Ulster-Scots in Ards and North Down

It was May 1606...

when Scottish families began to settle in the Ards and North Down. King James confiscated two-thirds of Conn O’Neill’s land and gave it to two Scottish noblemen, James Hamilton and Hugh Montgomery from Ayrshire, so that they could settle it with Scottish tenant farmers. Hugh Montgomery was given the Ards peninsula and James Hamilton was given O’Neills land in North Down. Hamilton became the first Viscount Clandeboye.

Find out how they influenced our land making it what it is today; learn about other notable families in the area, about their influence on our towns and villages; get more indepth knowledge from the biographies including the Montgomerys who still reside in Greyabbey today.

Tour the landscapes that flourished under the Ulster-Scots influence, visit landmarks and take in the stunning scenery along the way.

Are you interested to know if the Ulster-Scots played a role in your own family history? We can send you in the right direction to research your roots.

Each section is laid out below, simply click the images below to find out more.

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Ulster-Scots Biographies: The Ards and North Down

The biographies of some of the most prominent individuals in the early Ulster-Scots story of the Ards and North Down.
Research your Ulster-Scots roots

Find out how you can research your genealogy and Ulster-Scots roots.
The Ulster-Scots influence on our Towns and Villages

Learn all about the historic influence of the Ulster-Scots on our towns and villages, how it all began.
Ulster-Scots Churches and Graveyards in Ards and North Down

Find out about the influence of the Ulster-Scots by studying our local churches and graveyards

Furthermore...

Ulster-Scots: Parks and Coastal Walks

Did you know that some of your favourite walks and parks may have links to the Ulster-Scots?
Ulster-Scots: Strangford Lough Coastal Drive

Explore Strangford Lough and discover the history and influence of Ulster-Scots in the area.
Ulster-Scots and Scrabo Tower

Learn about the Ulster-Scots connection to our very own Scrabo Tower
Ulster-Scots and Mount Stewart

Did you know that Mount Stewart was originally owned by Scots? Learn the story of this historic property…
Ulster-Scots and Ulster Folk Museum

The Ulster Folk and Transport Museums tell the tale of the Ulster-Scots. Come along to find out more about Ulster-Scot folk, as well as their dialect and dwellings.
360° Video Series Explores the Ards Peninsula: An Ulster-Scots Heartland

An online series explores the Ulster-Scots Heartland of the Ards Peninsula, tracing the footprint and legacy of the first Ulster-Scots settlers as they arrived and moved through the area.