Banbridge

Banbridge, Irish Droichead na Banna, town and former district (1973–2015) within the former County Down, now part of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon district, southeastern Northern Ireland. Located on the River Bann, the town of Banbridge came into existence following the building of a stone bridge across the river in 1712. It is the main agricultural and population centre of the region; manufactures include linen, light footwear, and motor vehicle components. Much of the land in the surrounding area is utilized for crops, including oats, potatoes, and barley, or as pasture for livestock (mostly pigs). Services and the retail industry also contribute to the economy. Primary roads connect the town of Banbridge with the towns of Lisburn to the north and Newry to the south.

The former district of Banbridge was bordered by the former districts of Armagh to the west, Craigavon and Lisburn to the north, Down to the east, and Newry and Mourne to the south. Reaching an elevation of 1,745 feet (532 metres) at Slieve Croob in the eastern portion of former Banbridge district, the Legananny Hills slope gradually southwestward to rolling lowlands that are dissected by the River Bann and its tributaries in central Banbridge and then to the Newry Canal in the west. Limestone is quarried in the northwest. Area former district, 172 square miles (445 square km). Pop. (2001) town, 14,748; (2011) town, 16,653.