Ulster American Folk Park

The Ulster American Folk Park is a unique museum that tells the story of Irish emigration to America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Located in Omagh, County Tyrone in Northern Ireland, the museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of Irish migration and the cultural impact it has had on the United States.

The museum is situated on a 30-acre site and features a range of exhibits, including historic buildings, artefacts, and interactive displays. Visitors can explore the Old World and the New World exhibits, which showcase life in rural Ireland and the United States during the 19th century.

The Old World exhibit includes a replica of an Irish village, complete with thatched cottages, a church, and a schoolhouse. Visitors can step inside the cottages and see how the Irish lived during this time period. They can also explore the agricultural exhibits, which include a working blacksmith’s forge, a watermill, and a weaving shed.

The New World exhibit takes visitors on a journey to the United States, where they can explore a replica of an American street, complete with storefronts and a saloon. Visitors can also see a recreated log cabin and a plantation slave quarters, which provide a glimpse into life in the American South.

One of the highlights of the museum is the emigrant ship exhibit, which is a full-scale replica of a ship that would have carried Irish emigrants to America during the 19th century. Visitors can step aboard the ship and see what conditions were like for emigrants during the long and dangerous journey to America.

Throughout the museum, there are also a range of live demonstrations, including traditional Irish music and dance performances, blacksmithing demonstrations, and cooking demonstrations.

The Ulster American Folk Park is not just a museum, but an immersive experience that brings to life the history and culture of Irish emigration to America. It is an excellent destination for families, history buffs, and anyone interested in the rich and complex history of Irish migration.

If you’re planning a trip to Northern Ireland, be sure to include the Ulster American Folk Park on your itinerary. With its unique exhibits, engaging displays, and beautiful surroundings, it is sure to be a highlight of your trip.