Explore your Scots-Irish heritage
Your Scots-Irish ancestors proudly called Northern Ireland home and there's never been a more exciting time for a homecoming than right now.
Visit Northern Ireland and you’ll be met with sweeping coastlines, soaring cliffs, cultural delights and, perhaps most notably, famous hospitality recognized the world over. Beyond the buzz of a resplendent and, if you choose to partake, nocturnal Belfast, you’ll find fabulous fairways, lush sweeping glens and history in the making with the Titanic 100 Festival, now setting sail.
What’s more, in a matter of miles, you can experience the splendor of the Causeway Coast, the spell of Londonderry, named the upcoming UK City of Culture and - with a bit of Irish luck - a respite at Bushmills, where you’ll find a warm Irish welcome in wait.
If that’s not inspiration enough, there’s plenty more to see and do below. Plus, you can revisit the past and start tracing your roots today. Ready to plan your trip? Check out how to fly to Belfast or Dublin and then head north or browse our partner's great value vacation offers to get there.
Vacation Offers*
See the savings with our partners’ great value offers
- From $1735 Create your own Gathering with our Custom Chauffeur Drive Vacation. 7 nights 4&5 star hotels, 6 days private driver Isle Inn Tours
- Explore the Burren from Romantic Moy House €225
- Put Your Stitch in History - The 'Unity' Tapestry €0
- The Gathering at Castle Leslie €400
- Gather with the Grandparents €1950
Order your copy of 'Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors'
Written by William Roulston, Research Director with the Ulster Historical Foundation, this book asserts itself as the first comprehensive guide for those searching for ancestors in 17th & 18th Century Ulster.
Watch "Born Fighting - How the Scots-Irish shaped America".
Tune in to the Smithsonian Channel to watch this two part series based on the book by Senator Jim Webb. From the strong Scots-Irish influence on the Bible Belt to the surnames that have endured for centuries and the creation of country music, Webb traces the extraordinary heritage of the Scots-Irish from 17th century Scotland to present day America.
Get inspired by an Ulster-Scots Tour
Discover the sights and sounds of the Northern region of the island of Ireland where lesser known farms were once ancestral homesteads to 17 U.S. Presidents. Take in the Ulster American Folk Park or the walled city of Londonderry and enjoy a vacation of personal discovery.
Places not to be missed
From the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giant's Causeway to the grandeur of Enniskillen Castle on Lough Erne and the world-class links courses of Co. Down, the region boasts a myriad of rich cultural attractions against a backdrop of awe-inspiring scenery.
Get inspired by the locals
Take a journey around Northern Ireland with our local guides as they show you their hidden gems. Follow in the footsteps of Giant's, play a round of one of Ireland's premier links or cook up a storm at cookery lesson.
What's on
Northern Ireland promises a wide range of events to suit every taste. From food festivals to the arts and opera, golf tournaments and music events, you'll be glad you added some of these to your itinerary.
