Immersive Ancestral Cottage Trail Launched
Mid Ulster District Council has joined forces with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, and the Ulster American Folk Park to launch a unique ancestral cottage trail showcasing five significant ancestral cottages spanning generations.This immersive trail will offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich historical and cultural connections between Ulster and the United States.
The launch of the trail coincides with America 250, the celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and presents an innovative, joined up approach for visitors to learn how ordinary Ulster families played extraordinary roles in shaping the history of the United States.
The trail includes the ancestral cottage at U.S. Grant Homestead, Dungannon and will be marketed to tour operators across the world.
Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Deirdre Varsani, welcomed the initiative, saying:
"Mid Ulster is a place where history, heritage and culture are deeply woven into our landscape and communities. We are proud to be part of this collaborative initiative, which celebrates the stories of our ancestral cottages and the people whose lives and legacies continue to resonate across generations both here and in the United States.
“By working together with our partners, we are creating new opportunities for visitors to explore the rich heritage of Mid Ulster while discovering the wider network of historic sites across our districts. As interest in genealogy, ancestry and cultural tourism continues to grow, particularly among international visitors, this partnership will help showcase the unique character, traditions and authentic experiences that make our district so distinctive.
“Mid Ulster District Council is committed to preserving and promoting our remarkable heritage, ensuring that our history is shared with new audiences and continues to inspire future generations. We look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far to experience the stories, landscapes and cultural connections that make Mid Ulster such a special place."
The trail also includes visits to two ancestral cottages in Mid and East Antrim, President Arthur Homestead in Cullybackey and Andrew Jackson Cottage in Carrickfergus, Pogue’s Entry Historical Cottage in Antrim, and The Mellon Homestead at the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage in living history experiences such as storytelling sessions, traditional griddle baking demonstrations and traditional music workshops.
For further detail on the trail visit www.ancestralcottagestrailni.com