The Ulster American Folk Park is an open-air museum just outside Omagh, in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. The museum tells the story of three centuries of Irish emigration. With over 30 exhibit buildings to explore, visitors embark on a journey that takes them from the thatched cottages of Ulster, on board a full scale emigrant sailing ship, to the log cabins of the American Frontier. With costumed guides to chat and traditional crafts to see, their historical story focuses on those who left Ulster for America in the 1700s, 1800s and 1900s. The museum is part of National Museums Northern Ireland.
Within the museum are many painstakingly-restored original exhibit buildings with connections to local families. The park was developed around the Mellon House, the birthplace of Irish-American banker and lawyer Thomas Mellon, founding father of the Mellon banking dynasty. This house and its outbuildings remain in their original location. Visitors can taste samples of traditional Irish and Pioneer American foods as they stroll around the museum including freshly baked soda bread and pumpkin pie all made on the hearths and griddles of the exhibit buildings. The museum also includes agricultural displays and an array of farm animals.
The park is open throughout the year, excluding some public holidays.
