13 miles of water, centuries of connections. Discover yours.

Located in Belfast's vibrant Cathedral Quarter, the Discover Ulster-Scots Centre highlights the long-standing historical, cultural and linguistic links between Scotland and Ulster – and further afield. 

A range of exhibition galleries introduce visitors to the vibrant cultural identity of the Ulster-Scots people (Lowland Scots), who have shaped this part of the world for over 400 years. Dedicated spaces explore the early historic links between Ulster and Scotland; as well as the key events since the arrival of the Ulster-Scots, including the coming of Presbyterianism to Ulster, the Williamite Wars, and the 1798 Rebellion.    

There are also a range of displays on the language and culture Ulster-Scots share with their kin in Scotland. The Montgomery Room tells the story of the Ulster-Scots/Scotch-Irish who migrated from Ulster to America in the 18th & 19th Centuries and how they shaped the United States, right up to the present day. The gallery is named after Eric Montgomery, an energetic pioneer of Scotch-Irish history, who realised the importance of keeping this heritage alive for future generations. It is also thanks to his unique vision that the Ulster-American Folk Park opened its doors in 1976.

The Discover Ulster-Scots Centre has a gift shop on site and visitors can talk to our expert staff who are on hand to assist with Ulster-Scots questions you may have. The Centre also boasts a performance and lecture area, while public research spaces provide tourists, community groups and schools with the opportunity to learn more about the rich cultural heritage of Ulster-Scots. 

The Corn Exchange Belfast, a historic stone building with large arched windows. It is on a quiet city street under a clear blue sky.
Interior of the Discover Ulster-Scots Centre, a modern visitor centre with a blue reception desk, grey floor, and informational displays about local heritage.
Audience seated in a rows of six in a museum gallery. They are watching a presentation on a historical figure, Alexander Hogg, with information projected on a large wall-mounted screen.
Museum exhibit featuring a historical black-and-white photo of a group of men, with informational panels in the background and a Lambeg drum on the right.
Interior view of a museum gallery with blue walls featuring historical exhibits and informational panels about 'Scotch-Irish in America' and 'Transatlantic Kinfolk'.
Framed historical newspaper, The Pennsylvania Packet, displayed on a stand in a museum exhibit about John Dunlap, the printer of the U.S. Constitution.
Empty chairs arranged in rows facing an exhibition area with informational panels and historical displays in a museum setting.

In addition, the centre's building is of great historical significance to the Ulster-Scots community. For example, in 1859, The Corn Exchange was the venue for a major event which took place in Belfast to mark the centenary of Scotland's National Bard, Robert Burns. 

Today, the building is home to both the Ulster-Scots Agency's offices and the Discover Ulster-Scots Centre. So, next time you're around Belfast, why not call in for a gander and a blether? We'd love tae see ye! 

Admission is free.

The Discover Ulster-Scots Centre is situated at 1-9 Victoria Street, Belfast, BT1 3GA.  

The main entrance to the Ulster-Scots Agency is located at 31 Gordon Street, Belfast, BT1 2LG.  

Phone:

028 9043 6710

Email:

info@ulster-scots.com

Opening Times:

Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm