Celebrating Our Ulster-Scots Heritage

A three-day programme, coordinated by Donaghadee Community Development Association and entitled ‘Celebrating our Ulster-Scots Heritage’, will run from 16–18 August and has something for everyone.  

Donaghadee was the main port of entry for Scottish settlers moving to Ulster when Hugh Montgomery arrived in May 1606. The Hamilton and Montgomery Settlement was the first permanent, large-scale Scottish settlement in Ireland, and it was these settlers who would first be described (in 1640) as "Ulster-Scots".    

The festival celebrates the town’s strong Ulster-Scots connection through talks, food, music and dance.  Events will take place in a tented village erected on the former Translink site, generously made available by Urban Properties Solutions Limited.  Entry to all events is free.  

Younger children will enjoy trying to find the Ulster-Scots words hidden in various shop windows, as well as taking part in some games with an Ulster-Scots link.  

Folk of all ages can enjoy music, dance, a food fair, craft and food demonstrations, with the latter featuring celebrity chef Jenny Bristow.  There will also be a reenactment of the arrival in 1606 in Donaghadee of the first Ulster-Scots settlers, wearing full costume and touring the town in a replica wooden boat.  

There will also be an exhibition, talks on Hamilton-Montgomery, the Ulster-Scots writers of County Down, the Tartan, and famous Ulster-Scots.  Alongside this is a graveyard tour of the graves of original settlers and an opportunity to explore your Ulster-Scots heritage.  

A highlight of the festival is sure to be the second Ulster Fry World Championship. The event was introduced in 2023, capturing public and media attention across Ulster. It has been developed through close co-operation with Ards and North Down Borough Council, FoodNI and Jenny Bristow.  Last year, the competition was won by Stephen McDonald of McKee’s Country Store and Restaurant in Newtownards.

Further details are available on the Visit Donaghadee website here.