national lottery heritage open weekend

We're offering free entry to the Ulster Folk Museum on 7th & 8th March as part of National Lottery Heritage Week!

A group of people looking into a cottage at the folk museum
Date
Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th March 2026

Please note, this event is now fully booked. 

As part of National Lottery Open Week, we're saying thank you to National Lottery players who help support the museum with free entry on Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th March 2026! 

Here at the Ulster Folk Museum, we celebrate the traditions, customs and everyday skills that have been passed down through the generations within Ulster families and homes. 

The Ulster Folk Museum is entering an exciting phase of renewal having recently secured £50M in funding supported by the Department of Communities and The National Lottery Heritage fund, thanks to National Lottery players. 

Our 'Reawakening the Ulster Folk Museum' project will enhance our spaces, improve visitor facilities and open up more of our collections than ever before- strengthening the museums role in helping people connect with the stories and traditions that shape us. 

Pre-booking is essential. We expect this to be a busy weekend and parking may be limited, so please make use of public transport where you can. 

FULLY BOOKED

Pre-booking is essential for the National Lottery Heritage Open Weekend at Ulster Folk Museum on 7th & 8th March 2026.

What to know

Everything you need to know about National Lottery Heritage Open Weekend at Ulster Folk Museum

Pre-booking is essential. If you do not wish to take part in this offer general admission tickets can be purchased on the day. Please note, walk ups will be very limited on the day and entry may not be possible if the Folk Museum has reached full capacity.

There will be timed slots to choose from - 10:00 to 12:00, 12:00 to 14:00 and 14:00 to 16:00 (last entry 15:45).

Parking will be limited and public transport use is advised where possible.

An accessible bus will be available on the day to support with movement from overflow car parks and Cultra train station. A bus stop for those availing of the train/ local bus services will be available in the car park of the adjacent Ulster Transport Museum.

Terms and conditions 

  • Ulster Folk Museum is offering free entry to National Lottery players who can provide proof of purchase, either paper or digital.
  • Only one National Lottery ticket or scratch card will be required for free entry for adults in one group (maximum 2 adults and up to 3 children). Kids go free on these two days (children aged 5 – 17 years). Any additional adults will require their own National Lottery ticket or scratch card.
  • Please note, that the date of the lottery ticket or scratch card is of no concern.
  • This offer will run on 7th and 8th March 2026 only.
  • Visit slots are 10:00 to 12:00, 12:00 to 14:00 and 14:00 to 16:00 with last entry at 15:45. The museum will close at 17:00. In order to support a great experience, we ask you complete your visit across your prebooked slot.
  • Advance booking is required to secure your space on the day. Walk ups will be very limited. If you arrive without a prebooked ticket entry may not be possible
  • We expect this to be a busy event and parking may be limited. Please do make use of public transport where possible. 

Plan Your Visit