Centre to celebrate Ulster-Scots

The new heritage centre celebrates the history of Ulster-Scots

A new tourism centre which celebrates the history of Scots settlers in Ulster has opened in County Donegal.

The heritage centre, Monreagh Manse, has been designed to educate present and future generations about the legacy of the Ulster-Scots history.

It also highlights the historical links that exist between Ireland and both the United States and Canada.

Monreagh Manse was initiated by the Institute of Ulster-Scots Studies at the University of Ulster.

It contains information on historic events, such as the plantation of Ulster in the 17th Century, and each room focuses on a particular aspect of Ulster-Scots history.

The project received support and funding from a variety of national organisations including the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

Speaking at the opening launch on Thursday, the department minister, Éamon Ó Cuív TD, said: "The Government of Ireland values the contribution that our citizens of Ulster-Scots background make to Irish society.

"This centre is a testimony to the contribution that your forebears have made both at home and abroad."

Winston Patterson of the International Fund for Ireland said: "This centre celebrates the heritage of the Ulster-Scots community in Monreagh and further afield.

"It is a shared heritage: shared because, over the centuries, it has become deeply interwoven with that of every other community on this island."