Street.

Climate

If your looking for good weather in Ireland, you are most likely to find it here in Bangor. It enjoys one of the sunniest, driest climates in Ireland with some of the highest temperatures. This is due to its shelter from the prevailing south west winds, but it is also sheltered from cold northerlies and easterlies in winter.Winter maximums are about 7__C (45__F) but can reach as high as 17__C (63__F). Average maximums in summer are 20 __C (68 __F) with a record of close to 35__C (95__F). The lowest recorded temperature is -5__C (25__F). Temperatures above 27__C in bangor are usually uncomfortable due to the high humidity, and real feels would be in the mid 30s.

In winter, a jumper and waterproofs are sufficient - temperatures below 40f are rare. In summer, shorts for walking are good, and also remember the sunblock!

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See

There is a lot to see and do in Bangor. In the town centre, a visit to Irelands largest marina is recommended. Beside the marina, Pickie Fun Park can be found. From late June to late September, there is an excellent funfair, which is beside the McKee Clock, another must see. Beside the Leisure Centre is Bangor Castle, which currently serves as the town hall. On Abbey Street, Bangor Abbey can be found, which was the monastery in which Bangor was founded in AD549. There is also a fantastic coastal path to Helens Bay which a pleasant walk can be enjoyed, with breathtaking views across Belfast Lough and to Scotland on a clear day.

Buy

There are 3 shopping centres in the town- one recently refurbished (The Flagship Centre), which is in the town centre on Main Street, one currently undergoing refurbishment (The bloomfield Centre) found in Bangor South, and one being rebuilt( Springhill Shopping Centre), in Bangor West. There are also plans for a fourth one on Queens Parade, but this is facing planning problems.

There are also many other shops in the town centre, including souvenir shops.

Eat

There are a ride range of places to eat, ranging from small chip shops and fast food restaurants, to more elegant places such as Ratz '''[http://www.ratzbangor.com/] '''and Villa Toscana '''[http://www.thinkitalian.co.uk/1280/toscana.html]'''

Great pub grub can be found in '''Coyles '''[http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/product.aspx?ProductID=7953] pub and restaurant, '''Wolseys Bar''', the '''Jamaica Inn''' on the coast road to Ballyholme.

Sleep

Bangor is famous for its B&Bs along the coast. These offer good value accommodation, with many of the rooms having sea views. There are also larger hotels such as:

  • '''Marine Court Hotel''', [http://www.marinecourthotel.net/opencontinent/default.asp].
  • '''Bangor Bay Inn''', [http://www.bangorbayinn.com/].
  • '''Royal Hotel''', [http://www.royalhotelbangor.com/]. About 10 minutes from Bangor in Cultra, there is one of the few 5 star hotels in Northern Ireland - the Culloden, which part of the Hastings Hotels group.
  • Get Out

    Belfast is located just 15-20 minutes away. It is easy to get here by train. Down the Ards Peninsula, the beautiful gardens and house of Mount Stewart can be found, which are well woth a visit.

    Stay Safe

    Crime in Bangor is low, but antisocial behaviour can be a problem on weekend evenings in some areas. Take sensible precautions and enjoy the hospitality of the locals.