natural wonder
Lough Neagh
The largest freshwater lake in the British Isles at 392 square kilometres, with a famous eel fishery.
9 km · about 15 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomNorthern Ireland
Portadown
Northern Ireland, United Kingdom · Europe
About Portadown
Portadown is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Craigavon, 9km from Lough Neagh.
Portadown is a town located in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. With a population of 32,926, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Portadown 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 Portadown to your route.
About Portadown
Portadown (From Irish: Port an Dúnáin, 'landing place of the little fort' pronounced [pɔɾˠt̪ˠ ə ˈd̪ˠuːnˠaːnʲ]) is a town in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. The town stands on the River Bann in the north of the county, about 24 miles (39 km) southwest of Belfast. It is in the Armagh City, Banbridge and CraigavonRead more
Borough Council area and had a population of about 22,000 at the 2021 Census. For some purposes, Portadown is treated as part of the "Craigavon Urban Area", alongside Craigavon and Lurgan.
Although Portadown was founded during the early 17th century British Plantation of Ulster, it was not until the Victorian era and the arrival of the railway that it developed as a major town. It earned the nickname "hub of the North" because it was a major railway junction; here the Great Northern Railway's line diverged for Belfast, Dublin, Armagh and Derry. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Portadown was also a major centre for the production of textiles (mainly linen).
Portadown is the site of the long-running Drumcree dispute. Catholics have opposed yearly marches by the Protestant Orange Order through a majority-Catholic part of town. This often sparked protests and violence. In the 1990s, the dispute escalated and prompted a massive police and army operation, drawing worldwide attention to Portadown.
Where to Stay in Portadown
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Portadown?
Portadown 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 Portadown?
Plan your road trip to Portadown with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Portadown as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.
Where is Portadown located?
Portadown is located in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 54.4230 latitude, -6.4443 longitude.
What is the population of Portadown?
Portadown has a population of approximately 32,926 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 32,926
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- Northern Ireland
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 54.4230, -6.4443
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Portadown
8 notable places within an hour's 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.
29 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.
40 km · about 45 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.
40 km · about 45 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Slieve Donard and the Mourne Wall
Northern Ireland's highest peak at 850m, with the 22-mile granite Mourne Wall running over its summit.
43 km · about 50 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Mourne Mountains
Granite mountain range that inspired C.S. Lewis's Narnia, with the Mourne Wall traversing 15 peaks and sweeping views to the Irish Sea.
45 km · about 50 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.
47 km · about 55 min 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.
49 km · about 55 min drive
Driving roads near Portadown
7 named roads, passes and coastal drives within 100km.
- 29 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.
- 43 kmSlieve Donard and the Mourne WallNorthern Ireland's highest peak at 850m, with the 22-mile granite Mourne Wall running over its summit.
- 45 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.
- 47 kmCraigantlet 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.
- 61 kmThe GobbinsA dramatic Edwardian cliff-path of bridges and tunnels clinging to the basalt cliffs of Islandmagee.
- 75 kmCauseway Coastal Route (A2 Antrim Coast Road)A cliff-edge road cut in the 1830s between Larne and Ballycastle, running under the Glens of Antrim with the Scottish coast in view.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
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