The opening times for gates at Bangor Waterfront vary depending on the day of the week and time of year. In general, during the peak season from May to September, the gates are open from early morning to late in the evening to accommodate visitors. The specific opening hours are outlined below.
Weekday Opening Times
During the peak season, the gates at Bangor Waterfront are open from 8am to 9pm on weekdays (Monday to Friday). This allows visitors to access the waterfront attractions, events, restaurants and bars during the daytime and evening.
On weekdays during the off-peak season from October to April, the gates are open from 9am to 5pm. The opening hours are shortened due to the decrease in visitors during the colder months.
Weekend Opening Times
On weekends during peak season, the gates at the waterfront are open from 8am to 11pm on Saturdays and 10am to 6pm on Sundays. The extended Saturday opening caters for the increase in visitors during the day and allows access to the waterfront bars and restaurants in the evening.
At weekends in the off-peak season, the gates are open from 10am to 5pm on both Saturdays and Sundays. This provides access during the middle of the day but the gates are closed earlier in the evenings.
Bank Holiday Opening Times
On bank holidays in Northern Ireland such as Easter Monday, May bank holiday and August bank holiday, the opening times for Bangor Waterfront gates are extended. The gates are open from 8am to 11pm to cater for the increase in visitors on bank holiday days.
This provides all day access for those wishing to visit the waterfront attractions, restaurants and bars on bank holidays when many people have the day off work.
Christmas and New Year Opening Times
During the Christmas and New Year period, the opening times for gates at Bangor Waterfront may be subject to change. This includes dates such as:
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
- New Year’s Eve
- New Year’s Day
On these dates, the gates may close earlier than the regular weekend times. For example, the gates may close at 3pm on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve. This allows staff to finish earlier on these holidays.
It’s recommended to check the Bangor Marina website or social media pages closer to Christmas and New Year to confirm up-to-date gate opening times on these specific dates.
Special Events
The opening times for gates at Bangor Waterfront may also be extended for special events held at the marina. Examples of popular annual events include:
- Bangor Waterfront Day
- Bangor Music Festival
- NYE Celebrations
For major special events, the gates could potentially be open from 8am until midnight or later to allow visitors to enjoy the full event. It’s advised to check the details of any special events to confirm the gate opening times.
Getting In Outside Regular Hours
If you need access to Bangor Marina outside the regular gate opening hours, it may be possible to arrange this in advance for certain situations. This includes:
- Boat owners needing emergency access
- Delivery drivers
- Setup for early morning events
In these cases, speak directly to the marina management office during business hours to request access outside the normal gates times. Subject to approval, staff can arrange to provide you with keys or open the gates at specific times.
Overview of Gate Opening Times
To summarize, here is an overview of the standard opening times for gates at Bangor Waterfront:
Days | Peak Season | Off-peak Season |
---|---|---|
Weekdays | 8am – 9pm | 9am – 5pm |
Saturdays | 8am – 11pm | 10am – 5pm |
Sundays | 10am – 6pm | 10am – 5pm |
These are the regular opening hours but may vary on bank holidays, festive dates and special events. Check ahead of visiting to confirm the gates will be open at your desired time.
Getting to Bangor Waterfront
Bangor Waterfront is conveniently located just off the A2 road into Bangor, within easy walking distance of the city center. There are several transport options for getting to the marina:
- Car – Limited free parking is available at the waterfront. Alternatively use nearby council car parks.
- Bus – Bangor is well served by buses. The Bus Centre is 10 mins walk from the marina.
- Train – Bangor Train Station is around 1 mile from the waterfront gates.
Improving accessibility, a new pedestrian bridge and pathways connecting the town directly with the waterfront were opened in early 2023. This provides easy walking and cycling access.
Facilities at Bangor Waterfront
Bangor Marina provides a range of facilities and attractions within the gated area, including:
- Marina pontoons and boat mooring
- Collection of restaurants, cafes and bars
- Kids adventure play areas
- Live music and entertainment venue
- Shopping kiosks
- Watersports activities
The newly developed seafront site includes a large open expanse of public space for events, as well as a performance pavilion and beach area – making it a popular destination for visitors and businesses alike.
Waterfront Development Plans
Exciting plans were proposed in late 2022 for a major expansion and redevelopment of Bangor Waterfront over the next 5 to 10 years.
The ambitious plans include new residential apartments, hotel space, offices, retail and leisure facilities. This aims to capitalize on the waterfront location and increase tourism.
As part of the redevelopment, the existing marina facilities will also be upgraded and expanded to include an additional new pier, capable of handling large cruise ships and visiting yachts.
If approved, construction could begin on the phased redevelopment from 2024 onwards, ensuring Bangor Waterfront remains a top destination in Northern Ireland for years to come.
History of Bangor Waterfront
Bangor Marina has a long and interesting history:
- 1854 – Construction began on the pier and docks.
- 1893 – The original railway line connecting Belfast was opened.
- 1949 – Bangor Sailing Club founded.
- 1977 – Marina status granted.
- 1980s – Surge in leisure boat popularity.
- 2009 – Major redevelopment completed.
- 2023 – New landside development opens.
From humble pier origins in the 1800s, the site has evolved to become one of the major marinas in Northern Ireland – enabling its growth into a lively tourist hotspot.
Popular Events at Bangor Waterfront
A wide variety of events are held at Bangor Waterfront throughout the year, including:
- Bangor Waterfront Day – Annual summer day festival with markets, entertainment and fireworks over the marina.
- NYE Celebrations – Live music and midnight fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
- Bangor Music Festival – Three day live music festival held on the August bank holiday weekend.
- Sea Bangor – Watersports demonstration day including sailing races.
- Bangor Comedy Nights – Regular comedy show evenings hosted on-site.
The events programme caters for a wide audience with events for all ages – check online for upcoming events at the marina.
Sailing at Bangor Marina
As a major regional marina, Bangor offers excellent sailing facilities and hosts sailing events throughout the year. Key sailing amenities include:
- Over 150 marina berths for sailing yachts.
- 8 sailing club tenants including cruising clubs.
- 40 swing moorings within the outer harbour.
- Dedicated sail training area.
- Boat lifting and maintenance services.
For budding sailors, the marina offers adventure sailing taster days plus accredited RYA sailing courses for all levels of experience.
Conclusion
Bangor Waterfront is a major marina attraction and events venue on the Northern Ireland coastline. Understanding the gate opening times is key to access the facilities. During peak season the gates are open 8am to 9pm weekdays and until 11pm on Saturdays.
The waterfront is undergoing major redevelopment to cement its status as a leading destination. With a fascinating history and an exciting future planned, Bangor Marina will continue to be a sailing and visitor hotspot for many years to come.