Folk Park ‘jewel in the crown’ as it re-opens

THE Chairman of National Musuems NI says the re-opening of the Ulster American Folk Park outside Omagh for the first time in almost six months was an immensely significant day for the popular tourism amenity.

Miceal McCoy was on hand to welcome scores of visitors on Thursday as the warm weather provided the ideal backdrop for tours of the expansive site.

“This is an exceptionally important day for the Folk Park, but this has given us time to reboot, look at our systems and provide the opportunity for our curators to examine the historic artefacts and the collections which we possess,” he said.

“The Ulster American Folk Park is, I have always believed, the jewel in our crown. it’s got a great story depicting life before and after people emigrated and Omagh and the west are so privileged to have this facility here.

“The number of American visitors who come here has been really good over the years and hopefully they will be coming again when the pandemic recedes. The staff are also delighted to be open again, because the stories that they tell are simply amazing.

Chris Smyth, chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, encouraged local people to complete their ‘staycation’ here and visit the Folk Park and other local amenities.

“We hope that people will now find the gems on their doorsteps which is something which I have done during the past few months,” he said.

“You don’t have to go outside the area to find wonderful and enjoyable things to do and see. The Folk Park is Omagh’s largest tourist attraction and is simply amazing. History is really brought to life here in a real and tangible way, especially for young people.”

Opening times for the Folk Park are Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm and those intending to go can pre-book a time slot online.

Before the pandemic, around 130,000 visitors per year came to the amenity which was first opened nearly 50 years ago.