10 Best Things To Do In Banbridge, Northern Ireland

1. Appreciate local art at FE McWilliam Gallery and Studio

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Dedicated to honouring the memory and works of famed Irish sculptor, Frederick Edward McWilliam, FE McWilliam Gallery and Studio features a phenomenal display of his works via permanent displays, temporary exhibitions, lectures and seminars, and other art-centred events that are hosted there regularly. Additionally, the studio also celebrates the works of other international artists, so it is a great place to be for the art enthusiasts amongst you. Works displayed at The Studio (indoor gallery) and The Sculpture Garden (garden decorated with sculptures) are the most popular here, so do visit!

Disclaimer: FE McWilliam Gallery and Studio was temporarily shut, owing to COVID-19 safety measures, at the time this article was published. Kindly check their official website for latest information.

FE McWilliam Gallery and Studio

Address: 200 Newry Rd, Banbridge BT32 3NB, United Kingdom

Website: FE McWilliam Gallery and Studio

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

Price: Free

2. Explore Dromore High Cross

Dromore High Cross is a historic site, located at a walking distance from the Dromore Cathedral. It boasts a scenic setting, with River Bann, the cathedral, and a scenic Irish countryside forming its backdrop. It is essentially a large stone-built cross that was touted to exist from the 9th to 10th centuries, making it a complete hit among history buffs. The cathedral’s visitor centre provides excellent information about the cross’ history, so do head there to learn more.

Dromore High Cross

Address: 30 Church St, Dromore BT25 1AA, United Kingdom

3. Have a fun time at The Boulevard - Banbridge

The Boulevard - Banbridge, is a premier shopping destination in Banbridge and possibly all of Northern Ireland. With outlets of more than 50 leading brands, some of the most amazing eateries, and lots of entertainment options, the place is a bustling hotspot of activities. Plus, most showrooms offer incredible deals (up to 70% discounts!) at all times, so you can grab a bang for your buck! Nike, Calvin Klein, Jack and Jones, Timberland, The Edinburgh Wooden Mill, and Gap are some of the many stores here.

Disclaimer: The Boulevard - Banbridge was temporarily shut, owing to COVID-19 safety measures, at the time this article was published. Kindly check its official website for latest information.

The Boulevard - Banbridge

Address: The Outlet Bridgewater Park, Cascum Rd, Banbridge BT32 4LF, United Kingdom

Website: The Boulevard - Banbridge

4. Catch a movie at Omniplex Cinema Banbridge

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If not shopping and dining at The Boulevard - Banbridge, you can always catch a movie at Omniplex Cinema Banbridge. You can simply book tickets and watch the latest movie releases at this eight-screen cinema, including 3D movie experiences. What’s even better is that the theatre also hosts sensory screenings during weekends, for the differently-abled. Check out Omniplex Cinema Banbridge’s website and book yourselves tickets to a fab movie-watching experience.

Disclaimer: Omniplex Cinema Banbridge was temporarily shut, owing to COVID-19 safety measures, at the time this article was published. Kindly check its official website for latest information.

Omniplex Cinema Banbridge

Address: Unit 4-12, The Outlet BT32 4GJ, United Kingdom

Website: Omniplex Cinema Banbridge

5. Soak in the beauty of nature at Solitude Park

Bordering the banks of River Bann, Solitude Park is the spot to spend a relaxing time outdoors. The park is decorated with aesthetic sculptures, boasts outdoor gym equipment, has a designated play area for kids, a dedicated picnic and seating spots, and plenty of open area and walkways for you to spend time amidst nature. Additionally, there is also a foot-over bridge that connects to the opposite bank of the river that you can walk up to. While these themed trails are short, those of you interested in longer hikes can walk past Banbridge Leisure Centre to Dunbar Road, looping back through Havelock Park.

Solitude Park

Address: 48 Rathfriland Rd, Banbridge BT32 3LA, United Kingdom

Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)

Price: Free

6. Play a round at Banbridge Golf Club

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Banbridge Golf Club enjoys quite a bit of popularity for its sprawling 18-hole golf course, luxurious clubhouse, and an excellent restaurant. It is located on the Belfast-Dublin road and is a great stopover spot if you’re driving down. You need not be a member of the club to avail its facilities; just hit up the concierge desk and they’ll help you with arrangements and payments. Do remember that, like most other clubs, Banbridge Golf Club also follows a dress code, so wear appropriate clothes to be permitted entry.

Banbridge Golf Club

Address: 116 Huntly Rd, Banbridge BT32 3UR, United Kingdom

Website: Banbridge Golf Club

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 11pm; Sun: 9am - 10pm

7. Get your hands dirty at Mount Ida Pottery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you’re a crafty soul (and no, we don’t mean cunning!), Mount Ida Pottery is the place for you to check out. It is a family-run gallery and store, selling handmade earthenware ceramics and decorative items, although Mount Ida Pottery’s clay modelling and pottery classes are its highlights. This is an excellent activity for those of you in Banbridge with kids – the store provides all provisions, so all you need to do is head there and jump into a world of learning and fun. Rates of these courses and classes vary and they also follow differing timings, so check out their official website for specific details.

Mount Ida Pottery

Address: 32 Mount Ida Rd, Banbridge BT32 4HF, United Kingdom

Website: Mount Ida Pottery

8. Go fishing at Banbridge Angling Club

Banbridge Angling Club is for those of you into fishing. The club enjoys excellent access to upper River Bann, Lough Brickland Lake, and Corbet Lough, along with several other smaller lakes that are great for coarse fishing. The waters are rife with brown trout, rainbow trout, dollaghan, pike, rudd, perch, bream, and salmon. Although, do note that you have to release your catch back into the water after you’ve enjoyed the thrill of catching one. You need fishing permits to head for a trip to any of these, so do ensure that you have these permits to make the most of your outing here.

Banbridge Angling Club

Address: 2a Kiln Lane Havelock Park Lurgan Road, Banbridge BT32 4PD, United Kingdom

Website: Banbridge Angling Club

9. Head for a stroll in The Whyte Estate

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Whyte Estate is another historical landmark, located in Loughbrickland, a small village south of Banbridge main town. The family-owned estate is an abyss of lush woodlands and a fantastic country feel, making it pretty popular among nature enthusiasts. The woodland trail here – about 1.5km (0.9 miles) long – is ideal to stroll through while admiring the nature and quietude around. The historic Coolnacran and Johnston’s forts also fall along this route, so take a while and admire all that this quaint estate has to offer.

The Whyte Estate

Address: 3WN, Old Newry Rd, Banbridge, United Kingdom

Price: Free

10. Spend time outdoors at Loughbrickland Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

And, while you are in Loughbrickland, try visiting Loughbrickland Park too. It is a local facility, touted to have some of the most fantastic walking trails and plenty of picnic tables. There’s also a designated kids’ play area, so your little ones can have themselves a ball while you enjoy basking in the Irish sun. Else, carry your picnic basket and enjoy a fun picnic session with loved ones.

Loughbrickland Park

Address: Poyntpass Road Loughbrickland County Down BT32 3PW

Price: Free 

An amazing getaway

Even if you don’t want to station yourself at Banbridge, it is an easy distance away from Dublin and Belfast (about 1.5 hours from Dublin and half an hour from Belfast), so do try and accommodate a day trip, if nothing else. There are quite a few unique experiences in this city to add a dash of amazing to your Irish getaway. Put our research to good use and try some (or all) of the above things to do in Banbridge, UK.