VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at county Antrim’s Arthur Cottage

Arthur Cottage and Interpretative Centre, located at 28 Dreen Road, Cullybackey, County Antrim, (BT42 1EB), is the ancestral home of first generation Irishman Chester Alan Arthur, the 21st President of the United States (1881–1885, he succeeded Garfield after his assassination). This carefully restored 18th-century thatched cottage, managed by the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, offers a glimpse into rural Ulster life and the Arthur family’s journey from Cullybackey to the American presidency. A short walk from Cullybackey village, it provides an educational and immersive experience for all ages.

The thatched cottage, typical of rural Ulster homes in the late 1700s, is meticulously restored to reflect how the Arthur family lived. It features period furnishings, utensils, and homeware, including fire tools, cooking implements, and a 19th-century bedroom setup. The cottage showcases the lifestyle of William Arthur, a Baptist minister and Chester’s father, who emigrated to the United States in 1815, before Chester’s birth in Vermont in 1829.

Visitors are transported to a bygone era, with the cottage’s “idyllic” and “cosy” atmosphere evoking simplicity and history. The turf fire, central to the cottage, adds warmth and authenticity. Guided tours, often led by passionate guides like Mary or Patricia, bring the space to life with tales of the Arthur family, their emigration, and life in 18th-century Antrim. Reviews praise the “informative” and “pleasurable” experience, noting the cottage’s role in connecting visitors to Chester Arthur’s roots. The cottage is small, so tours are intimate, typically accommodating small groups for a personal experience.

Interpretative Centre:

Adjacent to the cottage, the Interpretative Centre provides an educational narrative tracing the Arthur family’s journey from Cullybackey to the American presidency.
Exhibits detail Chester Arthur’s life, from his upbringing in New York, legal career advocating for equal rights, service as a Union Army Brigadier General during the Civil War, to his unexpected rise to Vice President and President after James Garfield’s assassination in 1881.
Displays also highlight Ulster-Scots heritage, including the dialect spoken by William Arthur.
The centre is “fascinating” for what Tourism Ireland marketing department calls the “culturally curious”, offering insights into transatlantic connections and Chester Arthur’s legacy as the “Gentleman Boss,” known for his sartorial elegance and civil service reforms. Interactive elements, such as panels and artifacts, engage visitors, though some note the centre is modest compared to larger museums.
Guides’ knowledge of local history and the Arthur story is a highlight, with reviews calling it a “real taste” of ancestral heritage. The centre includes a “President’s Plate” display, a nod to Chester Arthur’s presidency.

Traditional Baking Demonstrations:

A signature experience, baking demonstrations feature local women in period costume preparing soda bread and pancakes over the open turf fire using traditional recipes. Visitors can watch, participate, and sample the freshly baked goods straight from the griddle, offering a sensory connection to 18th-century Irish life.
Described as a “highlight” and “unique,” the demonstrations are both educational and delicious, with reviewers raving about the “freshly baked soda bread” and the “warm, inclusive” atmosphere. Guides like Mary explain historical cooking methods, such as using fire tools, making it engaging for all ages. Demonstrations occur on selected days and are a major draw for families and food enthusiasts.
Tip: Book in advance to ensure a spot, as demonstrations are popular.

Apple Orchard and Garden:

The cottage is surrounded by a garden featuring a recently planted apple orchard, tended by staff like Mary. A whimsical willow lady sculpture watches over the orchard, adding charm. The garden grows seasonal produce, reflecting historical self-sufficiency.
The “beautiful” orchard and garden provide a peaceful setting for strolling or relaxing, with spring daffodils and autumn harvests augmenting the seasonal appeal. Visitors connect to the Arthur family’s agricultural roots, as the garden mirrors their reliance on crops. Some note the garden’s small scale but appreciate its authenticity. The orchard, planted in spring 2022, is maturing, offering potential apple-related activities in future visits.

Workshops and Events:

The centre hosts occasional workshops, such as felt brooch making or corn dolly crafting, often tied to seasonal events like European Heritage Open Days (EHOD).
These hands-on activities explore traditional skills and Ulster-Scots culture. The cottage also participates in local festivals, augmenting its community role.
Workshops are “lovely” and “engaging,” with visitors enjoying the chance to learn crafts in the cottage’s cozy setting. EHOD events, like those in September 2024, offer free admission and baking demonstrations, drawing crowds. Reviews highlight the “wonderful afternoon” spent learning and socializing.
Tip: Check www.shapedbyseaandstone.com or www.discovernorthernireland.com, for event schedules.

Educational and Cultural Significance:

