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About
The Ulster Aviation Society (UAS) is a Volunteer-run, 100% Non-Profit Aviation museum and Registered charity dedicated to preserving and exhibiting Northern Ireland's aviation heritage. Featuring a unique array of 54+ Aircraft & Vehicles within its Heritage collection, and housed within two, authentic, Second World War hangars at Maze Long Kesh, just 5 mins outside Lisburn (at back of Balmoral site).
Founded in 1968, the UAS is entirely operated by passionate and knowledgable volunteers who restore and maintain the collection, many of whom have decades of experience.
The Society's mission is to educate the public about Northern Ireland's rich aviation legacy, including its key role in aircraft production and innovation during the 20th century.
Guided Tour - Enjoy a free guided tour (you must pre-book!) led by knowledgeable and engaging Volunteers, with opportunities to sit in many aircraft cockpits and learn about restoration projects.
Get up close to (and sit in) rare military and civilian aircraft, including the a Red Arrows Hawk, Tornado GR.4, Phantom FG.1, Jaguar GR.3A and many more!
Explore helicopters such as the Lynx, Gazelle, Puma, Wessex, Scout and Alouette.
Experience interactive exhibits, 7 x Flight Simulators and 6 x VR headsets in their two state-of-the-art suites.
Browse their extensive Aviation Library with rare aviation books and manuals.
The UAS are Winners of the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS).
Attractions include the below which have all strong links within the island of Ireland
- Military Fast Jets — modern and Cold War eras, plus Irish Air Corps
- Military Helicopters — RAF & Irish Air Corps
- Second World War — including fighters
- Shorts-designed & built Aircraft
- Civilian Aircraft
- Vintage Aircraft
- Second World War era Vehicles
- Flight Simulators (7) & VR Suites (6) — unique anywhere in Europe
- Aircraft Engines
- Artefacts and rare aviation reference materials
- Aviation Library
Open Season: 1 March – 31 October (closed November–February)
Tour Times: Daily at 10:30 and 17:30. Additional tour slots may be available on Saturday
Guided Tour Duration: Approx. 2-3 hours
Please note — The hangars are unheated, so dress warmly during cooler months.
How to book - All visits must be pre-booked via E-mail.bookvisit@ulsteraviationsociety.org. Please note walk-ins are not permitted.At time of booking please provide the number of visitors in your group (max 10 for family or small groups) plus your Mobile number for confirmation
The Volunteer Tour Co-ordinators will confirm your booking, or suggest alternative times or dates.
Admission: Family and small group tours (up to 10 people) are free. Donations are encouraged to support the Society's charitable work. Larger groups (11-50+ people) and schools are welcome for a small fee of £3 per person.
Children under 8 must be closely supervised at all times.
Accessibility - Wheelchair accessible, though some surfaces in the hangars may be uneven.
Facilities
Accessibility
- Guide dogs permitted
- Toilets for disabled visitors
- Wheelchair hire
Attraction Facilities
- Gift Shop
Children & Infants
- Accept children (Minimum age) - If you have young children UNDER 8 they must be closely supervised by you at all times, for their own safety and others. Our hangars and exhibits are not suitable at all for very young children.
- Baby changing facilities
Establishment Features
- Accept coach parties
- Cater for Corporate events
- Cater for individuals
- Event venue
- Family Fun
- Groups accepted - A family visit (10 people max.) is FREE OF CHARGE, yes FREE, however the UAS survives on both donations and our volunteers' own time and energy. Larger Group Visits (11-50+) are £3 PER PERSON.
- Guided Tours Available - Hangar Tours are FREE OF CHARGE, yes FREE, however the UAS relies on Donations to support our 100% Volunteer-run charity. Volunteer Tour Guides generously offer their time to show you around and tell you stories about the aircraft collection. To guarantee a Guide for your visit, please book your tour slot in advance via E-mail.
- Online Booking - Please do NOT just arrive out of the blue. You will be turned away! You MUST book first please as the hangars are not always open. Once you have e-mailed your Booking Request via BookVisit@ulsteraviationsociety.org our Visit Co-Ordinators, Ricci Coulter (Mob: 074 8670 9651) or David Reilly will confirm your tour or suggest alternative dates if your first choice is unavailable.
- Shop
- Talks
- Toilets
- Wi-fi available - FREE Wi-fi available via state-of-the-art 1.8Gb Fibre Broadband
Event Facilities
- Booking Required
Parking & Transport
- Coach parking
- Parking (free)
Payment Methods
- All major credit/debit cards accepted
Provider Preferences
- Film or TV location
- In countryside
- Indoor Attraction
- Non smoking establishment
- Of historic, literary or architectural interest
- Open by appointment only