If you're planning a trip to Northern Ireland this December, and whether it's for shopping or to visit some attractions with the family, one of the best places to stop off at is the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum. They really do make an extra special effort at Christmas time.

The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum was set up in 1958, as a means of depicting the cutural traditions of the people of Ulster. Originally set up in a Rural Tourism scheme by the Northern Ireland Parliament, its main strategy was to protect the rural way of life in the backdrop of urban growth.

Located in Cultra, Hollywood County Down, in a countryside area of approximately 170 acres, the Folk Museum tells the story of country life in Ulster in the 20th century. It shows how important the agricultural industry was to the area at that time.

There are some brilliant displays of machinery and how farming life was conducted in the region. It shows how lifestyles have evolved over time in farming, and also highlights the food production styles of a bygone time and how it has developed over the years.

The Transport Museum has many displays from the evolution of transport in the region - from the days of the horse and cart to motor cars, the importance of rail travel, to the stories of the great shipbuilding and evolution of the aircraft industry in Northern Ireland. The Museum has won many awards for its innovation, and contains beautiful displays, of which the ill fated Titanic is just one of many.

Christmas Events at the Museum

The Christmas Events at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum take place from Wednesday December 10th to Sunday 14th December 2008. With extended opening hours of up to 9pm during the festive season, visitors can take a trip back in time and enjoy the spirit and cheer of an early 20th century Christmas in the area.

You can savour the crafts, snacks and Christmas carols that evoke the memory of a hundred years ago. You will be astounded by the style of the model houses that adorned candles on their window sills and which are decorated in a traditional style for the Christmas season.

Another must see is the Picture House to see displays and images from Christmas in time past in the Ulster area, and enjoy tasty hot mince pies in the tearooms at Ballycultra. This part of the Christmas Programme at the Museum is from Wednesday 10th to Friday the 12th, and admission prices are as follows:

£3.50 for Adults
£2.50 for a Child
Family Tickets (For 2 adults + up to 3 children) £10.50
Family (1adult + up to 3children) £7.50
Children under 5 - admission free of charge
Disabled free admission

You can buy your tickets on arrival to the museum, there is no need to pre-book in advance!

The Spirit of Chistmas Past - Sunday 14th December

Here, you can enjoy festive celebrations from a bygone age in the traditional style in the Folk Museum and the Irish Rail Gallery. You will see the changes over the years in how Christmas was celebrated, from the early 20th Century, up to today.

You'll also get to see the wonderful craft displays and enjoy the superb street Christmas revelry, and the traditional carol singing by singers in traditional attire and carrying glowing festive lanterns.

Enjoy some traditional Christmas fare and hot punch from 11am until 4pm at the museum. The Spirt of Christmas Past will culminate with a sermon and carol singing at the Church of Ireland at 4pm.

Ticket prices for the Spirit of Christmas Past are as follows:

£7 for Adults
£4 for Children
Children Under Five are free of charge
For Disabled, admission is free
Family tickets available - (2 adults & up to 3 children) £19
Family ticket available - (1 adult & up to 3 children) £13

The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum is located in Cultra, in an area adjacent to the Hollywood area of County Down. It is located approximately 11km east of Belfast on the main Belfast to Bangor Road, about twenty minutes from Belfast, with excellent access either by road, rail or bus. Situated close enough to Belfast City Airport, the closest rail station is Ballycultra Halt. If you take the bus, it will stop outside the Museum.