Newtownards facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Newtownards
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 View of Newtownards from Scrabo Tower |
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 Newtownards
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| Population | 28,050 (2011 Census) |
| • Belfast | 9 mi (14.5 km) |
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| County | |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | NEWTOWNARDS |
| Postcode district | BT22, BT23 |
| Dialling code | 028 |
| Police | Northern Ireland |
| Fire | Northern Ireland |
| Ambulance | Northern Ireland |
| EU Parliament | Northern Ireland |
| UK Parliament |
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| NI Assembly |
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Newtownards is a town in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is located at the northern end of Strangford Lough, about 16 kilometers (10 miles) east of Belfast. The town is part of the Ards Peninsula and is governed by the Ards and North Down Borough. In 2011, about 28,050 people lived in Newtownards.
Contents
Discovering Newtownards: A Town's Journey Through Time
Early Beginnings: Monasteries and New Towns
The history of Newtownards goes way back to 545 AD. Around this time, a saint named St. Finian started a monastery called "Movilla." This name means "the plain of the sacred tree" in Irish, suggesting it was a special place even before the monastery.
Sadly, Vikings destroyed the monastery after 824 AD. Later, around 1226, the Normans (who came to Ireland after 1169) built a new town in the same spot. They called it "Nove Ville de Blathewyc," which means "New Town of Blathewyc." A Dominican priory (a type of monastery) was built in 1244 but closed in 1541.
In 1572, the Clanaboy O'Neills, led by Brian O'Neill, burned the monastery. They did this to stop the British from using the buildings. After this, the town disappeared, and the area became known as "Ballylisnevin."
Rebuilding and Growth: The Scottish Influence
In 1605, Hugh Montgomery was given the land. He began rebuilding what was then called Newtown, which later became Newtownards. Official records show the town was formally started in 1606. Montgomery built his home in the ruins of the old priory, and part of its tower is still there today.
Many Scottish settlers moved to the area, and the town quickly grew. Newtownards couldn't become a major port because the mud in Strangford Lough was too shallow. Instead, goods were moved from Donaghadee, a nearby town on the Irish Sea. Newtownards became an important market town. The Market House in Conway Square, built in 1770, is a reminder of this. A market still happens there every week!
Key Events: Rebellions and Railways
On June 10, 1798, during the Irish Rebellion of 1798, a group called the Society of the United Irishmen tried to take over Newtownards. They were defeated by musket fire from the market house.
The early 1800s saw marshy lands south of the town being drained. In 1850, the Belfast and County Down Railway connected Newtownards to Belfast. This helped the town grow, and by 1861, its population reached 9,500. The railway line closed in 1950.
As the 19th century ended, Newtownards became more connected to the growing city of Belfast. It became a popular place for people who worked in Belfast to live. By the end of the 20th century, the population had doubled to 27,800.
Modern Challenges: The Troubles and Development
During the Troubles, Newtownards experienced a car bomb attack on July 5, 1993. Roma's Bar on Regent Street was destroyed by a large bomb from the Provisional Irish Republican Army. Luckily, no one died, and the pub has since been rebuilt.
Newtownards' Shopping Future: Castlebawn Centre
The Castlebawn Shopping Centre was a big plan for Newtownards. It was meant to be a huge shopping area with stores and restaurants, creating up to 2,000 jobs. However, as of 2016, only a few parts were finished, like a Tesco Extra store, Matalan, Home Bargains, and Burger King. The company behind the project faced problems, and it's now unlikely to be fully built.
Newtownards' Population: A Look at the Numbers
Newtownards is considered a large town in Northern Ireland. Here's a quick look at its population:
2011 Census: How Many People Live Here?
In the 2011 Census, Newtownards had 28,039 people living in 11,533 homes.
2001 Census: More Details
On April 29, 2001, there were 27,821 people living in Newtownards.
- About 22.2% were under 16 years old.
- About 15.9% were 60 years old or older.
- 48.3% were male, and 51.7% were female.
- Most people (85.9%) were from a Protestant background, and 8.4% were from a Catholic background.
- About 3.6% of people aged 16–74 were unemployed.
Exploring Newtownards: Places to Visit
Scrabo Tower: A Landmark with a View
Overlooking Newtownards is the impressive Scrabo Tower, which stands 41 meters (100 feet) tall. This tower was built to honor Charles Stewart, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry. He was known for helping his tenants during the terrible potato famine. You can visit the tower, which has an exhibition about local history and nature. Scrabo Tower is located in Scrabo Country Park, which has lovely woodland walks through Killynether Wood.
Somme Heritage Centre: Remembering the Great War
Just north of Newtownards, you'll find the Somme Heritage Centre. This special place helps visitors understand the reality of the Great War and how it affected people at home. It tells the stories of Irish soldiers, including the 36th (Ulster) and 16th (Irish) divisions, who fought in battles like the Battle of the Somme. The center helps people from different backgrounds learn about and appreciate their shared history. It's connected to Helen's Tower on the Clandeboye Estate by the Ulster Way walking path.
Mount Stewart: A Beautiful House and Garden
A few miles outside Newtownards, near Greyabbey, is Mount Stewart. This beautiful 18th-century house and garden was once home to the Londonderry family. The house shows the history of this important family. The amazing 98-acre garden at Mount Stewart is so special that it's been suggested as a UNESCO world heritage site. Much of the garden was created in the 1920s by Edith, Lady Londonderry, and it has a fantastic collection of rare plants.
Music Scene: Local Talent
The progressive rock/metal band Winter was formed in Newtownards in 1987. They were known for their exciting live shows and unique sound. Their debut EP, "Across The Circle's Edge," was even played on BBC Radio 1!
Sports in Newtownards
Newtownards is home to several sports clubs.
Rugby
Ards Rugby Football Club plays at Lansdowne Road. Some famous former players include Blair Mayne DSO, Phil Matthews, and Nigel Carr, who all played for Ireland and the British Lions.
Cricket
Ards Cricket Club plays its home games at Londonderry Park.
Football
There are two local football teams:
- Ards F.C. plays in the NIFL's Danske Bank Premiership. They were founded in 1900.
- Ards Rangers F.C. plays in the Northern Amateur Football League.
Ards Motor Racing Circuit: A Historic Race Track
The Ards Circuit was a famous motorsport street circuit that went through Newtownards. It was used for the RAC Tourist Trophy sports car races from 1928 to 1936. This was Northern Ireland's biggest sporting event, attracting huge crowds of over a quarter of a million people!
Famous Faces from Newtownards
Many notable people have connections to Newtownards:
- Christine Bleakley: A well-known television presenter.
- Harry Cavan: A senior leader at FIFA (the world football organization) and president of the Irish Football Association.
- Jason Dunkerley: A Canadian five-time Paralympic medalist, born and raised in Newtownards.
- Nick Earls: A novelist.
- Eddie Irvine: A famous racing driver who was runner-up in the 1999 Formula One World Championship for Ferrari.
- Martyn Irvine: A former World Cycling Champion.
- Michael Legge: A stand-up comedian.
- Robert Blair "Paddy" Mayne: A co-founder of the SAS (a special forces unit). He was born and lived in Newtownards, and a bronze statue of him stands outside the town hall. He also played rugby for Ireland and the British Lions.
- Rhys McClenaghan: An Irish international gymnast and Olympic finalist.
- Ricky Warwick: Best known as the frontman for the Scottish band The Almighty.
Images for kids
See also
In Spanish: Newtownards para niños
