The Somme Heritage Centre
.................................................................................................................................................

Opened in 1994 as a tourist attraction and educational facility. The Centre examines Ireland's role in the First World War with special reference to local cross-community involvement in the three volunteer divisions raised in Ireland: the 10th and 16th (Irish) Divisions and the 36th (Ulster) Division. These units comprised volunteers from both religions and traditions, Protestant and Catholic, Unionist and Nationalist. It is this coming together in common cause which is examined in the Centre. The Centre operates guided tours, during which the visitor is taken back through a 'timetunnel' to Ireland in 1910 and learns about the Home Rule Crisis which formed the backdrop to Ireland's involvement in the War. Visitors then enter a recruiting office, before going on to training. After travelling to France, the visitor enters a dug-out with information about life in the trenches. The highlight is a recreated front line trench, from which visitors can look out over 'No Mans Land' and view a dramatic audio-visual narrative of the Somme battle. The Centre also features a conventional museum area, with regularly changing exhibitions and a research facility, which is available to the public at a fee.

ADDRESS: 233 Bangor Road, Newtownards,
Co. Down, BT23 7PH
TEL: 028-9182 3202
FAX: 028-9182 3214
EMAIL: sommeassociation@dnet.co.uk
WEBSITE: www.irishsoldier.org

LOCATION: A21 Bangor to Newtownards

SEASON: All Year (except Christmas: Closed from Dec 20 until Jan 14)

OPENING TIMES:

GROUP BOOKINGS NECESSARY: Yes

MANAGER: Carol Walker

AVERAGE VISIT LENGTH: 1 1/2 - 2 hours

ENTRANCE FEES: Adult: Stg£4.25 / Child: Stg£3.25

GUIDED TOURS: Max No: 20, Duration: 50 minutes. Languages: English

AUDIO VISUAL: Seating: 20, Duration: 50 minutes. Languages: English. Part of Guided
Tour

EXHIBITION: Languages: English. Not part of tour and can be viewed at leisure

RESTAURANT: Café serving light lunches, teas, coffee, traybakes and scones

SHOP: Yes

INFORMATION GUIDE: English

COACH PARKING: Yes

CAR PARKING: Yes

DISABLED ACCESS/TOILET: Yes