Step Back in Time Walking Tour - Experience AND 2024

Part of Experience Ards and North Down 2024. Click here to see the full programme. 

Step back in time with Tour Guide Leanne Briggs and uncover stories of Bangor's fascinating past. 

Beginning at Bangor Abbey, hear how for almost three hundred years this was one of the greatest monastic schools in Europe. Follow the Bangor Bell Trail through Castle Park, to the North Down Museum, see displays which reflect the pivotal role that the Abbey held in early Christian Ireland. Discover how the monks met their fate at the hands of the Vikings and see a reconstructed Monk's Cell. Then it's a short walk through the park to Bangor Castle's original Victorian Walled Garden, which is home to the "Convey" sculpture, hear how its design links many aspects of Bangor's history together.

Make a day of it with lunch in our beautiful Victorian Walled Garden or venture the short distance to Bangor city centre.   

Things to note                                                   Tour departs on foot from Bangor Abbey,  Newtownards Road, Bangor, BT20 4JE.

No concessions.

Under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult and also purchase a full price ticket.

Please dress for warmth and comfort as dictated by the weather.

Tickets close 24 hours before.

Getting there

By car: from Belfast follow A2 to Bangor Town Centre. On street parking nearby. Parking available on Abbey Street

Car parking | Ards and North Down Borough Council

By public transport: Train or bus to Bangor Station. From the main entrance of the station, turn right heading up Abbey Street towards the traffic junction with the Newtownards Road, and walk approximately 15-10 minutes until arriving at Bangor Abbey. See Translink for timetables.

Accessibility                                                                                                                                  Just under a one mile walk on pathed surfaces through the park. Tour is fully accessible with disabled toilets available in the Museum and the Walled Garden.   This experience may not be suitable for wheelchair users / those with mobility issues - Please contact the Visitor Information Centre team for more information.                                                                       

Carers  Where practicable ANDBC will aim to accommodate carers and be as inclusive as possible. Due to the variety and nature of the programme this requires assessment on a case-by-case basis. If you require further information in relation to this, please call Bangor Visitor Information Centre on 028 9127 0069, and they will be able to address your enquiry.

Tickets now on sale - book now! | Terms and conditions apply

Online booking fees apply. Avoid the booking fee and buy direct through our Visitor Information Centres.

All details subject to change.

Entrance Fee