The development of the town of Banbridge in County Down is explained by its name: the place grew around a crossing of the River Bann, a strategically important spot as it lay and lies on the main route between Belfast and Dublin, these days the A1. Best known in employment terms at least in the past for its flax and linen industries, the town at the centre of Ireland’s textile trade, Banbridge still has damask-weaver Thomas Ferguson & Sons in the town along with Ulster Weavers (visits are possible to Ferguson’s works). As regards landmarks the strange arrangement in the town centre known unofficially as ‘The Cut’ is Banbridge’s civil engineering claim-to-fame: the centre is built on a steep hill, so to facilitate the crossing from one side to the other what is effectively an underpass was built in 1834, flanked by roads and houses above it with a bridge connecting the two sides. Visitors to the area will find several attractions well worth visiting around the town, these including the impressive megalithic tripod dolmen at Legananny nine miles southeast; a Bronze Age crannog at Loughbrickland a few minutes south via the A1; and Lisnagade Fort, a substantial circular earthwork thought to date from the 4th century AD that is just three miles west of the town. Real devotees of the Bronte sisters will also be fascinated by the well-signposted Bronte Homeland route, this being where the paterfamilias Patrick Bronte originated. As befits a settlement undergoing strong population growth Banbridge has a relatively young age profile, with a few clubs to match that market, its annual festival of busking something else perhaps of particular interest to that youthful age group.
Care Home
Golf Club
Pub and Bar
Bridge Bar
Bus Bar
First 'n' Last
Imperial Inn
Jamies Bar
McGraff's Bar
Railway Inn
Red Star Bar
Top Of The Town Bar
Shops
Hallmark Cards
Framed With Care
Places to Stay near Banbridge
Portpatrick Hotel (56.56 miles)
We are blessed with having some beautiful ... More | visit website
Dunskey Guest House (56.77 miles)
Fernhill Hotel (56.77 miles)
With breath taking views over the village and harbour of the picturesque village of Portpatrick, Fernhill Hotel is the best place in the area to relax and enjoy the fantastic views, play the superb golf ... More | visit website
Tigh Na Mara Hotel (60.32 miles)
Tigh na Mara Hotel boasts an enviable location, situated within a stone's throw of a beautiful stretch of unspoilt, sandy beach. This area features some of Scotland’s most spectacular coastline ... More
Torrs Warren Country House Hotel (60.80 miles)
A quiet family run hotel ideal for the ferry to Ireland or exploring the Rhins in the southwest of Scotland. We have a licensed bar and restaurant and all the ... More
Marine House Hotel (61.91 miles)
Jim & Fiona Wood welcome you to the Marine House Hotel website. Our well furnished and decorated hotel is in the town of Stranraer, in the southwest of Scotland. We ... More
Fernlea Guest House (61.91 miles)
Close to Stranraer’s town centre and ferry port, this charming family-run bed and breakfast is housed in an attractive, stone-built Victorian property, boasting fine original woodwork and ceilings. With just 3 rooms, ... More
Cross Haven Guest House (61.92 miles)
Mick and Gayle Holmes guarantee you a warm welcome on your arrival at Cross Haven. It is a beautiful Victorian villa refurbished by us to a high standard. Formerly a ... More
The Swan Inn (61.92 miles)
Abonny Guest House (61.99 miles)
Abonny Guest House is a family bed and breakfast accommodation situated close to Stranraer town centre, ferry, rail and bus terminals.The guest house is totally non-smoking and offers both en-suite ... More
Brit Quote: |
|
On this day: |