Somme Heritage Centre
| County: | Down |
| Tel: | 028-9182 3202 |
| Fax: | 028-9182 3214 |
| Email: | enquiry.shc@hotmail.co.uk |
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 and the Centre operates guided tours where the visitor is taken back through a 'time-tunnel' to Ireland in 1910 and 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.
General Information
| Address: | 233 Bangor Road, Newtownards, Co. Down, BT23 7PH |
|---|---|
| Telephone; | 028-9182 3202 |
| Fax: | 028-9182 3214 |
| Email: | enquiry.shc@hotmail.co.uk |
| Website: | http://www.irishsoldier.org |
| Location: | A21 Bangor to Newtownards |
| Season: | All Year (except Christmas: Closed for 3 weeks) |
| Open Times: | Apr-June & Sept: Mon-Thurs: 10-4, Sat: 11-4 July-Aug: Mon-Sat: 10-5 Oct-March: Mon-Thurs: 10-4 |
| Tours: | Max No: 20, Duration: 50 minutes. Languages: English |
| Booking Contact: | sommeassociation@btconnect.com |
| Manager: | Carol Walker |
| Average Visit Length: | 1 1/2 - 2 hours |
| Entrance Fees: |
Adult: £5.75, Child: £4.75, Family: £18 Group Rate (over 20): Adult: £4.75, Child: £3.75 |
| Audio Visual: | Seating: 20, Duration: 50 minutes |
| Exhibition: | Languages: English. Not part of tour and can be viewed at leisure |
| Restaurant: | Café serving light lunches, teas, coffee, traybakes and scones |
| Picnic Area: | No |
| Shop: | Shop |
| Information Guide: | English |
| Coach Parking: | Yes |
| Group Booking Necessary: | Yes |
| Car Parking: | Yes |
| Disabled Access/Parking: | Yes |
Schools
The Somme Heritage Centre is a Museum which examines Irish participation in the First World War. The war is an important element of History Key Stage 3. At present the Centre caters for around 7,000 school visits each year. Our exhibitions look at various aspects of the conflict - recruiting, training, trench warfare, etc. We also look at social history - such as the role played by women in the war. Our displays regularly change, and many of them are relevant to Irish history in general and particularly to issues related to Unionism and Nationalism. The centre now offers footage, interviews with veterans and handling objects for Second World War students. We offer all groups an object handling session (which must be booked in advance). The café can offer ‘school specials’, and we can cater for a maximum of 70 children
Conference & Incentive
The Somme Heritage Centre is an ideal venue for a range of events. Situated between the towns of Bangor and Newtownards, and just 10 miles from Belfast, the centre has excellent facilities which are available for hire. We can cater for business meetings, seminars, lectures, receptions or social events. Catering facilities are available
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