A Journey Through History – Visit to the Ulster American Folk Park

Rostrevor Men’s Shed and their guests enjoyed a truly memorable day out at the Ulster American Folk Park, located just outside Omagh, County Tyrone. This award-winning open-air museum explores one of the most important chapters in Irish history: the mass emigration of Ulster people to North America during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The museum brings this story to life through an immersive, step-by-step journey known as the Emigration Trail. The Shedders began their visit in the thatched cottages and rural farmsteads of Ulster, where thousands of families once made the difficult decision to leave their homeland in search of better opportunities abroad. Exhibits and costumed guides explained what life was like at the time — the hardships, the economic pressures, and the push factors that drove so many to take the great leap across the Atlantic.

From there, the group moved through bustling port streets before boarding a full-scale replica emigrant sailing ship. This impressive reconstruction showed the cramped, challenging conditions endured during the long voyage to America. It provided a powerful insight into what emigrant families would have faced: limited space, poor ventilation, rough seas, and an uncertain future.

The trail then continued into the New World. The Shedders stepped off the ship and into the recreated log cabins, frontier towns, and homesteads of early America — the places where Irish immigrants began rebuilding their lives from scratch. These exhibits highlight the determination, resilience, and extraordinary contributions that Ulster emigrants made to shaping the American frontier.

Throughout the day, the Shedders enjoyed engaging demonstrations, living-history performances, traditional crafts, and storytelling that helped bring this incredible part of Irish heritage to life. It was an educational, moving, and thoroughly enjoyable experience for everyone.

On the journey home, the group rounded off the day with a fabulous three-course meal at Kelly’s Inn, where there was no shortage of good food, great conversation, and plenty of craic.

A very special mention must go to Patsy Curran, who once again organised a Grand Day Out with his trademark attention to detail and enthusiasm. From travel arrangements to dinner plans, Patsy ensured everything ran smoothly — and the Shedders are hugely grateful.

Another successful outing that blended learning, friendship, and community spirit — exactly what the Rostrevor Men’s Shed is all about.