Online Dating in Bangor
Found on the southern shores of Belfast, Bangor is a quaint seaside town which evokes memories of your childhood, but which also has a lot to offer on the dating scene. Pretty scenery, a good selection of restaurants and picturesque beaches and parks to explore, Bangor couldn’t be a better place to take a date who likes the great outdoors and good food. Image via jonnydallen on Flickr.
Childhood memories
Anyone who grew up in Bangor will remember fondly days spent at Pickie Fun park, the amusement play park on the edge of Bangor marina where childhood summers are spent on the pedal boats. Don’t let this put you off though, the marina is a great place to come for a date as it is Northern Ireland’s biggest, and attracts a number of flashy boating events throughout the year as well as a bevy of beautiful yachts at all times. Take your date for a stroll along the shoreline and grab an ice cream whilst admiring the vistas of Bangor Bay and the hills of Antrim. Image via KeisGoesBoom on Flickr.
Be beach bums for the day
Just outside of Bangor is Ballyholme beach, perfect for long walks, water sports if you’re feeling adventurous, or soaking up the rays on good weather days. If you enjoy walking then take the coastal path from Bangor’s sea front to Crawfordsburn beach, there are plenty of places to stop and marvel at the wildlife and scenery on a clear day. If you make it to Crawfordsburn there’s a park on the shores of Belfast Loch which is worth the visit; locals often dare each other to swim where the loch meets the beach, but if you’re not feeling brave then the picnic spots make this a brilliant spot to decamp with a hamper and some good food. Image via jcobain on Flickr.
High society
The grounds of Bangor castle are always open to the public, and these well-manicured lawns are perfect for an afternoon strolling and admiring each other through the peonies. If you want to plan an extra special date for two you can arrange a viewing of the inside of the castle, which is normally closed to the public, but be minded to book these in advance. If you can’t book a viewing then try the Castle Park Nature Trail, properly exploring the pretty grounds, followed up with a coffee in the Heritage Centre. Image via stephenpotter15 on Flickr.
Take them to the candy shop
Candy isn’t just for children in Bangor, especially if you take a date to the Curious Candy shop, a family run business based on the real delights of the old style sweet shops. This family know their sherbet from their sugar and as well as every kind of retro sweet you could wish for (sugar mice anyone?) the shop also stocks its very own sugar-free range for people with special dietary requirements.
Good company deserves good food
Finish off your date in Bangor with reservations at the Boat House, a popular restaurant which one the Best Restaurants in County Down in 2012. The exposed brick alcoves make for the perfect romantic setting and with a menu of well-priced, locally sourced fish and meat you really can’t go wrong. If you’re a fish lover then try Essence, the restaurant which specialises in fish and seafood cooked in contemporary and experimental ways.
Background image via jcobain on Flickr.