The Ulster Museum of Transport and Folklore is a place out of time – if you want to go back roughly 100 years in time, Cultra is the place to do it. On the sprawling grounds of Cultra Manor, dozens of original relocated buildings combined with large reconstructions have created a very representative village (or even small town) of the time. Costumed guides add to the ‘time travel’ feel. The “Across the Road” transportation exhibit is a highlight for fans of vintage technology.
Pros
- A complete recreation of a typical Ulster village circa 1900.
- Huge gardens allow for pleasant walks and undisturbed enjoyment.
- The transport museum houses rare Irish railways and other local technology.
Cons
- The size of the museum can exhaust some visitors.
Description
- The recreation of a town around 1900 is part of the popular section; The focus is on everyday life.
- Outlying cottages, industries, and farms make for interesting hikes, but it takes time.
- The transportation section shows vehicles built or used in Ulster.
Guide Review – Ulster Museum of Transport and Folklore (Cultra)
The Ulster Museum of Transport and Folklore takes you far – by leaving your car in the parking lot and heading to the information office next to the old corner store, you are entering a different world. The town of Cultra lies before you and can be explored from house to house… the people who “live” in the houses will be very happy to welcome you and help you. Of course, this is an artificial experience, but the magnificent Ulster Museum of Transport and Folklore is the closest to time travel.
The village not only consists of small terraced houses, a bank, several churches, the local newspaper, a courthouse and the local headquarters of the Royal Irish Police invite you to find your way. And on the outskirts of the village farms, mills and even a meadow used for laundering clothes (complete with a sturdy but short watchtower) recreate a complete picture of the local economy. Good for a few hours on foot!
On the other side of the road, literally, is the most conventional transportation expo. Train lovers and old car lovers will have a picnic here. From the small railway engines of the ‘Wee Donegal’ to the largest Irish steam locomotives, everything is on display. A special gallery tells the story of the unfortunate Titanic (built near Belfast) and a rare VTOL prototype plane that pays tribute to Shorts: the innovative and doomed De Lorean car that perfectly connects both ends!
