Banbridge (from the Irish: Droichead na Banna meaning "the Bridge on the Ban (river)") is a rapidly growing town in County Down, Northern Ireland. It lies on the River Bann and the A1 road. It grew as a coaching stop and from Irish linen manufacturing. Its population was 14,744 people in the 2001 Census though is said to have raised in population by a fith since then,[1] suggesting a population of around 18,000.[2] The town is the headquarters for Banbridge District Council. The town was named after the first bridge built over the Upper Bann in 1712.