Few regions of the world have contributed more to the formation of the United States than Northern Ireland. Since the seventeenth century, a succession of immigrants has had a profound impact on the development of American culture, politics, education, science, religion, agriculture, and industry. Proud of its past and increasingly confident of its future, Northern Ireland has only recently begun to attract the international attention it deserves.

The Northern Ireland program brought to Washington the region's finest performers, artists, storytellers, craftspeople, cooks, and workers to help explain, demonstrate, and celebrate their culture. Through dynamic Festival performances, demonstrations, and educational activities, the program highlighted the rich history, living traditions, and distinctive customs of this beautiful region. Reflecting the complexity and creativity of Northern Ireland, the site featured traditional industries, such as Belleek pottery and Bushmills Irish Whiskey, home-based crafts, such as lace- and bagpipe-making, and modern community expressions, such as mural painting.

Northern Ireland introductory program signs   
(in pdf format)
Northern Ireland at the Smithsonian
Northern Ireland: the Basics
Map of Northern Ireland

This program was produced in partnership with the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure of Northern Ireland and with the cooperation of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Major donors to the Rediscover Northern Ireland program were Titanic Quarter Ltd. and RBS. Other donors and supporters were BT, Diageo, Glen Dimplex Group, Grafton ESP, Norbrook, Resource, Bank of Ireland, BDO Stoy Hayward, Delta Print and Packaging, First Trust Bank, Henderson Foodservice, McCabes, McAleer & Rushe Group, McLaughlin & Harvey, Northern Bank, Seagate, Ulster Carpets, Belleek, FireIMC, Harrison Photography, and Northbrook Technology.

Click here to learn more about Northern Ireland.