Menu
28/05/2009
Ulster-Scots Get Donegal Recognition
A new tourism centre which celebrates the history of Scots settlers in Ulster has opened in Co Donegal.
The Ulster-Scots Heritage Centre (pictured) is at Monreagh in the Laggan district, an area of Donegal which itself is called after its Scottish highland namesake, the Laggan area beside Loch Lochy, close to Loch Ness.
"It will be a living attraction which will celebrate an Ulster Scots heritage that will attract tourists and generate income in the north-west and will be a significant addition to the many reasons for visiting this area," said Professor John Wilson, Director of the Institute of Ulster Scots Studies.
He also said that Tourism Ireland had developed a deliberate strategy to woo the Scots-Irish: "We think lots of people will be interested to travel to the centre as a way of establishing a link with forebears, many of whom sailed as entire congregations for North America," he added.
"It's a major new tourism project that will celebrate the history and heritage of Scottish settlers in Ulster, including luminary descendants such as the Reverend Francis Makemie, the founder of American Presbyterianism, and several US Presidents."
Developed by the Monreagh Ulster-Scots Heritage Association, the project was initiated by the Institute of Ulster-Scots Studies at the University of Ulster and has been supported by the International Fund for Ireland and the Irish Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
The old manse at Monreagh near St Johnston is just five miles from the Donegal-Derry border and has been converted into the new centre, containing 17th and 18th century artefacts and displays that tell the story of how Presbyterian communities fled Ulster seeking freedom of religion and a new life in the 'New World'.
It contains information on historic events, such as the plantation of Ulster in the 17th Century, and each room focuses on a particular aspect of Ulster-Scots history.
Speaking at the opening launch on Thursday, the Department Minister, Éamon Ó Cuív TD, said: "The Government of Ireland values the contribution that our citizens of Ulster-Scots background make to Irish society.
"This centre is a testimony to the contribution that your forebears have made both at home and abroad."
Winston Patterson of the International Fund for Ireland said: "This centre celebrates the heritage of the Ulster-Scots community in Monreagh and further afield.
"It is a shared heritage: shared because, over the centuries, it has become deeply interwoven with that of every other community on this island," he said.
(BMcC/JM)
The Ulster-Scots Heritage Centre (pictured) is at Monreagh in the Laggan district, an area of Donegal which itself is called after its Scottish highland namesake, the Laggan area beside Loch Lochy, close to Loch Ness.
"It will be a living attraction which will celebrate an Ulster Scots heritage that will attract tourists and generate income in the north-west and will be a significant addition to the many reasons for visiting this area," said Professor John Wilson, Director of the Institute of Ulster Scots Studies.
He also said that Tourism Ireland had developed a deliberate strategy to woo the Scots-Irish: "We think lots of people will be interested to travel to the centre as a way of establishing a link with forebears, many of whom sailed as entire congregations for North America," he added.
"It's a major new tourism project that will celebrate the history and heritage of Scottish settlers in Ulster, including luminary descendants such as the Reverend Francis Makemie, the founder of American Presbyterianism, and several US Presidents."
Developed by the Monreagh Ulster-Scots Heritage Association, the project was initiated by the Institute of Ulster-Scots Studies at the University of Ulster and has been supported by the International Fund for Ireland and the Irish Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
The old manse at Monreagh near St Johnston is just five miles from the Donegal-Derry border and has been converted into the new centre, containing 17th and 18th century artefacts and displays that tell the story of how Presbyterian communities fled Ulster seeking freedom of religion and a new life in the 'New World'.
It contains information on historic events, such as the plantation of Ulster in the 17th Century, and each room focuses on a particular aspect of Ulster-Scots history.
Speaking at the opening launch on Thursday, the Department Minister, Éamon Ó Cuív TD, said: "The Government of Ireland values the contribution that our citizens of Ulster-Scots background make to Irish society.
"This centre is a testimony to the contribution that your forebears have made both at home and abroad."
Winston Patterson of the International Fund for Ireland said: "This centre celebrates the heritage of the Ulster-Scots community in Monreagh and further afield.
"It is a shared heritage: shared because, over the centuries, it has become deeply interwoven with that of every other community on this island," he said.
(BMcC/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 August 2013
'Nevin Spence Centre' Planned For Ravenhill
A new education and heritage centre being built at Ulster Rugby's Ravenhill stadium is to be named after the late Nevin Spence, who died in a farming accident along with his brother Graham and father Noel in September last year. The centre is part of a £14.7m redevelopment of the ground and will be called 'The Nevin Spence Centre'.
'Nevin Spence Centre' Planned For Ravenhill
A new education and heritage centre being built at Ulster Rugby's Ravenhill stadium is to be named after the late Nevin Spence, who died in a farming accident along with his brother Graham and father Noel in September last year. The centre is part of a £14.7m redevelopment of the ground and will be called 'The Nevin Spence Centre'.
23 April 2009
Latest Irish Film Festival Launched
The latest Irish film festival on the calendar - in early May - will include an opportunity to 'pitch' ideas for film and TV production.
Latest Irish Film Festival Launched
The latest Irish film festival on the calendar - in early May - will include an opportunity to 'pitch' ideas for film and TV production.
25 August 2022
Open Heritage Events To Tell 'Fascinating Stories' Of Belfast Doorways
The fascinating stories behind Belfast's doorways are to be highlighted during this year's Open Heritage Belfast free programme of events from Monday September 5. Open Heritage Belfast is followed by the European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) weekend on Saturday and Sunday September 10-11.
Open Heritage Events To Tell 'Fascinating Stories' Of Belfast Doorways
The fascinating stories behind Belfast's doorways are to be highlighted during this year's Open Heritage Belfast free programme of events from Monday September 5. Open Heritage Belfast is followed by the European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) weekend on Saturday and Sunday September 10-11.
22 September 2009
UTV's Birthday To Be Celebrated
Viewers of Ulster Television are to get the chance to celebrate a major broadcasting milestone. This autumn, the channel celebrates 50 years of broadcasting - a birthday being officially marked on 31 October.
UTV's Birthday To Be Celebrated
Viewers of Ulster Television are to get the chance to celebrate a major broadcasting milestone. This autumn, the channel celebrates 50 years of broadcasting - a birthday being officially marked on 31 October.
18 August 2021
NI Heritage Buildings To Open Doors For Annual Event
Over 250 heritage buildings are set to open their doors to guests as part of the upcoming 24th annual European Heritage Open Days (EHOD). The event, which takes place from 06-21 September, celebrates local architecture, history and culture.
NI Heritage Buildings To Open Doors For Annual Event
Over 250 heritage buildings are set to open their doors to guests as part of the upcoming 24th annual European Heritage Open Days (EHOD). The event, which takes place from 06-21 September, celebrates local architecture, history and culture.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
