Situated to the north west of County Down, the Banbridge District covers a total of 180 square miles and stretches from Dromore in the north to Rathfriland in the south and from Gilford in the west to Ballyward in the east. The main town is Banbridge, followed by Dromore, Rathfriland and Gilford. The District has 4 villages and 19 settlements. The Banbridge District has a rich natural and built heritage with a range of diverse habitats, including river, mountain, fell and farm land. Many ancient archaeological sites dot the area and add to its appeal. With its beautiful drumlin landscape and abundance of natural and built assets, it is the main gateway to the Mourne Mountains. The River Bann and River Lagan flow through the District. Its quality landscape has resulted in several statutory designations, such as the Lackan Bog Area of Special Scientific Interest and the Mourne and Slieve Croob Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.