Monreagh Heritage Centre
Poised gracefully amid the fertile lands of the Lagan Valley in East Donegal, near the banks of the River Foyle is Monreagh Ulster Scots – Scots Irish Heritage & Education Centre. In the tranquil settings of a beautiful restored 19th century manse, visitors are taken on a journey through the mists of time, exploring the rich heritage of the Laggan district in West Ulster.
Officially opened in 2009 The Monreagh Heritage Centre is the only visitor centre in the Republic of Ireland dedicated to Ulster Scots / Scots Irish Culture. The centre is located about a mile from Carrigans Village. This cultural tourism project was initiated by the Institute of Ulster-Scots Studies at the University of Ulster and has since been supported by the International Fund for Ireland as well as the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
The centre is situated opposite a Presbyterian Church – Monreagh Church – whose congregation was established in 1644. This church is reputedly the oldest Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Ireland. The centre itself contains a wealth of information from the Plantation of Ulster to the inauguration of many US Presidents of Ulster-Scots descent including Andrew Jackson and Woodrow Wilson.
Contact Details
t: 00353 74 9140708
w: www.monreaghulsterscotscentre.com
e: monreaghulsterscotscentre [at]town.ie
f: www.facebook.com/monreaghheritagecentre
Kildrum Manor
Kildrum Manor is a fantastic high quality holiday home complete with luxurious interior, superb grounds and even a cinema room, ideal for large groups or special celebrations and sleeps up to 12 in style and comfort.
Aileach View
This is a truly exceptional holiday home nestling in rolling countryside in the shadow of the ancient ring fort from which it derives its name. Extending to over 3,500 sq ft, Aileach View has 7 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 16 people.
Housed within a beautifully restored manse, each room of the heritage centre focuses on a specific era of Ulster-Scots and Scots Irish history through which the visitor can gain an unparalleled insight into the cultural, economic and social impact that it has had on the world today.
Part of a self-guided tour, a rarely seen collection of original photographs, paintings and other memorabilia is on display. Visitors have access to a number of genealogical records to help them search for any Ulster-Scots ancestry they may possess.
The centre is planning to build a state-of-the-art annexe to include a gift shop and tearoom as well as a workshop area to help keep traditional Ulster-Scots crafts, music and dance alive for future generations to come.