The Ulster American Folk Park brings to life the human drama behind three centuries of Irish emigration, telling the remarkable story of the vast human tide that crossed the Atlantic for the New World of North America. 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.
A full programme of special events is organised throughout the year including the award-winning annual Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival (first weekend in September) and the ever popular Halloween Festival.
Parking
A large car and coach park can accommodate up to 350 cars. Parking is free.
Shopping at the museum
While the Ulster American Folk Park may be firmly rooted in the past, our newly refurbished combined Admissions and Shop is thoroughly contemporary and is the perfect spot to pick up a souvenir of your visit.
Here you will find a selection of Northern Ireland craft products, such as Shazam jams and locally made jewellery, as well as premium brands such as Belleek Pottery, Ulster Weavers and Yankee Candles. The shop also sells traditional-style confectionary and holds an interesting selection of books on topics such as Ireland, emigration and the Irish American experience. For children, the shop offers a variety of novelty and educational toys, as well as a fine selection of books.
Eating at the museum
A designated picnic area is provided adjacent to the car park. Food and drinks are not permitted on the museum site.
Located in the visitor centre, the cafe provides a range of hot and cold meals, including tea/coffee and scones, soup, freshly made sandwiches and confectionery.
Accessibility (disability access)
The majority of the museum buildings are accessible to wheelchair users, in most cases without assistance. We regret that it is not possible at present to provide physical access to the upper floors of some buildings without compromising the accuracy of the historical experience. In such cases, visitors should ask to be provided with an alternative form of access, such as photographs. A limited number of wheelchairs are available in the reception area for use in the museum.
The museum experience for all visitors to the Ulster American Folk Park places a major emphasis on the sensory experiences of touch, smell, sight and hearing. Persons with sensory impairment will find much that is appropriate to their particular needs.
Guide Dogs are welcome.
Cameras
Visitors are welcome to use their cameras around the museum to take photographs. Care should be taken not to contravene the privacy of other visitors, and in particular no identifiable images of children should be taken without parental consent.
Child Protection Policy
The museum operates a Child Protection Policy and has two Designated Officers to whom any issues relating to child protection should be referred.
Winner of the Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards 2008.
Highly Commended, Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Northern Ireland Tourist Board 2007.
Download the National Museums Northern Ireland what's on guide for July to December 2010.
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