The site emphasizes the Arthur family’s Irish presbyterian heritage and their transatlantic legacy. Chester Arthur’s father, William, was not driven by famine but by opportunity, distinguishing their story from typical Irish emigration narratives. The cottage educates visitors about rural life, traditional skills (e.g., thatching, spinning), and Chester’s achievements, including his support for equal rights and civil service reform.
Visitors, especially those with North American ties, find the site “very informative,” with Canadian and U.S. tourists noting personal connections to Cullybackey’s emigrants. The cottage’s role in preserving Ulster-Scots dialect and culture adds depth, though some wish for more interactive exhibits. The site is ideal for those researching genealogy or U.S.-Irish connections.
Practicalities: 28 Dreen Road, Cullybackey, BT42 1EB, 4 miles from Ballymena, near the River Maine. From Belfast, take the M2 to Ballymena, then follow Cullybackey Road and brown “Arthur Cottage” signs. Turn right onto Dreen Road and follow the laneway. By train, take the Belfast-Derry line to Cullybackey Station (10-minute walk). Free parking is available off Main Street, Cullybackey.
Fridays in June (11:00 AM–4:00 PM), Fridays and Saturdays in July and August (11:00 AM–4:00 PM). Open year-round for pre-arranged group visits and events. Check www.shapedbyseaandstone.com or +44 (0)28 2563 5900 for updates.
Admission: Small fee (~£3–£5, subject to change); free during EHOD events. Group rates available. Contact The Braid Visitor Information Centre for bookings.
The cottage has uneven floors and limited space, posing challenges for wheelchairs or strollers. The Interpretative Centre is more accessible. Contact staff for accommodations. No on-site toilets; use facilities in Cullybackey village.
Visit Duration: 60–90 minutes, including the cottage tour, Interpretative Centre, and baking demonstration. Workshops or events may extend visits to 2 hours.
Atmosphere: Described as “idyllic,” “historical,” and “welcoming,” the cottage’s thatched charm, turf fire, and guides like Mary create a “real and inclusive” experience. Its rural setting offers an escape from modern life, though limited hours and remote location require planning.

New Features

Following the success of 2024 events like felt brooch making and corn dolly crafting, 2025 will see an expanded schedule of traditional craft workshops, such as spinning, thatching demonstrations, or orchard-related activities (e.g., apple preserving). These could align with seasonal events like spring planting or autumn harvests, building on guide Mary’s garden efforts. More workshops will enhance hands-on engagement, appealing to families and craft enthusiasts, and reinforcing Irish presbyterian traditions.
European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) 2025: The cottage is a participant in EHOD 2025 (typically mid-September), offering free admission, baking demonstrations, and crafts like corn dolly making, as seen in 2024. These events may include new activities, such as storytelling sessions about Chester Arthur or Irish presbyterian heritage, to attract diverse visitors. Check www.shapedbyseaandstone.com for details. Free access will draw budget-conscious visitors, boosting the cottage’s profile during a key heritage weekend.
Orchard Development and Activities: The apple orchard, planted in spring 2022, is maturing, and 2025 may introduce apple-themed events, such as picking sessions, cider making, or educational talks about historical orchards, inspired by Mary’s gardening efforts. The willow lady sculpture could feature in new interpretive signage or storytelling. These activities will enrich the visitor experience, connecting to Antrim’s agricultural heritage and appealing to food and nature lovers.

Visitor Expectations

Time and Cost: Plan for 60–90 minutes to cover the cottage, Interpretative Centre, and baking demonstration. Admission is £3–£5 (subject to change), free during EHOD events. Workshops may cost extra (£10–£20). Bring cash for tickets or donations. Combine with The Braid or Andrew Jackson Cottage for a half-day trip.
Best Times to Visit: Summer (July–August) for regular hours (Fridays/Saturdays, 11:00 AM–4:00 PM) and baking demonstrations, or September 2025 for EHOD events. Spring (March–May) may offer new orchard activities. Book group tours year-round for flexibility.
What to Bring: Wear sturdy shoes for uneven cottage floors and garden paths. Bring a camera for the thatched cottage and orchard, and cash for admission or shop items. No on-site food; try Cullybackey cafes like The Village Inn.
Who It’s For: Ideal for what Tourism Ireland marketing department calls the “culturally curious” (U.S.-Irish connections, Irish presbyterian heritage), families (baking, crafts), and food enthusiasts (soda bread tasting). Limited accessibility may challenge mobility-impaired visitors, but the Interpretative Centre is more accommodating.
Reviews praise guides like Mary and Patricia for their knowledge and warmth but note limited opening hours (June–August, Fridays/Saturdays) and accessibility challenges., the cottage may extend group booking availability year-round or introduce accessibility improvements, such as ramps or virtual tours for the cottage interior.
Digital guides or QR codes could enhance the Interpretative Centre, addressing calls for more interactivity. These changes will improve access and engagement, particularly for mobility-impaired visitors and those visiting outside summer.
Tips: Book tours or demonstrations via The Braid Visitor Information Centre (+44 (0)28 2563 5900). Check www.shapedbyseaandstone.com for hours and events. Arrive early for parking in Cullybackey. Ask guides about Chester Arthur’s equal rights advocacy for deeper insights.

Recommendations

Tour the Cottage: Join a guided tour with Mary or Patricia for stories about the Arthur family and 18th-century life, enhanced by the turf fire’s ambiance.
Try Baking Demonstrations: Participate in soda bread and pancake making, a “must-do” for a taste of history. Book via The Braid to secure a spot.
Visit the Orchard: Stroll the garden and orchard, especially in spring or autumn, to see the willow lady and seasonal produce.
Attend EHOD 2025: Plan for mid-September 2025 for free entry and crafts like corn dolly making, a budget-friendly highlight.
Explore the Interpretative Centre: Dive into Chester Arthur’s journey from Cullybackey to the White House, recommended for U.S. history fans.
Follow Updates: Monitor www.shapedbyseaandstone.com, www.discovernorthernireland.com,, or The Braid’s social media (@MidAntrimMuseums) events, Contact +44 (0)28 2563 5900 for bookings.

Arthur Cottage and Interpretative Centre is a charming, educational attraction that connects visitors to Chester Arthur’s Irish presbyterian roots and 18th-century rural life., expanded workshops, orchard activities, and EHOD events will enhance its appeal, making it a recommended visit for those exploring County Antrim’s heritage. Its intimate setting and passionate guides ensure a memorable experience. For the latest details, visit www.shapedbyseaandstone.com or contact The Braid Visitor Information Centre.