Ulster Folk Museum
With a National Art Pass you get
Be transported to a bygone era at Ulster Folk Museum, set in acres of rolling landscape overlooking Belfast Lough.
First opened in 1964, this living museum and environmental resource in Holywood is a great place to learn about Ulster's heritage and culture. It's home to a collection of traditional buildings, artefacts, and costumes, as well as a working farm and demonstrations of traditional crafts.
Watch traditional crafts
The museum's craftspeople demonstrate a variety of traditional skills, such as blacksmithing, weaving, printing, carpentry and baking. Watch them at work and even try your hand at some of the activities.
Take a house tour
The museum's traditional houses provide a glimpse into how people lived in Ulster in the past. Explore the houses and learn about how they were built and used. Look out for costumed characters who can guide you round the village and answer questions about the exhibits.
Fun for all ages
There are lots of child-friendly activities, from meeting the animals on the farm to letting off steam at the playground. The museum also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, such as festivals, workshops, and concerts.
Food and drink
As well as many picnic spots across the site, you can choose from a selection of hot and cold food and refreshments in the Ballycultra Tearoom, or if you’re after a ‘liquid lunch’ you could pop in to the McCusker's pub exhibit building, which is fully licensed.
The site is vast and there is lots to see, so make sure you leave enough time to investigate as much as possible.
Visitor information
Address
Cultra, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EU
02890 428428
Opening times
March – September, Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm. Closed Mondays (except NI Bank Holidays).
October – February, Tuesday – Friday, 10am – 4pm, Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 4pm.
Always check the website for up to date visiting times & information.
Exclusions and safety measures
Museum is closed Mondays except on Northern Ireland Bank Holidays.
Visitor information
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.