the ulster american blue plaque heritage trail

We suggest that you set out from the Larne Tourist Centre. From there we take you to 15 locations throughout the Borough which will fire your imagination providing a rich tapestry of historical events woven into the present day landscape.

The first emigrant ship to sail from Larne during the great 18th century migration of the Ulster Scots community was the Friend's Goodwill. It sailed from the harbour, originally at Quay Street close to the centre of town, in May of 1717, reaching the safety of Boston Harbour in September of that year.

Many thousands of emigrants subsequently sailed to New York, Philadelphia and Charleston, and the ships continued with their voyages up until the time of the American Revolution; between July 1771 and September 1772, for example, there were at least seven sailings from the port, all but one to Charleston. They involved the ships Jupiter, James and Mary, Betty, and Lord Dunluce. It is estimated that they took over 1,700 passengers, hoping for better fortunes in America.

Two of the Ulster American Heritage trail plaques can be found in the modern harbour area, one in honour of later emigrants and the State Line connection with the port, and the other marking a strong GI presence in the town during the Second World War. The centrepiece of the trail is the impressive Memorial to the Emigrants in Larne's Curran Park. The statue of an Ulster family about to leave these shores on an emigrant ship is a poignant reminder of all those who went, and the hopes and concerns which they took with them.

Set in the natural beauty and quiet of the Curran Park, the monument has been an attraction for thousands of visitors since it was unveiled. The flags of Ulster, the United Kingdom and the United States of America constantly fly there as a reminder of the strong connections between our two countries, forged by thousands of ordinary men and women from Ulster.