About
This event is organised by Discover Groomsport. This event has been submitted by a third party, please note, details are subject to change.
A weekend of activities to celebration the voyage of the Eagle Wing from Groomsport in 1636. There will be a concert, a Seafarers' breakfast, line dancing and Scottish Country dancing, a history tour, talks and an open-air Seafarers' service.
The Eagle Wing sailed from Groomsport on 9th September 1636. On board were 140 Presbyterians, including four ministers, who were travelling to Massachusetts where they felt they would be free to
practice their religion.
Following a storm which damaged the ship, they decided to return and they arrived back in Lough Fergus (Belfast Lough) in November 1636. The significance of the Eagle Wing is that it was the first attempt by Ulster-Scots folk to emigrate to the American colonies. Later, from the early 1700s, it is estimated that some 250,000 Ulster-Scots emigrated to America where they became known as the “Scotch-Irish”.
FRIDAY 5 September
An evening with David Lennon and friends
7.30pm | WALTER NELSON HALL
An evening with David Lennon (“Folk on a Boat”) and friends. Local songs, music, craic and diversion. Tickets (£5) on sale at Cockle Row Cottages* (includes light supper).
SATURDAY 6 September
Seafarers’ Breakfast.
10am - 12noon | PARISH HALLS
Start the day with a breakfast bap. Tickets on sale at Cockle
Row Cottages* (£5 donation to Church)
Introduction to Ulster Scots language and culture.
11am | WALTER NELSON HALL
Talk by Dayna Jost, Ulster Scots Community Network
Free Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages
2 - 4pm | COCKLE ROW
Come join Valhalla Street Theatre at Cockle Row Cottages and learn a little history of the Eagle Wing and her maiden journey leaving this shoreline, in search of the new world! Meet some characters from that time, all with a story to tell.
Guided History Tour of Groomsport
2-3.30pm | MEET AT COCKLE ROW
Join Gavin Walker and Jim McMullan to learn about the history of the village
Line Dancing
2-3pm | WALTER NELSON HALL
Bring your cowboy/cowgirl Hat and boots (if you have them!) to join Gillian Quinn.
Scottish Country Dancing
3.15-4.15pm | WALTER NELSON HALL
Patrick Brunskill will guide you through the dances.
Talk: “Two families of Groomsport: the gentry and the
Fisherfolk”7:30PM | PARISH HALLS
Peter Gibson will give an illustrated talk about the Maxwells and the Watersons. Followed by refreshments.
SUNDAY 7 September
Seafarers’ Service
2.30pm | NEAR COCKLE ROW
Led by local clergy. Music by Cottown Pipe Band.
The service will be held in the Walter Nelson Hall if wet.
The programme is subject to change. For up to date information visit discovergroomsport.com.
