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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 76,000.

[edit] Understand

Bangor is widely considered the wealthiest town in Northern Ireland. The town was not as badly affected by the "troubles" as most of Northern Ireland, however it was subject to some bombs. The threat has now gone. The town was the tourism capital of Northern Ireland in the 1960s, but 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.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

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. Trains on the Portadown / Belfast / Bangor line call at Sydenham (adjacent to Belfast City Airport) every thirty minutes; a single to Bangor costs £3.60.

[edit] By train

The town has excellent rail links to Belfast, with services departing from the combined bus and train station every thirty minutes to Belfast, Newry and Portadown.

[edit] Get around

The centre of town can be explored by foot, however there is an 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.

[edit] 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 close to 35°C (95°F). The lowest recorded temperature is -5°C (25°F). Temperatures above 27°C 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 40°F are rare. In summer, shorts for walking are good, and also remember the sunblock!

Template:Infobox Weather

[edit][add listing] See

In the town centre, a visit to Ireland's largest marina is recommended. Pickie Fun Park is beside the marina. From late June to late September, there is an excellent funfair beside the McKee Clock, another must see. Next to 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.

[edit][add listing] 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.

[edit][add listing] 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 [1] and Villa Toscana [2].

Great pub grub can be found in Coyles [3] pub and restaurant, Wolseys Bar, the Jamaica Inn on the coast road to Ballyholme.

[edit][add listing] 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, [4].
• Bangor Bay Inn, [5].
• Royal Hotel, [6]. 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.

[edit] 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 worth a visit.

[edit] 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.