Immerse yourself in the story of Irish emigration at the museum that brings it to life. Experience the adventure that takes you from the thatched cottages of Ulster, on board a full-scale emigrant sailing ship to the log cabins of the American frontier. Meet an array of costumed characters with traditional crafts to show, tales to tell and food to share.

The journey starts in the thatched cottages of Ulster, including the famous “Mellon” homestead, continues aboard a crowded sailing ship and finishes among the homesteads of the American frontier. Meet an array of costumed characters on your way with traditional crafts to show, tales to tell and food to share.

The indoor exhibition at the Ulster American Folk Park examines life in Ulster in the 18th and 19th centuries. It reveals the reasons behind the exodus and shows how the settlers adapted to, and impacted on, a new and unfamiliar environment.

The ultimate in living history, the outdoor museum brings to life people’s daily routines and activities in both the Old and New Worlds. Notable buildings include the famous Mellon Homestead, as well as buildings from America which have been relocated to the museum. An Ulster street, complete with original shop fronts, and an American street have been reconstructed alongside a full-scale dockside galley and ship, the Brig Union. Together, they recreate the conditions that many thousands of emigrants experienced before, during and after the arduous Atlantic crossing.

The museum recreates a time when local crafts and tradespeople played a vital part in manufacturing and delivering the goods and services that were needed. Costumed characters relate tales of everyday life and customs while demonstrating traditional crafts and skills, such as spinning, basket making, printing, quilting, blacksmithing, open-hearth cooking and corn craft.