Historical Tour to Bready, Doagh Famine Village and Londonderry

A number of people from across Co Armagh attended a weekend Study Visit in the North West .

The first stop was the Sollus Centre in Bready Co Tyrone which is an Ulster Scots Centre.
James Kee gave a power point presentation on the history of the group and the activities they are involved in.

Members then got a tour of the building and were impressed with the computer facilities which are accessed by the local community. As a means of generating income Bready are setting up a new venture which will involve the supply of custom made teddy bears promoting the Ulster Scots Tradition.

After lunch the group arrived at Doagh Famine Village. This outdoor Museum has been in operation since 1997. It provided an opportunity for members to hear what life was like in Ireland in the past and how things drastically changed over the past 20 years with the Celtic Tiger boom.

Participants were fascinated to hear some of the traditions associated with an Irish Wake. Other attractions were an Eviction Scene, Presbyterian Meeting House, Orange Hall and Republican Safe House. Much discussion was generated around this and attendees found this a thought provoking experience.

In the evening participants listened to Gregory Campbell MP tell the story of his life living in Londonderry and how he got into politics. He then took questions from the floor on a wide range of matters. Londonderry playwright Jonathon Burgess then spoke about his new play The Exodus which tells the story of a family who were forced to leave their home in the Fountain Estate. This generated a great deal of discussion.

On Saturday the group visited St Columb’s Cathedral and were fortunate to be welcomed by the Dean of the Cathedral The Very Rev’d W A Morton. They viewed a power point presentation on the history of the building and were shown some artefacts including a 400 year old chalice and St James Bible.

The day finished with a guided tour of the City’s Walls.