North Down

The North Down constituency runs along the southern side of Belfast Lough, and runs from the western fringes of the town of Holywood along the coast as far as the outer limits of Millisle. It encompasses all of North Down Borough Council area as well as three wards in Ards Borough Council centered around Donaghadee and Millisle. The largest town in the constituency, Bangor, accounts for about 2/3 of the constituency’s population and is the geographical centre of the area.

Due to its attractive coastal setting, proximity to Belfast and good community relations, North Down in general, and Bangor in particular, has experienced a massive growth in population since the Second World War. During that period there has been a rapid expansion with new residents moving from Belfast and other parts of Northern Ireland, and more recently a diverse and welcome range of people from different parts of the world. A number of places in North Down have frequently topped the polls for most desirable place to live in Northern Ireland. Many of its residents commute to work in Belfast, using the busy road and rail links with our capital city.

This post war growth in population disguises the history of an area where settlements and towns predate many others in Northern Ireland. Bangor predates Belfast and played a leading part in early Christian evangelism, immortalized in historian Ian Adamson’s book “Bangor – Light of the World.” Holywood also has deep historical roots and boasts the only functional maypole in Ireland. Other areas such as Donaghadee, Millisle, Conlig, Groomsport, Crawfordsburn, Seahill and Helens Bay also have a rich tapestry of history, and North Down amongst other things contains both the landing point for the Duke of Schomberg (William’s leading general at the Boyne) and the oldest pub in Ireland.

Often referred to as the Gold Coast, North Down is in reality a diverse social mix with large housing estates sitting alongside leafy suburbs. While largely viewed as a suburban constituency, North Down has portions of farm land largely concentrated around the Craigantlet hills, and the rural hinterland near Groomsport, Donaghadee and Millisle. North Down has a strong educational reputation and a higher percentage of graduates than most places in the UK.

North Down has a range of landmarks such as the Folk and Transport museum, the Coastal path, Crawfordsburn Country Park and Donaghadee harbour. With a wide range of leisure facilities, shops and restaurants North Down is an attractive destination to visit, and particularly popular around events that celebrate the constituency’s historical and maritime links, such as May Day in Holywood, Sea Bangor and the Easter Parade.