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Ulster Memorial Tower: A Testament to Ulster's Sacrifice

A poignant World War I memorial in Thiepval, France, honoring the brave soldiers of Ulster and their sacrifices on the Western Front.

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The Ulster Memorial Tower, located in Thiepval, France, is a poignant tribute to the men of Ulster who gave their lives during World War I. A replica of Helen's Tower in County Down, Northern Ireland, it stands as the first official memorial erected on the Western Front, offering a place for reflection and remembrance.

A brief summary to Ulster Memorial Tower

  • 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

Local tips

  • Visit the Ulster Memorial Tower and Thiepval Wood to gain a deeper understanding of the Battle of the Somme and the sacrifices made by the soldiers of Ulster.
  • Take a guided tour of Thiepval Wood to see the preserved trenches and learn about the experiences of the soldiers who fought there.
  • Explore the visitor center to view artifacts and learn more about the 36th Ulster Division.
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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.

  • Public Transport

    Take a train from Amiens to Albert, which is the nearest major station. From Albert, take the bus line that goes to Thiepval. Trans80 operates a bus from ALBERT - Collège Pierre et Marie Curie to THIEPVAL - Eglise once daily. Tickets cost €1–2 and the journey takes 20 min. When you arrive in Thiepval, get off at the nearest stop and walk towards Rte de Saint-Pierre Divion. The Ulster Memorial Tower is a short walk from the bus stop, located on Rte de Saint-Pierre Divion.

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Discover more about Ulster Memorial Tower

The Ulster Memorial Tower, a 70-foot high stone structure, stands as a lasting tribute to the men of Ulster who fought and died during World War I. Dedicated on November 19, 1921, the tower is a replica of Helen's Tower, located on the Clandeboye Estate in County Down, where the 36th (Ulster) Division trained. For many of these soldiers, Helen's Tower was one of their last glimpses of home, making the Ulster Memorial Tower a powerful symbol of remembrance. The tower is situated on what was the German front line during the Battle of the Somme, a short distance from Thiepval Wood, from where the 36th (Ulster) Division launched its historic charge on July 1, 1916. The location is significant, as it stands on the site of the Schwaben Redoubt, a heavily fortified position captured by the Ulster Division. The attack came at a terrible cost, with the division suffering over 5,000 casualties in just two days of fighting. Inside the Ulster Memorial Tower, visitors can view plaques dedicated to the Irish soldiers, several paintings, and a memorial chapel. The adjacent visitor center, managed by the Somme Association, features exhibits of artifacts recovered from the battlefields, including personal items related to the soldiers of the 36th Ulster Division. Visitors can also watch a video that explains the Battle of the Somme. Guided tours of Thiepval Wood are available, offering a glimpse into the original trenches and battlegrounds. The Ulster Memorial Tower is more specifically regarded as a memorial to the Officers and Men of the 36th (Ulster) Division and of the Sons of Ulster in other forces, who laid down their lives, and of all their Comrades-in-Arms, who, by Divine Grace, were spared to testify to their glorious deeds. Its position on the battlefield is a permanent reminder of the Division's heroic charge at the Battle of the Somme on the opening day of that great offensive.

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