Dundonald

Dundonald is a town in County Down, Northern Ireland. It lies on the outermost suburbs of east Belfast.

Related Topics:
County Down - Northern Ireland - Belfast

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Dundonald translates as ?the fort of Domnall? (the modern form of Domnall is Donal). This is in reference to the 12th century Norman fort, or dun, that stood in the town. One of the largest in Ireland, the man-made hill that the fort stood on is still in existence.

Related Topics:
Dun - Ireland

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Dundonald falls in the Parliamentary constituency of East Belfast, and the borough council of Castlereagh. Its current MP is Peter Robinson of Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party.

Related Topics:
East Belfast - Castlereagh - MP - Peter Robinson - Ian Paisley - Democratic Unionist Party

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Dundonald's population stands at approximately 20,000, with the majority of residents coming from the Unionist community.

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In 1986 The Dundonald International Ice Bowl was opened in the town. This originally comprised an Olympic sized ice rink and a 20 lane AMF ten pin bowling alley. In later years "Indianaland", a children's indoor adventure playground was added along with "Laser Quest", a simulated combat arena using laser tag equipment. The bowling alley was upgraded to 30 lanes in the 1990's and an extensive Miniature golf course has recently been built.

Related Topics:
Ice rink - AMF - Ten pin bowling - Miniature golf

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From 1928 to 1936 (when a crash resulted in the death of 8 spectators) Dundonald, along with neighbouring Newtownards, was host to the world famous Ulster TT (Tourist Trophy) Motor Race. The opening race in 1928 was won by Kaye Don in a Lea-Francis Hyper. Industrialist and pioneer of the modern agricultural tractor, Harry Ferguson, was instrumental in setting up the race.

Related Topics:
Newtownards - Ulster - Lea-Francis - Agricultural tractor - Harry Ferguson

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:See also: List of towns in Northern Ireland

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