For the youth of County Down, the 1980s was an era of self-discovery fuelled by an unprecedented flow of media. Before the internet, identity was forged in the aisles of local shops and in front of the television.
In Downpatrick, shops like Clobber were the ultimate destination for those seeking the latest fashion trends, while Trendy Folk in Ballynahinch ensured that the rural population didn't miss out on the decade’s signature bold prints and shoulder pads. For children, toys like Barbie, Sindy and Action Man remained popular, but the 1980s also saw the rise in toys linked to television. For the first time, children could create and collect the worlds of My Little Pony, Garfield, and the Transformers.
While large cities often felt the heavy weight of security and violence during the Troubles, smaller towns stepped up to fill the void, creating vibrant nightlife scenes that are still talked about today.
The Grand Cinema on Market Street (originally opened in 1935) remained a cornerstone of entertainment. Despite a brief closure in 1979 due to bomb damage, it reopened to bring Hollywood’s "Golden Age of Blockbusters" to local audiences. From groundbreaking sci-fi to sentimental romances, the Grand was a window to the world.
The music of the 1980s came to define the era. The exhibition highlights the shift from vinyl records, which remained iconic through artists like Blondie and David Bowie, to the revolutionary Sony Walkman. This device made music personal and portable for the first time.
Local venues thrived throughout the decade. Whether it was Club Nova at the Millbrook Lodge in Ballynahinch, the Slieve Donard Hotel’s roller discos, or live gigs at the Abbey Lodge, Down was a popular nightlife hotspot.
Local talent thrived too. bands like Preacher John, managed for a time by the legendary Terri Hooley, rose from Mason’s Bar in Kilmore to the stage of the London Marquee Club. Meanwhile, Downpatrick’s own Rosetta Stone achieved international stardom, proving that County Down could produce pop-rock royalty capable of collaborating with stars like Bryan Adams.
The 1980s was also a golden era for local sports and leisure. For many, childhood memories were forged at Newcastle’s Tropicana outdoor pool, braving the ‘Slippery Dip’ slide, or practicing tricks on a Skyway BMX at Vianstown Park in Downpatrick.
On a grander scale, sport brought people together in shared triumph. The district celebrated the Down County Football Team’s 1986 Ulster Senior Championship win, sparked by the brilliance of players like Greg Blaney. We also look back at the international achievements of local rower Cathy Buchanan, who represented the community at the 1986 Commonwealth Games.
And then, there was the "Golden Era of Motoring." For the petrolheads of County Down, the 1980s meant the roar of engines at Bishopscourt and Kirkistown. The exhibition proudly features an icon of the era: the 1987 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth. With its turbocharged performance and bold "whale-tail" spoiler, it epitomised the decade’s love for speed and aerodynamic design.
The exhibition also takes a look at the ways in which technology transformed 1980s homes. Games consoles, VHS and sound systems made the home a place for leisure in new ways. Technology like microwaves, coffee machines and early mobile phones changed daily life.
"Partying Down in the 1980s" is an invitation to relive a decade of resilience and creativity. It is a tribute to the people who kept dancing, kept playing, and kept dreaming during a period of immense change. Whether you want to marvel at a 1984 Skyway BMX or simply remember the smell of the popcorn at the Grand Cinema, this exhibition has something for everyone.
