Bangor

The town of Bangor really developed after the arrival of the Bangor-Holywood-Belfast railway . This brought more tourists to the region culminating in the town's position as a major seaside destination by the interwar years. The addition of golf courses, tennis courts, bathing facilities and dance halls ensured that the town maintained its popularity. After the war, the town became more of a dormitory town to Belfast and as communication links constantly improve, it remains so to the present day. Belfast is therefore easily accessible from Bangor - the smaller town provides some welcome peace after the bustle of the city.

The gradual metamorphosis of the town continues as many of the older tourist facilities are replaced with more modern ones. However, some traditional attractions remain firm favourites. The small museum in the North Down Heritage Centre behind Bangor Castle is an example. This is also the venue for the Annual Literary Festival . Pay a visit to the tourist information centre - it resides within the Tower House, built in 1636 as a Custom House. The town offers both modern leisure amenities and ancient historical relics, and much effort is made to keep the town to the fore of the Northern Ireland tourist industry.