233 Bangor Road, Newtownards, BT23 7PH
The Somme Museum is a fully accredited, independent Museum, situated between Bangor and Newtownards. It opened in April 1994, primarily as an educational facility to examine Ireland’s role in the First World War. The site is on the edge of Clandeboye Estate where the 36th (Ulster) Division trained before departing for war.
The Museum is an educational facility and tourism attraction which examines and commemorates Ireland’s contribution to First World War through the actions of the 10th and 16th (Irish) Divisions and the 36th (Ulster) Division.
The key aims of the Museum include strengthening cross-community understanding and knowledge of shared heritage, improving cross-border relationships, promoting reconciliation and building on education/ outreach facilities and programmes.
The Museum has various displays and exhibitions and operates organised one hour guided tours through a time tunnel; starting with the events leading up to the outbreak of war and culminating in a walk through a trench system to give visitors an impression of what life was like in the trenches on the Somme during the First World War.