Ulster Memorial Tower, Nord Pas De Calais Travel Guide

4.7 (739)

A poignant World War I memorial in Thiepval, France, honoring the brave soldiers of Ulster and their sacrifices during the Battle of the Somme.

Home
Travel Guides
France
Nord Pas De Calais
Ulster Memorial Tower

The Ulster Memorial Tower, located in Thiepval, France, is a 70-foot stone structure commemorating the Ulstermen who lost their lives during World War I. A replica of Helen's Tower in Northern Ireland, it stands on the former German front line, offering a poignant reminder of the Battle of the Somme.

A brief summary to Ulster Memorial Tower

Rte de Saint-Pierre Divion, Thiepval, 80300, FR
Click to display
Click to display

Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ulster Memorial Tower.

The Ulster Memorial Tower is closed on Mondays and during the months of December, January and February.
Guided tours of Thiepval Wood are available at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM by prior arrangement; book by emailing ulstertower@sommeassociation.com.
Admission to the Ulster Memorial Tower is free, but donations to support its upkeep are appreciated.
Visit the small museum in the visitor center to see artifacts recovered from the battlefields and personal items related to the soldiers of the 36th Ulster Division.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Thiepval Memorial

AIF Mouquet Farm Memorial

Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial

Pozieres Memorial

Windmill Memorial

Explore Ulster Memorial Tower on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Ulster Memorial Tower, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Albert, take the D50 North, at Aveluy first crossroads take D20 East, continue until the D20 meets the D151, turn left North onto the D151 direction of Thiepval, continue through Authuille, at Thiepval crossroads take a left onto the D73 North and the Ulster Tower is about 1km on your right. There is parking near the gate of the Ulster Tower. From Arras, take the D917 south to the outskirts of Bapaume, then a right turn onto the D929, at Pozieres take a right onto the D73 to Thiepval, drive through the village, the Ulster Tower is on your right. Tolls may be charged on certain routes.
Public Transport

The nearest major train station is in Albert. From Albert, you can take a bus towards Thiepval. The bus from ALBERT - Collège Pierre et Marie Curie to THIEPVAL - Eglise takes approximately 25 minutes. Bus tickets cost approximately €1–2. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Albert to Thiepval Memorial, which costs €15–€19 and takes about 12 minutes.

Discover more about Ulster Memorial Tower

The Ulster Memorial Tower stands as a solemn tribute to the officers and men of the 36th (Ulster) Division, and to all the sons of Ulster who served in other forces and gave their lives during the Great War. Dedicated on November 19, 1921, the tower was the first official memorial erected on the Western Front.The tower is a replica of Helen's Tower, which is located on the Clandeboye Estate in County Down, Northern Ireland. For many soldiers of the 36th (Ulster) Division, Helen's Tower was one of their last glimpses of home before departing for the Western Front, making the Ulster Memorial Tower a powerful symbol of remembrance.The Ulster Memorial Tower stands on the site of the Schwaben Redoubt, a heavily fortified German position captured by the Ulster Division during the Battle of the Somme in July 1916. Facing Thiepval Wood, from where the 36th (Ulster) Division launched its historic charge on July 1, 1916, the tower serves as a lasting reminder of their sacrifice.Visitors can explore the grounds, visit the small museum in the visitor center, and view war-related artifacts, including shells and a section of light railway. Guided tours of Thiepval Wood are also available, offering a deeper understanding of the events that unfolded here.