In the 18th and 19th centuries thousands of Ulster people left their homes to forge a new life across the Atlantic; 200,000 emigrated in the 18th century alone. Their story is told here at one of Ireland's best museums, which features a sprawling outdoor history park , where exhibits are split into Old World and New World areas and come alive through reenactments.
The park is 8km northwest of Omagh off the A5. Last admission is 1½ hours before closing.
The two parts of the park are cleverly linked by passing through a mock-up of an emigrant ship. Original buildings from various parts of Ulster have been dismantled and reerected here, including a blacksmith's forge, a weaver's thatched cottage, a Presbyterian meeting house and a schoolhouse. In the American section of the park you can visit a genuine 18th-century settler's stone cottage and a log house, both shipped across the Atlantic from Pennsylvania, plus many more original buildings.
The Exhibition Hall explains the close connections between Ulster and the USA – the American Declaration of Independence was signed by several Ulstermen – and includes an original Calistoga wagon.
Costumed guides and artisans are on hand to explain the arts of spinning, weaving, candle-making and so on. Various special events are held throughout the year, including reenactments of American Civil War battles, a festival of traditional Irish music in May, American Independence Day celebrations in July, and the Appalachian and Bluegrass Music Festival in late August/September. At least half a day is needed to do the place justice.
Translink Goldline bus 273 from Belfast to Derry (hourly Monday to Saturday, six on Sunday) stops in Omagh, and will stop on request at the park gates.
