About
The Gobbins Visitor Centre presents a compelling series of Heritage & Maritime Talks that celebrate the rich history of Islandmagee. These sessions feature fascinating stories of shipwrecks, sea trade, and local lives shaped by the coast, brought to life through expert speakers. Highlights include the Islandmagee DNA Project, led by the Family History Society of Northern Ireland, uncovering local ancestry through cutting-edge genetics. Adding a cultural dimension, Ulster-Scots poetry is woven into the programme, offering a lyrical glimpse into the language, identity, and traditions of the area. A unique journey through history, heritage, and verse. Full programme details below:
The Islandmagee DNA Project - Saturday 5 July 2025 at 14:00
Talk By Martin McDowell and Anne Johnston (North of Ireland Family History Society)
Come along and hear about how DNA tests work and learn about the progress of the Islandmagee DNA Project. Over the last few years over 200 people with ancestry from Islandmagee have tested their DNA to allow us to connect people together back beyond paper records. The project has also managed to reconstruct many of the lost census records from 1821 to 1891 from other sources (including DNA). Whether you are one of the testers or someone curious to know more about DNA testing we hope to see you there!
People of the Loughshore - Sunday 13 July 2025 at 13:00
Talk by Dr David Hume
Based on the 2007 book on prominent people from across the area, this will look at a number of prominent people from across the area, including military figures, educationalists, seafarers, inventors, explorers, and even a smuggler!
Islandmagee Memorabilia - Saturday 2 August 2025 at 14:00
Talk By Martin McDowell and Anne Johnston (North of Ireland Family History Society)
Have you an old family Bible, document or photo of times gone-by around Islandmagee? If so the North of Ireland Family History Society wants to know! Members of the society have been piecing together the lives of local families of the 1700s, 1800s and 1900s and making our research available online and would love to see anything you have stored away in your attic. Photos in particular can enrich a family tree and add depth to known information. We'll be explaining how to access our research and how our project is moving forward.
Sea in the Blood: the seafarers of Islandmagee - Saturday 9 August 2025 at 13:00
Talk By Dr David Hume
A talk focused on some of the seafarers of the island and their stories.
Shipwrecks and Strandings of the Antrim Coast - Sunday 10 August 2025 at 13:00
Talk by Dr David Hume
A talk which looks at shipwrecks over a period from 1780 to 1956 with fascinating detail about shipping casualties over the decades.
Tales of Islandmagee - Saturday 16 August 2025 at 13:00
Talk by Dr David Hume
from fairies to Vikings, the meaning of placenames, mules from Malaga, caves and coastguards, a talk reflecting on the unique history of Islandmagee.
Literary Island - Sunday 17 August 2025 at 13:00
Talk by Dr David Hume
A talk looking at writers and poets connected to Islandmagee, and those who wrote about the Island as far back as 1683; including Richard Dobbs, John Hewitt, William Calwell, Richard Hayward, Dixon Donaldson and others.
Twa Boys an some Quare Yarns - Sunday 24 August 2025 at 13:00
Talk by Dr David Hume and Davy Moore
Poetry, readings and chat, with a few laughs guaranteed! David Hume and Davy Moore bring a unique show of Ulster Scots material (with subtitles) which every audience will enjoy. Includes poems and prose written by both as well as wider material. Previous appearances have included Whitehead Festival in 2024
Lessons from the landscape - Saturday 30 August 2025 at 13:00
Talk by Dr David Hume
A talk which looks at the history which is all around us; from geology, archaeological remains, to buildings, ruins and place names. This talk encourages everyone to look around and view the history on display!
All Heritage and Maritime talks are free events however spaces are limited. For further information or to book your place contact Gobbins Visitor Centre +44 (0) 28 9337 2318 or e-mail info@thegobbinscliffpath.com.
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Facilities
Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
Event Facilities
- Booking Required
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Guide Prices
All Heritage and Maritime talks are free events however spaces are limited so please book your place in advance.
