Family Fun at Cockle Row the Ulster-Scots way

25 July 2014

North Down Borough Council and the Ulster-Scots Agency have joined together to form a fantastic programme of free entertainment every Sunday this July and August at Cockle Row Cottages in Groomsport. The entertainment is in celebration of Ulster-Scots connections and the influence it has had on our culture and entertainment ever since.

Ulster-Scots connections in Groomsport village date back to the settlements of Sir James Hamilton at the turn of the 17^th Century. During this early period Groomsport became known as a busy working port with ships passing back and forth from Scotland for both legal and illegal trade!

The Ulster-Scots entertainment is in addition to the annual summer fun that takes place at the cottages every Saturday and Sunday between 2pm and 4pm creating an exciting and varied programme sure to suit everyone. There will be a mix of traditional Ulster-Scots music, dancing, pipers and baking as well as children’s science shows, magicians, face painting, ‘Casey’s Creatures’, Ark Open Farm and more!

Groomsport harbour is also where the ship Eagle Wing departed. The ship was built to carry Presbyterian settlers to America at a time when they were suffering persecution in Ulster. On 9 September 1636, 140 passengers departed for the “New World”. The voyage however came to an end with fierce storms off Newfoundland, forcing its return on 3 November 1636.

In celebration of this history Sunday 7 September will see the season close at the cottages with an Ulster-Scots / Eagle Wing finale including music, dancing, children’s entertainment, baking and period re-enactors, 1pm to 4pm.

The cottages are open daily 11am-5pm until 7 September.  Admission free. New season opens Easter 2015.

For further information contact Bangor Visitor Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069, email tic@northdown.gov.uk or visit northdowntourism.com

For further information visit www.ulsterscotsagency.com/events/event/576/free-entertainment-at-cockle-row-cottages