Ulster Aviation Society
Ulster Aviation Society
Ulster Aviation Society
5
About
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 46+ aircraft, 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 720+ 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
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2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
441 reviews
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434
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Simon C
1 contribution
Apr 2023 • Family
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.
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.
Written April 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edward Daly
1 contribution
May 2021
Great museum to visit. There were four of us shown around by Ken, one of the Ulster Aviation Society's members. We had the place to ourselves due it being a midweek visit and Covid restrictions. I guess it can be a quiet place mostly if you visit midweek. The tour takes about two hours but it might be best to visit a second time as there is much to see. The collection of aircraft is amazing and much of what is on display has a connection with Northern Ireland. There is no admission fee but donations are obviously needed to keep the museum going. Essential to book beforehand as museum is on the site of an old airfield which is still state owned and restricted to visitors.
Written June 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tuskers
londonderry4 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
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.
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
geraldinedinsmore
Newry, UK14 contributions
Oct 2020
One of many return visits to the Ulster Aviation Society. Our guide Alan was excellent and he made us feel really welcome. He was extremely informative and knowledgeable about local history and all the aircraft and items on display. All staff, who are volunteers, that we met, were very friendly and accommodating. The work and the commitment of the volunteers is a credit to each and everyone of them. Really impressed with the Phantom fighter jet. On our last visit this was still work in progress.
Due to covid 19 restrictions the visit is more regulated and unfortunately the same access into some of the aircraft on display is no longer an option, which is highly understandable. There are steps up to many of the aircraft for you to see inside and view the cockpit.
We took our 5 year old grandson and he was amazed at the aircraft and described it as his best day ever. There is a little shop with model aircraft of various sizes and other aviation themed items for purchase, which are very reasonably priced.
We would highly recommend a trip to the Ulster Aviation Society. They are doing a wonderful job of preserving our history for generations to come. There is no admission charge but a voluntary donation can be made in lieu.
Will definitely be making a return visit in February to view the tornado jet when it arrives on site.
Due to covid 19 restrictions the visit is more regulated and unfortunately the same access into some of the aircraft on display is no longer an option, which is highly understandable. There are steps up to many of the aircraft for you to see inside and view the cockpit.
We took our 5 year old grandson and he was amazed at the aircraft and described it as his best day ever. There is a little shop with model aircraft of various sizes and other aviation themed items for purchase, which are very reasonably priced.
We would highly recommend a trip to the Ulster Aviation Society. They are doing a wonderful job of preserving our history for generations to come. There is no admission charge but a voluntary donation can be made in lieu.
Will definitely be making a return visit in February to view the tornado jet when it arrives on site.
Written October 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter L
1 contribution
Aug 2021
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.
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
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
Written August 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BelfastVolta
Belfast20 contributions
Feb 2022
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.
Written February 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CliftonVA
Clifton, VA260 contributions
Jun 2022
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 !
Written June 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Geoff W
United Kingdom7 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
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.
Written July 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phil
1 contribution
Jun 2022
Wow if there was ever an example of a hidden gem right on your doorstep this is it. I am an aviation nut and this place has become a must see attraction for anyone, anywhere in the world who has even the slightest interest in aircraft and wider aviation.
The amount of and quality of exhibits in here is fantastic. The most impressive however is the people who give their time to run the tours, look after the aircraft and fundamentally what comes out is their passion for what they do. Everyone I met on the UAS time had time to talk, was welcoming, friendly and very knowledgeable.
I hope people continue to donate, I am joining as a member to help further support and I hope our local 'government' support more the UAS to expand this attraction and push it not just as a local attraction but for international tourism. Once again, an example of how our wee country can do things brilliantly.
Thank you to all who help make this tour fantastic when I was there on Sunday. My 10 year hold son told me 'it was the best day ever' when he walked out. He went to school the next day telling his friends how he was able to sit in some of those amazing planes.
Bring your family, bring your kids and help ensure this place can run for years and years to come. Its also a great idea to go here for school trips, team events and such like.
A bit of ‘Top Gun’ right here in Northern Ireland for all to see.
The amount of and quality of exhibits in here is fantastic. The most impressive however is the people who give their time to run the tours, look after the aircraft and fundamentally what comes out is their passion for what they do. Everyone I met on the UAS time had time to talk, was welcoming, friendly and very knowledgeable.
I hope people continue to donate, I am joining as a member to help further support and I hope our local 'government' support more the UAS to expand this attraction and push it not just as a local attraction but for international tourism. Once again, an example of how our wee country can do things brilliantly.
Thank you to all who help make this tour fantastic when I was there on Sunday. My 10 year hold son told me 'it was the best day ever' when he walked out. He went to school the next day telling his friends how he was able to sit in some of those amazing planes.
Bring your family, bring your kids and help ensure this place can run for years and years to come. Its also a great idea to go here for school trips, team events and such like.
A bit of ‘Top Gun’ right here in Northern Ireland for all to see.
Written June 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patrick M
2 contributions
Oct 2022
My daughter, Grandson, and Grandad visited the museum and we were overwhelmed by the aviation collection. Our tour guide Martin was most informative and courteous which made the visit most enjoyable. A hidden gem one visit of many!
Written October 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa G
1 contribution
Would love to visit with my two plane crazy boys who were disappointed to be missing annual family outing to Bray Airshow due to family holiday in Belfast. Can we just visit ye? We would happily take out membership if that allows greater access?
Paul M
Banbridge, UK3 contributions
Yes pre book you won't be disappointed.
how long has it been here
Jane W
Belfast, UK30 contributions
Hi Harry and James.
The Society celebrates it's 50th anniversary this year but has only been on the current site since 2005. More information and directions are on our home page or our Facebook page.
Do come and visit soon James!
Jane.
Rory T
Newry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom4 contributions
When is next open day?
UAS Museum
Lisburn, UK
We have been told this is a 'devolved' decision only answerable by our elected representatives whenever they come back to the day job.
Ulster Aviation Society (Lisburn) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Ulster Aviation Society
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