New Ulster-Scots Recipe Cards Celebrate Baking Heritage at President Arthur Homestead

A new collection of traditional Ulster-Scots recipe cards is launching at President Arthur Homestead in Cullybackey. Visitors can enjoy special tasting and baking demonstrations on Saturday 28 November 2026. Tickets cost £5, with advance booking required.

A new collection of Ulster-Scots recipe cards will help visitors to President Arthur Homestead in Cullybackey discover the traditional tastes, skills and baking heritage of County Antrim.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has collaborated with renowned local chef Paula McIntyre to create the collection.

The initiative is part of Tourism Northern Ireland’s America250 Experience Development Programme, supported by the Department for Communities through the USA-NI250 Scheme.

Traditional Ulster-Scots Recipes Celebrate Local Baking Heritage

The new recipe cards aim to preserve traditional baking skills while highlighting the importance of locally sourced ingredients.

Visitors will discover the techniques and recipes that helped shape everyday life in Ulster-Scots households.

The collection includes traditional favourites such as:

• Griddle scones – a traditional favourite cooked on a hot griddle.
• Indian sodas – a distinctive part of Ulster’s baking traditions.
• Roussel bread – a traditional bread recipe reflecting local food heritage.
• Sparbled fadge – a dish rooted in traditional home cooking.

Each recipe reflects the simple ingredients, practical skills and resourcefulness associated with generations of Ulster-Scots families.

Visitors can also take these baking traditions home and recreate the recipes themselves.

Connecting Cullybackey’s Heritage with America250

The project forms part of the wider celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026.

President Arthur Homestead, situated near Ballymena, is the ancestral home of Chester Alan Arthur, the 21st President of the United States.

The restored cottage offers visitors an insight into rural life in the late 18th century, including traditional cooking methods and family history.

According to the official visitor information, the attraction features historic displays, an interpretive centre and demonstrations of baking over an open turf fire.

The recipe cards add another dimension to the experience, connecting food, family traditions and Northern Ireland’s historic links with America.

The launch follows the homestead’s recent recognition through the UK Museum Accreditation Scheme.

You can also explore more Ballymena news and local stories on Northern Ireland Online.

Ulster-Scots Baking Demonstrations on Saturday 28 November

Visitors will have an opportunity to taste the traditional recipes during three special baking and demonstration sessions at President Arthur Homestead.

Event details:

• Date: Saturday 28 November 2026
• Venue: President Arthur Homestead, 21A Dreen Road, Cullybackey, BT42 1FX
• Session 1: 11am
• Session 2: 12.15pm
• Session 3: 1.30pm
• Tickets: £5 per person
• Availability: Limited places

How to Book

Visitors wishing to attend should book in advance.

Email: visitorinfo@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Telephone: 028 9335 8262

Further details about the historic attraction are available on the President Arthur Homestead visitor page.

Mayor Welcomes Celebration of Ulster-Scots Food Heritage

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, welcomed the initiative.

“Food has always played an important role in bringing people together and telling the story of a community.

“These recipes are a wonderful way to share the flavours and traditions passed down through generations and will be a great asset to visitors coming to experience President Arthur Homestead.”

Paula McIntyre Celebrates Northern Ireland’s Traditional Ingredients

Renowned chef Paula McIntyre said she was delighted to return to the historic cottage.

“I am delighted to be working in collaboration with Mid & East Antrim Borough Council on this project.

“Having visited the cottage many times and baked over the open fire it is lovely to be back again showcasing our wonderful local ingredients.

“I am deeply passionate about the area and ensuring we share the heritage that has been developed. The design of these recipe cards provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and share the rich Ulster-Scots baking heritage with a wider audience.”

The project also supports wider efforts to strengthen Northern Ireland’s cultural tourism offer.

Tourism NI has been developing new heritage experiences through its America250 programme, highlighting the connections between Northern Ireland and the United States.

Free Ulster-Scots Recipe Cards for Visitors

The new Ulster-Scots recipe cards will be available free of charge to visitors following the demonstrations on Saturday 28 November.

Organisers hope the collection will preserve traditional baking methods and inspire future generations to enjoy these historic recipes.

Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to reserve a place early.

Book your place today by emailing visitorinfo@midandeastantrim.gov.uk or calling 028 9335 8262.

For more local attractions, heritage stories and community activities, visit Northern Ireland Online.