Official tourism website for Northern Ireland
En

May Day at Ulster Folk Museum

Ulster Folk Museum, 153 Bangor Road, Cultra, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EU
May Day flower crowns at the Ulster Folk Museum

About

May Day, also known as 'Bealtaine', is one of the most important days in the Celtic calendar and marks the returning of light. This day is full of traditions, superstitions and tales of mischievous fairies! At this time of year, the hedgerows, woodlands and verges of the Ulster Folk Museum are bustling after the long winter months.

Visit our exhibition houses adorned with yellow flowers to fend off the fairies, tie a ribbon on the fairy tree for luck and listen to folklore tales. Watch craft demonstrations by our talented makers, listen to traditional music and make your own flower crown with Sow Grateful made with flowers grown on their local nature-friendly flower farm (while stocks last).

Book Tickets

Facilities

Event Facilities

  • Booking Required

Explore More

Visitors enjoying picnics in the grounds of the Folk MuseumUlster Folk Museum, HolywoodRefresh the connection at Ulster Folk Museum, a place where traditions and heritage skills are preserved and celebrated to help shape future generations.

Book Tickets Online

Map & Directions

Opening Times

Season 5 May 2025
DayTimes
Monday10:00 - 17:00

What's Nearby

  1. Vintage double decker bus

    Celebrate the history of invention and innovation through engineering, design, and…

    0.04 miles away
  2. Visitors enjoying picnics in the grounds of the Folk Museum

    Refresh the connection at Ulster Folk Museum, a place where traditions and heritage…

    0.12 miles away
  3. Photo of two children with woolly hats on running through the autumn leaves of the park

    A lovely park perfect for families located only a short distance from Holywood.

    0.99 miles away
  4. a photograph of a graveyard

    Holywood Priory is an intersting and historic site close to the bustling town of Holywood.

    1.44 miles away
  5. a photograph of the motte surrounded by some trees

    Holywood Motte is an Anglo-Norman castle mound, which probably had a ditch round its base…

    1.45 miles away
  6. Image of Holywood Maypole dressed with ribbons for the annual May Day dancing event

    Holywood's most well known feature is the town's Maypole, the only surviving in Ireland.…

    1.58 miles away
  7. Trees

    Redburn Country Park is set on an escarpment above Belfast Lough. There are 7km of…

    2.19 miles away
  8. Grey Point Fort canon

    Situated in Helen's Bay, Grey Point Fort is one of the best preserved early 20th century…

    2.9 miles away
  9. Leafy pathway through the country park

    With tranquil walks through peaceful meadows and wooded glens and a stunning waterfall,…

    2.94 miles away
  10. An image of Helen's Bay beach from the shore with a bench ready to welcome someone to sit

    Beautiful sandy beach with excellent facilities, all within twenty minutes drive of…

    2.95 miles away
  11. Historical Research Associates

    Established in 1984 we provide a prompt personal and professional research service for…

    3.31 miles away
  12. Parliament Buildings, Stormont

    Parliament Buildings is home to the Northern Ireland Assembly, the legislative body for…

    3.38 miles away
  13. Belfast’s Window on Wildlife (WOW)

    Visit RSPB NI’s nature reserve right in the heart of the bustling Belfast Harbour Estate…

    3.45 miles away
  14. Stormont Estate

    Stormont Estate is a Green Flag Award winning public park recognised as one of Northern…

    4.15 miles away
  15. View from the Coastal Path from Stricklands Glen direction coming into Bangor town

    An enchanting park leading onto the North Down Coastal Path.

    4.44 miles away
  16. A woman and child having a pretend sword fight in the room at the top of the castle keep with the sun beaming through the window behind.

    Get ready to step back in time at Carrickfergus Castle, an incredible Norman castle…

    4.45 miles away

Explore More

Visitors enjoying picnics in the grounds of the Folk MuseumUlster Folk Museum, HolywoodRefresh the connection at Ulster Folk Museum, a place where traditions and heritage skills are preserved and celebrated to help shape future generations.

Map

SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
303112345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293012345678910