Ulster American Heritage Trail

Discover the deep connections between Ulster and America on this fascinating heritage trail. From the ancestral homes of US presidents to the world-class Ulster American Folk Park, this route tells the story of emigration that shaped two nations.

Why This Route?

Ulster-American connections are profound:

Presidential ancestry - Multiple US presidents trace roots here
Living history museum - World-class Folk Park experience
Emigration story - Over 2 million left from this region
Family history - Resources for tracing ancestors
Well-preserved sites - Original buildings and authentic recreations

The Ulster-American Story

Between 1717 and 1776, over 250,000 people left Ulster for America. By 1790, one in seven Americans was of Ulster descent. These emigrants and their descendants profoundly shaped American history, contributing 11 presidents and countless other influential figures.

The Route

Starting from Omagh

Begin in County Tyrone's main town. The Strule Arts Centre and local heritage centre provide good background on the region.

Ulster American Folk Park

The centrepiece of the route - allow at least 3-4 hours. This outdoor museum tells the emigration story through:

Old World

Authentically recreated Ulster buildings - cottages, forge, school, and church representing what emigrants left behind. Costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional crafts.

The Ship

A full-scale replica emigrant ship shows the harrowing conditions of the Atlantic crossing - up to 12 weeks in cramped, dark holds.

New World

What awaited in America - log cabins, a settlement, and buildings showing how Ulster settlers adapted to their new land.

Special Features

Thomas Mellon's birthplace - the original cottage of the banking dynasty founder
Judge Thomas Hughes home - great-grandfather of President Woodrow Wilson
Excellent genealogy centre for tracing ancestors

Gray's Printing Press (Strabane)

One of the oldest print shops in Ireland, where John Dunlap (who printed the Declaration of Independence) and James Wilson (grandfather of President Woodrow Wilson) learned their trade.

Woodrow Wilson Ancestral Home (Dergalt)

The whitewashed thatched cottage where President Wilson's grandfather, James Wilson, was born and lived before emigrating in 1807.

Sion Mills

A planned Victorian village built for linen workers. The unique Arts and Crafts architecture is worth a stop.

Harry Avery's Castle (Newtownstewart)

Ruins of a rare 14th-century Gaelic castle - most castles in Ulster are Plantation-era. Named for a local O'Neill chieftain.

US Presidential Connections

Presidents with Ulster Ancestry

Andrew Jackson (7th President) - Carrickfergus
James K. Polk (11th President) - Coleraine area
James Buchanan (15th President) - Deroran
Andrew Johnson (17th President) - Mounthill, Antrim
Ulysses S. Grant (18th President) - Dungannon area
Chester A. Arthur (21st President) - Cullybackey
Grover Cleveland (22nd & 24th President) - Antrim
Benjamin Harrison (23rd President) - Derry area
William McKinley (25th President) - Conagher
Theodore Roosevelt (26th President) - Antrim
Woodrow Wilson (28th President) - Strabane area

Practical Tips

Book Folk Park tickets online - Cheaper than gate prices
Folk Park is large - Wear comfortable shoes
Gray's Printing Press - Check opening hours (limited)
Wilson Ancestral Home - Now part of Folk Park
Bring family history details - Genealogy centre can help research

For Families

The Folk Park is particularly good for children:

Hands-on activities throughout
Animals in the farmyard
Costumed interpreters welcome questions
Indoor play area
Regular special events

Best Times to Visit

July-August - Living history demonstrations daily
October - Appalachian and Bluegrass Festival
December - Christmas events
Weekdays - Quieter for genealogy research