[2] The current building was commissioned by The Hon Robert Edward Ward, who had served as High Sheriff of Down for 1842 and was a brother of the 3rd Viscount Bangor.

The first bay on the left featured a three-stage castellated tower with a corner clock turret, which was surmounted by a pyramid-shaped roof and a weather vane.

[2] Internally, the mansion contained 35 bedrooms and a huge salon for musical recitals: the violinist, William Henley, performed in the chamber at a concert hosted by the Belfast Orchestral Society in July 1893.

[12] Works of art in the building include a portrait by Edwin Long of Charles V.[13] Bangor Castle was used as a film location for the 2017 movie "The Bookshop" starring Emily Mortimer and Bill Nighy.

[14] In January 2025, the Council announced it was moving its offices out of the Castle and seeking alternative uses, such as hotel, museum or arts centre.