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EuropeUnited KingdomNorthern Ireland

Bangor

Northern Ireland, United Kingdom · Europe

About Bangor

Bangor works well as a base: 15 minutes from Newtownards, 52km from Tollymore Forest Park.

Bangor is a town located in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. With a population of 61,011, it is an important destination in Europe.

On a road trip, Bangor sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Bangor to your route.

About Bangor

Bangor ( BANG-gər; from Irish Beannchar [ˈbʲaːn̪ˠəxəɾˠ]) is a city in County Down, Northern Ireland, on the southern side of Belfast Lough. It is within the Belfast metropolitan area and is 13 miles (22 km) east of Belfast city centre, to which it is linked by the A2 road and the Belfast–Bangor railway line. The

Read more population was 64,596 at the 2021 census. Bangor was granted city status in 2022, becoming Northern Ireland's sixth city. Bangor Abbey was an important and influential monastery founded in the 6th century by Saint Comgall. Bangor grew during the 17th century Plantation of Ulster, when many Scottish settlers arrived. Today, tourism is important to the local economy, particularly in the summer months, and plans are being made for the long-delayed redevelopment of the seafront; a notable historical building in the city is Bangor Old Custom House. The largest plot of private land in the area, the Clandeboye Estate, which is a few miles from the city centre, belonged to the Marchioness of Dufferin and Ava. Bangor hosts the Royal Ulster and Ballyholme yacht clubs. Bangor Marina is one of the largest in Ireland, and holds Blue Flag status.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in Bangor

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Bangor?

Bangor offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to Bangor?

Plan your road trip to Bangor with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Bangor as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is Bangor located?

Bangor is located in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 54.6608 latitude, -5.6680 longitude.

What is the population of Bangor?

Bangor has a population of approximately 61,011 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.

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Quick Information

Population
61,011
Continent
Europe
Country
United Kingdom
Region
Northern Ireland
Timezone
Europe/London
Coordinates
54.6608, -5.6680

Emergency & Services

Essential numbers in United Kingdom

Police
999
Ambulance
999
Fire
999
Non-emergency police
101
Driving side
left

112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.

Full driving guide for United Kingdom

Tags

EuropeUnited KingdomNorthern IrelandTown

Worth the detour from Bangor

8 notable places within an hour's drive.

museum

Ulster Transport Museum

Major transport museum at Cultra near Belfast, home to a gull-winged DeLorean DMC-12 built just miles away, Irish-built cars, locomotives and a renowned Titanic exhibition.

9 km · about 15 min drive

historic highway

Craigantlet Hillclimb

A hillclimb on public roads in the hills above Belfast, running since 1946 and closed to traffic only on event days. The narrow climb gives long views over Belfast Lough.

9 km · about 15 min drive

castle

Carrickfergus Castle

One of the best-preserved Norman castles in Ireland, guarding Belfast Lough for over 800 years from its commanding waterfront position.

11 km · about 20 min drive

scenic viewpoint

The Gobbins

A dramatic Edwardian cliff-path of bridges and tunnels clinging to the basalt cliffs of Islandmagee.

13 km · about 25 min drive

museum

Titanic Belfast

World-leading visitor attraction in a striking angular building on the exact spot where RMS Titanic was designed, built and launched in 1912.

17 km · about 20 min drive

historic highway

Dundrod Circuit

A 11.9km loop of Northern Irish country lanes still used for the Ulster Grand Prix motorcycle races, with jumps, stone walls and hedges inches from the racing line. Open public roads the rest of the year.

28 km · about 35 min drive

national park

Tollymore Forest Park

Northern Ireland's first state forest park at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, with Gothic arches, ancient trees and Game of Thrones filming locations.

52 km · about 60 min drive

coastal drive

Antrim Coast Road

A breathtaking coastal drive hugging cliffs and beaches from Larne past the Glens of Antrim toward the Causeway.

52 km · about 60 min drive

Driving roads near Bangor

  • Right hereCraigantlet HillclimbA hillclimb on public roads in the hills above Belfast, running since 1946 and closed to traffic only on event days. The narrow climb gives long views over Belfast Lough.
  • Right hereThe GobbinsA dramatic Edwardian cliff-path of bridges and tunnels clinging to the basalt cliffs of Islandmagee.
  • 28 kmDundrod CircuitA 11.9km loop of Northern Irish country lanes still used for the Ulster Grand Prix motorcycle races, with jumps, stone walls and hedges inches from the racing line. Open public roads the rest of the year.
  • 52 kmAntrim Coast RoadA breathtaking coastal drive hugging cliffs and beaches from Larne past the Glens of Antrim toward the Causeway.
  • 59 kmMourne MountainsGranite mountain range that inspired C.S. Lewis's Narnia, with the Mourne Wall traversing 15 peaks and sweeping views to the Irish Sea.
  • 64 kmTorr Head Scenic RouteWhite-knuckle single-track coastal road off the main Causeway route between Ballycastle and Cushendun, clinging to steep headlands at Torr Head where Scotland's Mull of Kintyre looms just 12 miles across the sea.

Driving in United Kingdom

Drives on
the left
Petrol
~€1.73/litre
Motorway tolls
None

When to drive here

April to October

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near Bangor.

Newtownards

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

8 km awayPop. 29,363

Donaghadee

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

9 km awayPop. 7,369

Holywood

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

10 km awayPop. 13,109

Whitehead

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

11 km awayPop. 3,697

Millisle

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

11 km awayPop. 1,914

Carrickfergus

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

11 km awayPop. 29,208

Dundonald

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

11 km awayPop. 13,985

Comber

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

13 km awayPop. 9,190

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence