Somme Museum
First World War museum near Newtownards with guided tours through reconstructed trenches, run by the Somme Association.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Somme Association, a registered charity formed in 1990, built and owns the Somme Heritage Centre between Newtownards and Bangor in County Down. The centre opened in 1994 and was created partly with grant funding to commemorate the 36th (Ulster), 16th (Irish) and 10th (Irish) Divisions. It describes itself as a place for the study and interpretation of Ireland’s part in the First World War, with a special focus on the Battle of the Somme.
The museum is visited through hourly guided tours with expert guides. They lead visitors through reconstructed First World War trenches and let them see and hear what life was like for a soldier. Time is also allowed to look at the other exhibitions.
The collection covers the Great War in depth. Since 2000 the museum has widened its scope to the Second World War and later conflicts, and it holds a growing oral history archive. School groups, families and members of the public visit regularly, and the Association also looks after the Ulster Memorial Tower at Thiepval in France.
Highlights
- Guided tours through reconstructed First World War trenches
- Collection on Ireland’s part in the First World War, especially the Somme
- Oral history archive with Second World War material
- Educational programme for primary and post-primary schools
- Fully accessible tours that can be adapted to different needs
Permanent exhibitions
- Reconstructed First World War trenches – Trenches reconstructed to show what life was like for a First World War soldier, visited on the guided tour.
- Ireland and the First World War – Displays on the 36th (Ulster), 16th (Irish) and 10th (Irish) Divisions and the Battle of the Somme.
- Founded
- 1994
- Operated by
- Somme Association
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £11 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | £9Seniors aged 65 and over and visitors with accessibility needs |
| Children & teens | £9 |
| Seniors | £9Aged 65 and over. |
| Visitors with disabilities | £9 |
| Groups | £11 per personAdult group rate in normal hours; £12 per person for groups outside normal hours. |
| Families | £35Two adults and three children. |
| Family ticket (one adult and up to three children) | £32 |
| School group, per pupil (teachers free) | £6.50 |
| Group outside normal hours, all ages (20 or more people, maximum 2 hours) | £12 |
The published price list is the guided-tour tariff; the adult price of £11 is the adult rate in normal hours. Entry is by guided tour.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum describes itself as fully accessible, and tours can be adjusted for all abilities and learning needs. A wheelchair is available on request, and the interactive tour suits visitors with limited mobility. Hands-on tours can be arranged in advance for visually impaired visitors. There is a hearing loop at reception and a portable loop for guided tours, and the toilets are fully accessible. Staff have had autism awareness training.
Kids & families
| Family ticket | £35 · Two adults and three children. |
|---|
Two family tickets are offered, and schools can book a guided tour with a hands-on session.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
On-site car park for about thirty cars, with space for several coaches and overflow parking.
The museum is off the A21 Bangor to Newtownards road, between Conlig and Newtownards; follow the brown information signs.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The café is currently closed but can cater for groups by prior arrangement.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
A lecture hall and a lecture theatre can be hired; enquiries are made by email.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Visits are made on guided tours that start on the hour; group tours last about an hour and can be booked by email. The schools programme for primary and post-primary pupils includes a guided tour and a hands-on session. |
