Located at 49 Main Street, Strabane, County Tyrone, Gray’s Printing Press is a National Trust-managed museum housed in an 18th-century Georgian shop front. This historic site, once part of Ulster’s leading printing town, offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of printing, ink, galleys, and emigration. Associated with notable figures like John Dunlap, who printed the American Declaration of Independence, and James Wilson, grandfather of US President Woodrow Wilson, the museum celebrates Strabane’s printing heritage.
- Guided Tours: Step back in time with guided tours that explore the story of 18th-century printing. Visitors can see a collection of 19th-century hand printing presses, including an Arab press, Peerless platen press, and large press by H.S. Cropper & Co., along with wood and metal type. Tours, led by local volunteers, include demonstrations of traditional printing techniques, offering insights into the tools and processes that shaped Ireland’s publishing history. The museum highlights the emigration stories of Dunlap and Wilson, who honed their skills at Gray’s before achieving prominence in America.
- Exhibits and Historical Context: The museum showcases a treasure trove of printing machinery and artifacts, providing a window into Strabane’s role as a printing hub in the 1700s. Displays and audio-visual elements detail the town’s economic significance and the migration of skilled printers to America. Visitors learn about the craftsmanship behind early printing and its global impact, including the printing of the US Constitution by Dunlap.
- Tea Rooms: The adjacent Gray’s Printers’ Tearooms, located in the same historic building, offer a cozy spot for visitors to enjoy homemade food, including scones, traybakes, sandwiches, and coffee. The tearoom, with its charming old-world ambiance, features seating upstairs overlooking a cobbled courtyard where visitors can relax after their meal. Reviews praise the friendly staff and great value, though some note inconsistent service or cold indoor temperatures during winter.
- Family-Friendly The museum is suitable for families, with hands-on activities like printing demonstrations engaging visitors of all ages. However, suggestions from past visitors include adding more interactive elements, such as paper sheets or case layout plans, to better communicate the printing process to children and those unfamiliar with the craft. The courtyard occasionally hosts events, like music performances or costumed volunteers during themed days (e.g., Independence Day events), augmenting the family experience.
- The printing press is located on the first floor, accessible only by stairs, which may pose challenges for those with mobility issues. The tearoom and courtyard are more accessible, and wheelchair access is noted for parts of the site. Assistance dogs are welcome. Visitors should check accessibility details with the National Trust.
The practicalities
- Pricing and Booking: Admission is by guided tour only, with no specific pricing listed, but National Trust members enter free. Tours are available by appointment or private group booking (minimum numbers apply), and visitors are advised to contact grays@nationaltrust.org.uk or call +442886748210 to confirm opening dates and times, as the museum has been temporarily closed in recent years.
- Location and Surroundings: Situated in central Strabane, the museum is near other attractions like the Strabane Library, Wilson Ancestral Home, and the Alley Theatre. The historic setting and proximity to the Sperrin Mountains and Lough Neagh make it a compelling stop for those exploring County Tyrone’s heritage.
- The National Trust is emphasising volunteer recruitment to bolster operations at Gray’s Printing Press. This initiative aims to ensure consistent tour availability and enrich the visitor experience with more frequent demonstrations and storytelling by local volunteers passionate about preserving Strabane’s printing heritage.
Practicalities:
- Visitor Feedback: Reviews highlight the museum’s historical significance and the charm of the tearoom but note occasional issues with tour availability due to its appointment-based system and volunteer staffing. Some visitors have mistaken the tearoom for a modern printing service, leading to humorous misunderstandings. The museum’s Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award reflects its appeal as a top attraction.
- Contact and Planning: Given the museum’s history of temporary closures and reliance on bookings, visitors are strongly encouraged to verify opening times and book tours in advance via www.nationaltrust.org.uk/grays-printing-press or by emailing grays@nationaltrust.org.uk. The museum’s small scale and focus on niche history make it ideal for those interested in printing, local heritage, or Ulster-American connections. Pairing a visit with nearby attractions like the Ulster American Folk Park enhances the experience.
Gray’s Printing Press offers a unique dive into 18th-century printing and Strabane’s global influence, with 2025 promising improved accessibility and potential new interactive elements.
