ulster american folk park

The Ulster American Folk Park is a must see when visiting the Omagh area. It gives a hands on insight into the way of life for folk who lived a simple, yet hard life and who eventually move to America "to find a better life". It is of interest to all ages. A great day out.

This is a must see venue for all visitors to N Ireland , authentic recreations of old cottages , schools churches of a bygone era. Take a picnic and spend the day in the park , look at how life has changed . Then take time to reflect and hopefully be inspired to enjoy the privileges of modern life.

Despite our visit being off season the park 'characters' were extremely good in role and very welcoming and enthusiastic.

Visiting Ireland annualy, we had had this place in our "tourism plans" for years, but somehow never had time to do it. This time, however we decided firmly it to be our priority and that was certainly one of the smartest decisions. Even we went there at the very beginning of January, that, as the end of their Christmas season, was characterized as most silent moment of the silent season, we still more than enjoyed our visit. The trip through Irish history this place creates and offers was well planned - both narrative- and walking wise. Although due to not-season only few buildings had their residents in, it felt more than enough, as they really knew their building, its history and everything related to it, and were really eager to share not only what seemed to be "standard set of information", but whatever the visitor would want to know. Today (early February) I got another little, but beautiful detail to add to my memories of Ulster American Folk Park, namely, after having discussed boiled cakes and their tradition with the very kind guide of Mellon Cottage, she eventually promised to look up and send me some recipes. Well, after today's postman's visit, tomorrow is certainly going to be bake-a-cake day. That's how far the hospitality of the Folk Park might reach.

Whatever season is chosen to visit the "Folk Park", as its affectionately known to locals, there is always something of interest. There are celebrations of many Ulster and American events, with theatrical panache. 4th July, The Bluegrass Festival and Halloween ( with its origins in the old country) to mention a few.We attended the Halloween night, great fun and informative. The "characters" giving amusement, amazement and samples of traditional fare. A Brilliant Night and well worth the money.

Wheather it is Christmas, Haloween or 4th of July, Thanksgiving or even Easterthere is always warm welcome that awaits you in Folk Park.I do not have kids but am a big kid myself :) and love those events - staff is so committed to providing the best enterntainment and educational experiences both for kids and adults.There is toys for kids for xmas and traditional treats to try during Haloween.I am in Folk Park as often as I can and would highly recommend this unqiue visitor attraction to anyone!There are times that they have special photographer whp does sepia pics from the emigration area- great souvenir my family visited park this summer and got those.They also have a cafe -especially recommend coffea and cake or soup n sandwich and a little gift shop around main reception area that offers some tradtional Irish gifts and treats.

The best Halloween event ever. The staff put a lot of effort in to make it different every year. Its scary funny and for all ages.

No one should miss it. Perfectly leads one through the emigrant journey from Co Tyrone to Pennslyvania.

This park is well worth visiting. Went with 4 kids aged 6 to 12 . Educational but made fun for the kids. Were able to use the bellows at old forge, teacher in old classroom and kids get opportunity to sit down with chalk and slate, etc. Well laid out and very interesting. Someone at each attraction to explain everything and let you partake. Were even able to buy old fashioned sweets by the quarter in the old shop . Met one of the guys later and he let kids hold his old rifle. Very reasonable entrance price.

Several people recommended this – and we are so glad they did! Even if you are not in the area searching your Irish roots, you will find this a worthwhile, enriching experience. The concept – life in Ulster, on an immigration ship, and then in America - is well thought out and well executed. Plan to spend more time than you think because it really is that engaging. (We were there 5 hours, including a tea break). We had the added benefit of a private tour by Frank Collins, whose knowledge of the subject is amazing. The ability to ask all sorts of questions as we connected the dots between the big picture and my Irish-American family history was greatly appreciated.

I came here for Halloween and it's great. Food is good especially for Halloween. Gift shop is really fun. The church was my favourite a old scary lady told us about banshees. Really good fun

The trails are well marked and mapped, as well as enlivened by the docents in some of the buildings. You can do as much or as little as you want depending on your interest. There are some lovely views across the countryside. The little cafe had a good mix of things available to eat although they weren't the speediest of servers.

The rain couldn't dampen our spirits. We were on the Friday, 9:30 tour and had a brilliant time trottng from one house to the next for wee performances, tales of yore and the odd nibble at traditional fare. Whilst the seasonally dressed "actors" tried their best to spook the visitors and to good effect in most cases, the youngsters with us were fit for them, and encouraged them.Our tour guide was a very pleasant lady who ushered her flock of victims from one fright fest to another without a cross word. We had heard that one party did their best to give offence to the speaker on the old church being rude to the extreme - Not Called For!!Our experience confirmed the popularity of the event and why it has taken a while for us to get tickets. They sell out quickly and so you need to keep an eye on the NMNI website.Happy Haunting.

Tells about the emigration of many irish people to America. You first enter the Irish side and then through a ship you come into the Anerican side. Staff are brilliant in relating the story and are dressed in appropriate costumes depicting this era. They also have special events through the year eg Halloween and xmas . Even if you are not interested in history this is a great day out for all ages. Good cafe and gift shop and plenty of parking

Really enjoyed this park. Besides the wonderfully restored buildings and houses it was especially enjoyable listening to the docents in costume that greeted us in most of the buildings explaining to us their historical significance.To cover all the buildings in the whole park you need at least 1 1/2 to 2 hours.