Historical treasures displayed in the converted laundry, stables and stores of Bangor Castle include the Raven Maps (the only complete folio of Plantation-era maps in Ireland); the Bronze Age Ballycroghan Swords, dating from around 500 BC; the 9th-century bronze handbell, the Bangor Bell; and a 17th-century sundial by Scottish craftsman John Bonar. Don't miss the model of Bangor Castle made out of sugar cubes, by local artist Brendan Jamison.
North Down Museum
County Down
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
10.22 MILES
The stunning, star-shaped Titanic Belfast is the city's number-one tourist draw. Standing majestically at the head of the slipway where the Titanic was…
11.26 MILES
Belfast's classical Renaissance-style City Hall was built in fine, white Portland stone in 1906. Highlights of the free, 45-minute guided tour include the…
11.85 MILES
You could spend hours browsing this state-of-the-art museum, but if you're pressed for time don't miss the Armada Room, with artefacts retrieved from the…
11.47 MILES
There are not many historical monuments that you can enjoy while savouring a pint of Guinness, but the National Trust's Crown Liquor Saloon is one of them…
11.19 MILES
The view from the summit of Cave Hill (368m) takes in the whole sprawl of the city, the docks, Belfast Lough and the Mourne Mountains – on a clear day you…
11.74 MILES
The showpiece of Belfast's green oasis is Charles Lanyon's beautiful Palm House, built in 1839 and completed in 1852, with its birdcage dome, a…
11.44 MILES
Guided tours of Belfast's notorious Crumlin Road Gaol take you from the tunnel beneath Crumlin Rd, built in 1850 to convey prisoners from the courthouse…
7.7 MILES
The magnificent 18th-century Mount Stewart is one of Northern Ireland’s grandest stately homes. Entertaining tours tell the story of the house and its…
Nearby County Down attractions
1. Bangor Castle Walled Garden
0.25 MILES
Designed in the 1840s by the Ward family who lived in Bangor Castle, these tranquil gardens make a good picnicking spot. It's particularly pretty in…
0.65 MILES
This old-fashioned seaside entertainment complex is famous for its swan-shaped pedal boats. There's also a kids' adventure playground, electric-track…
2.51 MILES
This pleasant park sits on the edge of a sandy bucket-and-spade beach with lovely views across Belfast Lough. Waymarked trails lead through meadows and…
3.01 MILES
The Ark is a family favourite for its rare breeds of sheep, cattle, poultry, llamas and donkeys. Kids get to pet and hand-feed the lambs, piglets and…
3.14 MILES
This grimly fascinating centre illustrates the horrors of the WWI Somme campaign of 1916 from the perspective of men of the 10th (Irish), 16th (Irish) and…
4.22 MILES
See how Avalon's handcrafted acoustic guitars are made on a factory tour. Every stage of the guitar-making process is explained, including how the wood…
5.24 MILES
Farmhouses, forges, churches, mills and a complete village have been reconstructed at this excellent museum, with human and animal extras combining to…
5.45 MILES
Across the road from the Ulster Folk Museum, the Transport Museum has steam locomotives, rolling stock, motorcycles, trams, buses and cars. Most popular…