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

Where to Stay

This 78-kilometre heritage trail stays entirely within County Tyrone, running from Omagh past the Ulster American Folk Park to Strabane, Sion Mills, and Newtownstewart. All the key sites cluster along a 30-kilometre corridor of the Strule and Mourne river valleys, so one base town is more than enough. Derry, 25 minutes north of Strabane, offers the strongest accommodation choice.

Derry

Strabane and Gray's Printing Press are barely 30 minutes from Derry's city centre, and the Ulster American Folk Park outside Omagh is under an hour south. Basing yourself in the walled city lets you tackle the trail at leisure -- spending a morning at the Folk Park's Old World and New World exhibits, then driving north to Sion Mills and Strabane's printing heritage in the afternoon. Derry also connects naturally to the Sperrins routes if you want to extend your stay in the northwest.

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

1. Book Folk Park tickets online - Cheaper than gate prices
2. Folk Park is large - Wear comfortable shoes
3. Gray's Printing Press - Check opening hours (limited)
4. Wilson Ancestral Home - Now part of Folk Park
5. 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

Before You Drive This Route

At 62km the Ulster American Heritage Trail looks like a 1 hour drive on paper. Allow 1 day and you will actually see it. The Irish driving rules and road signs guide covers speed limits, signage and the penalty points system, which is worth ten minutes before you set off. This one is entirely in Northern Ireland, so there are no tolls and distances are signed in miles rather than kilometres; the Irish toll roads guide covers the border crossing if you are driving up from the Republic. Travelling with children, our family road trip guide has the stops and timings that keep a day like this civil. Most visitors hire at the airport; our guide to renting a car in Ireland covers deposits, excess and what to check before you drive off the lot. More drives in the same corner of the country are on the County Tyrone page, and the Sperrins Scenic Drive pairs naturally with this one.