The Somme Heritage Centre

The Somme Heritage Centre is The Somme Association's flagship project. Situated adjacent to the Clandeboye Estate outside Newtownards, the Centre is a unique visitor attraction of international significance showing the awful reality of the Great War, and its effects on the community at home.

The centre commemorates the involvement of the 36th (Ulster) and 16th (Irish) Divisions in the Battle of the Somme, the 10th (Irish) Division in Gallipoli, Salonika and Palestine and provides displays and information on the entire Irish contribution to the First World War. The centre promotes cross-community contact, mutual understanding, an appreciation of cultural diversity, and is a major visitor attraction.

Facilities:

• Multi-media recreation of the battle.
• Experience 'The Somme'.
• Displays and exhibits.
• Walk-through British trenches.
• Hear veterans of the Battle recount their experiences.
• ‘Hands-on’ activity area - see the trench rations...try on the uniform worn by soldiers during the First World War
  Computer database - Did a relative die in the Great War?
• Souvenir shop