
Aug 15th, 2021
WHO ARE WE? A charitable society that is a diverse group of enthusiasts, working on a voluntary basis to further public education in the history of aviation. WHAT AIRCRAFT DO WE HAVE? Our heritage collection currently includes 52+ aircraft & vehicles, ranging from vintage Second World War fighters through Cold War era fast jets, Shorts designed & built aircraft, civilian aircraft, plus military helicopters, engines, artefacts and rare aviation reference materials, all with strong links to aviation within the island of Ireland. Our aircraft are housed within an ex-Second World War hangar at Maze Long Kesh, outside Lisburn (on the site of the old prison). • Charitable association of Aviation Enthusiasts • Over 700+ members, including Europe & USA Ulster Aviation Society is a charitable association. N. Ireland. Charity No. NIC 100128. NI Charity Commission Registered. Associate member of Northern Ireland Museums’ Council
Show more...Visited the Ulster Aviation Museum today, what a great experience it was. I was amazed at the wonderful collection of aircraft they have there. I have always had an interest in aviation, and have been to a number of museums, this one did not disappoint, with some iconic aircraft on display, and so much information from the excellent guide, would thoroughly recommend.
Show more...Today I've visited this little Museum,full of very nice exhibits and I was Very Pleasantly Surprised.
If You are interestrd in Aviation, it's definitelly worth a visit. This is not tge Biggest collection of Airplanes, but some of them I haven't seen elswhere and the staff is Very Professional and Helpfull.
Aviation Historian, Ernie Cromie was my Personal Tour Guide and he gave me the Very informative 3 hour Tour through this collection of Aircraft and various Airfield Equipment.
I Highly Recommend to Visit this Place for Everyone!
It was by chance that we found a flyer for the UAS, having never heard of it before, but we're so glad we found it now.
No matter what you're into, be it the history of aviation, the mechanics of making it work, or getting up close with planes and helicopters not normally accessible to the average Joe, this Museum has something for everyone! We had 3 generations of our family on the tour, and Ray, our guide, kept everyone entertained and included.
Unlike a lot of traditional museums, the UAS is run by a community of volunteers, there because they love it and it shows. The enthusiasm and level of knowledge offered by Ray and the other guides on duty while we were there were second to none.
The UAS prove that not just aviation enthusiasts get excited about planes! My husband, who usually thinks planes are for getting from A to B, made sure he queued up with the kids to get his picture taken in the fighter planes and helicopters that make up just a fraction of the exhibit offered at the Ulster Aviation Society.
There was so much to take in, the history of the ejector seat, the role of Northern Ireland in WWII and aviation in general, the evolution of flying uniforms, the mechanics of flight and more, and that was before you even stepped foot on a plane!
Our 2-hour visit quickly morphed into the full afternoon, and we still didn't have enough time to look at everything in detail.
A return visit is a must!
Thank you Ray and crew for all the work you guys put in, and we can't wait to visit again soon!
Recently took our first trip to the Aviation Society with our two young children. Ray was a brilliant guide, and his enthusiasm for the subject was infectious. He spent a lot of time to talk to us and take us round the hangars. It felt very personalised. There is no entry fee - you make a donation at the end to contribute to the amazing restoration work the team undertake. There is so much to see!! Our nine-year-old son loved it. Definitely worth a visit.
Show more...My son and I had an excellent visit to the Ulster Aviation Society on Friday morning. Our guide , Ivan , was very informative and spent plenty of time explaining the history of the old World War 2 hangers and the aircraft and exhibitions within. The aircraft, both military and civilian, are maintained in very good condition with ongoing restoration work to many of the exhibits and Ivan was great at explaining what is involved in the restoration of these old aircraft. The results are amazing. To be able to see this restoration work at close quarters sets it out from other aircraft museums I have visited. We were allowed to access some of the helicopters and even sit in the cockpit of a fighter jet and operate the controls. Put this place on your to-do list if visiting Belfast and you have even the slightest interest in aviation history or technology / restoration.
Show more...We visited during the Easter break and needed something that was cost-effective and would keep both our 11 year old and 4 year old sons interested, as part of my younger son's Birthday.
Both my sons enjoyed this, as did my wife and I. Entry is free (which is great for families), and you can buy some gifts or donate what you want.
It was a very lovely gesture at the end as the guide let my sons have a model plane each, and as my eldest is interested in History and War, was able to take a magazine and book also.
Whilst admittedly, I don't have a huge interest in History or Aviation, even I found it interesting, and learnt a lot, the guide that took us around was particularly entertaining whilst also being informative.
He was meant to talk for about 2 hours, and we got about a 3 hour tour in total, which was even better.
Definitely worth a visit, but my only advice would be as it is based in 2 huge hangars and there is no heat, make sure to wrap up warm.
There are also on-site toilets which is handy, if the kids need to pop to the toilet.
All in all, a great visit was had and I'd thoroughly recommend you give it a go.
What a great afternoon spent at the Aviation Museum. We were greeted by our host Ricky who was very informative at all times explaining to us all about the aircraft. I was with family and my daughter loved getting into the cockpits of several of the planes as was I too be fair. Would highly recommend viewing this Museum to understand the aviation history of Northern Ireland.
Show more...What a fantastic place to visit. The Ulster Aviation Society showcased fantastic planes that represent Irish aviation. We were shown around by a fantastic guide who had so much information, it was amazing. We were even allowed to get into a few of the planes, which was just superb. Definitely would recommend.
Show more...What an excellent way to spend an afternoon for aviation enthusiasts, young and old and for anyone who loves vintage airplanes, military history, hands on, loads to see and experience.You HAVE to come visit Ulster Aviation Society when close to Belfast, Northern Ireland. This visit would be a Fathers Day treat for any guy and be prepared to be amazed and intrigued by all the exhibits offered. Tour guides Alan Jargon and Ray Burrough are both very interesting, personable and knowledgeable and each offered us many additional stories, facts and inside info that had us on the edge of our seats. Great spot for photo ops for the airplane nuts in your family. Again, take the time to go out to visit. You can also join the Ulster Aviation Society group !
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I finally managed to visit the museum during a work trip to Belfast, and it was more than I was expecting. I was shown around by Ray and he took time to explain everything about the aircraft on display.
Show more...I look forward to my next trip to Belfast and I will certainly visit again. Lots of restoration projects on the go so always something different to see, and a very extensive collection for a small charity run museum.
Well done for what you are doing.
I would certainly recommend this to any aviation enthusiast if you are ever in or near Belfast.
Peter