Talks

Find out more about our local archaeological sites and enjoy a hands-on look at what’s been unearthed in the area with a range of genuine artefacts available to view and handle.

Discover the significance of this ninth century bell and find out all about the creation of the Bangor Bell sculpture located at the Abbey. This talk also includes some handling items.

Explore the history of the museum, including its transition from a part-time facility in Bangor Castle to the full-time visitor attraction it is today, having expanded across the old stable block and laundry areas. You can also visit our museum collection to see first-hand how much this has grown over the years.

Discover fascinating facts about the history of Bangor Abbey – from the ‘Valley of the Angels’ to the foundation of a monastery by St Comgall circa 558. This talk concludes in the 17th century.

Learn all about the archaeological evidence discovered at Bangor Abbey and its associated sites in the area.

Delve into the history of the three castles which have stood on the current Bangor Castle site – from the original home of Sir James Hamilton, to the Bingham family who sold the estate in 1941.

Focusing on the castle which still stands today, this talk concentrates on the last family to live there and also takes a look at the achievements of the Hon Edward Barry Stewart Bingham VC OBE.

Learn all about the opportune Scot who settled in this area and find out how he developed the landscape we know today, creating the towns and roads that make up its geography.

See how the town was redeveloped into a resort, removing the mills from the seafront and creating pleasure grounds.

Take a nostalgic look back at Bangor in its hey-day as a seaside town – from the fun at Pickie Pool to the renowned dancehalls.

This talk compares these two popular seaside resorts – the preferred tourist destinations in the days before package holidays.

Enjoy a brief overview of the town’s history, from the Bronze Age and the time of the monks, right through to the Vikings, Planters, Victorians and eventually, the holidaymakers!

Discover the changing face of Bangor through our beautiful vintage postcard collection.

Find out more about the archaeology and history of Groomsport and Donaghadee.

This talk takes a look at the life of local boy, Jordan, who rose through the British diplomatic service to become one of its longest-serving and much respected officials.

Leanne Briggs from North Down Museum gives a short talk on the famous Neill's Teddies as part of BBC Art's #MuseumFromHome