The Somme Centre, County Down

This centre, opened in 1994, examines Ireland's role in World War I, especially that of the three volunteer divisions raised in Ireland, the 10th and 16th (Irish) Divisions and the 36th (Ulster) Division. Visitors are taken on a guided tour, beginning with the Home Rule crisis in 1910. An audio-visual presentation then charts the development of the war between 1914 and 1916, focussing on Gallipolli and the Battle of the Somme. A front line trench has been realistically created and visitors can also see a dramatic audio-visual recreation of the latter battle.

The War Memorial Gardens in Dublin, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, have been well refurbished. The gardens are dedicated to the nearly 50,000 Irish soldiers who died in World War I. All their names are listed in the Book Rooms.

Somme Heritage Centre: 4 km (2. 5 miles) N of Newtownards on A21 Bangor road.
Admission charge.

War Memorial Gardens: Islandbridge, Dublin 8. Entrance off South Circular Road.
Admission free.

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