Ulster-American Folk Park

Our day at the Ulster-American folk park was quite interesting. The park is dedicated to the migration of man and women from the Ulster region of Ireland to the United States. Our first on our tour through the park was in the small museum that provided a lot of contextual information. Dr. Threadgill, as always, provided us with a pertinent information as he guided us through the museum. The next part of the day we spent wandering around in small groups through the many buildings scattered across the compound. It was interesting to step into the past as we entered the family homesteads and barns. In some instances, we were met with a park staff member on the ready to explain the significance of the building, and provide us with a better understanding of life in those times. We even got a chance to try some tradition fire cooked soda break with butter. (It was delightful!) After some time experience the old shops and storefronts we came upon something surprising. The Ulster-American folk part had imported a cabin from the Appalachian region to be displayed in the part. For us living in the Great Smoky Mountains currently it felt a little bit like a stroll through Cades Cove! After a few hours of experiencing the park we convened in the park’s café to have a nice shared meal together. It was a location that is extremely relevant to our current studies of Celtic Connections. There is no questioning that our home in the Appalachia was first settled and partly shaped by Scots-Irish immigrants.