Banbridge, a town in County Down, Northern Ireland, is situated about fourteen miles south-west of Belfast along the A1 road between Belfast and Dublin.
The town's name is derived from the Irish Bean Bhride, meaning "the bridge of Brigid," and is named after a bridge built over the River Bann in 1712. The river, the longest in Northern Ireland, flows through the town.
Banbridge is part of the Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craig Borough Council. It lies within the civil parish of Seapatrick and the historic barony of Iveagh Upper, Upper Half, which was created in 1851 with the division of the barony into two.
The town's main street is notable for its steep hill, a challenge for stagecoaches in the 1830s. An underpass was constructed to address this issue, known as "The Cut," officially named "Downshire Bridge."
Evidence of early inhabitation of the Banbridge area dates back to the ancient Celts, who were likely attracted to the area due to its strategic location near the River Bann.
The town's history is also marked by the linen industry, which played a significant role in its development and contributed to the victory in World War II by providing material for the tails of Spitfire and Lancaster bombers. This industry has now diminished considerably, but Banbridge still has three of the major producers in Ulster: Weavers, Thomas Ferguson & Company, and John England Irish Linen.
The town's economy has largely transitioned from its roots in linen and flax production to a more diverse landscape. Today, the town offers a range of dining options, including the Jolly Fryer, a family-run fish and chip shop, and the Indian Tree, a popular Indian restaurant. Additionally, Banbridge hosts various festivals and events, such as the Banbridge BuskFest, a music festival held every June, as well as the Banbridge District Pipe Band Championships, a competitive event showcasing traditional music and culture.
In 1920, Banbridge experienced violence related to the ongoing Irish War of Independence and the partition of Ireland. On 17 July, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) assassinated British Colonel Gerald Smyth in Cork. Smyth was from a wealthy Banbridge family, and his large funeral was held there on 21 July. After Smyth's funeral, about 3,000 Protestant loyalists took to the streets of Banbridge, intent on revenge against the Catholic community, burning several Catholic homes and businesses. Catholic factory workers were forced from their jobs, and many Catholic families fled Banbridge.
There were three significant bombings in Banbridge during The Troubles. On 15 March 1982, a Provisional IRA bomb killed a schoolboy and injured 36 people. On 4 April 1991, another IRA bomb caused considerable damage to Banbridge Courthouse, injuring a police officer. There was also a republican bombing outside a shoe shop on 1 August 1998 after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.
Although The Troubles were officially ended with the Good Friday Agreement, tensions have remained in several Northern Ireland communities.
Banbridge is home to several places of interest, including Solitude Park, which was originally a private estate and is now a public park, and the F.E. McWilliam Gallery, a museum dedicated to the sculptor Frederick Edward McWilliam. The Old Town Hall in Banbridge was constructed in 1834. Near Banbridge are the ancient Lisnagade Fort, Legannany Dolmen, and the Loughbrickland Crannóg, built around 500 AD.
Historic churches in Banbridge include Banbridge Baptist Church, which was founded in 1845; St. Patrick's Church, originally completed in 1839; and Banbridge Independent Methodist Church, founded in 1939.
Serving the Banbridge area are seven primary schools (Abercom Primary School, Ballydown Primary School, Bridge Integrated Primary School, Bronte Primary School, Edenderry Primary School, Milltown Cemetery Primary School, and St. Mary's Primary School), and four post-primary schools (Banbridge Academy, Banbridge High School, St. Patrick's College, and New-Bridge Integrated College).
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The small family-run business in Banbridge, Northern Ireland, hires, services, and repairs campervans and caravans. They offer a variety of campervans and motorhomes to suit various needs and group sizes. They also offer convenient pickup and drop-off services, and customer support and assistance are available throughout the rental period. Its motorhomes are highlighted, including those available for sale, and 6D Leisure also offers campsites and Game of Thrones tours.
https://www.campervanhireni.com/
Based in Avonmore House, a historic green building in Church Square, Banbridge, Northern Ireland, CCB Aesthetics is a professional, medically-led aesthetics clinic. The company offers a variety of treatments, including anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, skin boosters, polynucleotides, and Obagi skincare. The clinic is led by Cathy, a former cardiology nurse specialist, CCB focuses on providing safe, evidence-based, and tailored treatments to enhance natural beauty.
https://ccbaesthetics.com/
The Banbridge, Northern Ireland business offers a wide range of professional and reliable garage services, aimed at being a one-stop shop for all vehicle repair and maintenance needs. Its services include a full range of vehicle repairs, MOT testing, fleet servicing, breakdown recovery, and engine remapping, with courtesy cars available. Its location, photographs, and an overview of its services are set forth, along with client testimonials, and online vehicle booking.
https://www.jandmautorepairs.com/
The design agency in Banbridge, County Down, Northern Ireland, specialises in web design, branding, creative campaigns, and print services. Their expertise includes branding and creative campaigns, web design and development, print, graphic design, press advertising, packaging, and labeling. The company serves clients throughout Southern and Northern Ireland. It also offers a business startup package with a website and hosting, logo design, stationery set design, domain and email, and SEO.
https://mediafourteen.com/
Situated at Crabtree Cottage, Crabtree Road, Ballyroney, Banbridge, County Down, Northern Ireland, Stitches by Cheryl is a custom curtain design studio specialising in sewing and soft furnishing design. Its website features an introduction to the team, its address and directions, opening hours, and contacts. Its textile brands, personal design services, made-to-measure services, supplies, and fitting services are defined, with examples, and work may be booked online.
https://www.stitchesbycheryl.com/
