Coastal villages Groomsport and Donaghadee will be focal points for the celebrations
Ards and North Down Council has revealed more details of the ongoing USA 250 celebrations in the borough.
While American Independence Day, the Fourth of July, has passed, from September to November 2026 Ards and North Down Council is highlighting a programme of commemorative activity continuing to mark the Semiquincentennial. This year the USA marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence when the US became an independent nation, overthrowing British rule.
The council says the programme will reflect the borough’s historic connections with the United States and align with existing borough events.
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Groomsport, beside Bangor on the North Down coast, will be the focal point for two of the council’s anniversary events. It is the oldest port on the North Down coast and the scene of the Eagle Wing’s attempted emigration to America in September 1636.
The Eagle Wing was the first emigrant vessel to attempt a voyage from Ulster to North America, carrying 140 passengers seeking religious freedom, primarily Ulster-Scots Presbyterians fleeing persecution. Bad weather conditions off the coast of Newfoundland forced the 150-ton wooden sailing ship to return to Belfast Lough.
On Saturday August 16, at Donaghadee Harbour, there will be two dramas marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the declaration, delivered by local drama provider Valhalla Street Theatre. The dramas have been planned by the Donaghadee Community Development Association.
On Saturday September 5, at Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport, there will be a themed heritage event by the council focusing on Ulster American migration and shared history, which the council says will be “delivered in a family-friendly and engaging format.” That weekend will also see the Eagle Wing Festival in the village, delivered by Discover Groomsport.
On Wednesday September 9, there will be a commemorative tree planting at Donaghadee by the council. A civic ceremony will mark the USA 250 anniversary, featuring the planting of five trees “symbolising enduring links between Ards and North Down and the United States, providing a lasting and visible legacy.”
In November the council’s existing Leid AND Lairn festival, which celebrates Ulster-Scots language, culture and history, will have a special focus on USA 250 commemorations.
The council states: “The programme will provide opportunities to explore Ulster-Scots traditions through music, storytelling and related experiences, highlighting language, folklore and cultural heritage. It will also consider the historic influence of Ulster-Scots communities locally. Events will take place across the borough, offering accessible opportunities for residents, schools and visitors to engage with shared heritage through learning, participation and cultural celebration.”
The council says it has also explored links with local author Philip Johnston and the possibility of a literary event aimed at children, based on his current book, “The Story of Charles Thomson and the Declaration of Independence.” A copy of the book was presented to the congress-approved America 250 Commission, when they recently visited the Public Records Office of Northern Ireland in Belfast.
The council states it has also had discussions with Trevor Marshall, creator of the “On Eagle’s Wing” musical, about the possibility of staging an event. The council says the proposed events at this point will be incorporated into existing council programmes and will not require additional funding.
Two local tourism providers, Sustainable Journeys and NI Silver, have secured funding from Stormont to develop “immersive experiences for North American and domestic markets.” A blog has been created on the visitardsndnorthdown.com website, setting out the borough’s links with the USA.
In April elected representatives at the council agreed to a motion by DUP Councillor Carl McClean to commit to “mark and celebrate” the United States semiquincentennial. He said it would “require a significant financial contribution.”
The motion stated that the Ards and North Down Borough is “mindful of our close connections to the United States and our role in their history” and would “consider options for events of different scales, including the theming of an existing event in the calendar, as well as exploring options to collaborate on an event of an appropriate level that complements the proposals of other councils.”
At the Ards and North Down Council full council meeting held this week (July 29) Councillor McClean said: “I want to stress how understated and unknown, but how critical and crucial the story of the Ulster Scots people is, to the foundation of the United States, with which we have one of our most important and enduring relationships.
“Some 200,000 Ulster Scots people went over from Ulster in the 65 years before the US rebellion, as it was then, and played a critical role in that, and also the shaping of the country. I only found out today that a contemporary described the United States independence movement and rebellion as “nothing more than an Ulster Scots Presbyterian movement.”
“I think we should be placing ourselves very squarely at the heart of that story. All across the United Kingdom and the island of Ireland we should (stress) the broader contribution this island made to America. But we have drastically undersold our story.
“It is notable and pleasing that it is starting to become more understood on the other side of the Atlantic. We have given a huge chunk of American presidents through Ulster.”
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