Ulster Folk Museum - third time

We took my mom to the Ulster folk Museum.  It is a favorite for me and the kids.  Even after going three times they would go again.  At this rate we should have bought a membership.  With school in the museum is pretty deserted through the week.  Only us and some older people.  It does make it easier to see the exhibits.

On this visit we were able so see the weaving room in one of the houses. During past visits it had been closed and locked.  An older gentleman was demonstrating the art of weaving linen to a lady who wanted to record the sound of the loom for her zen garden.  It was amazing to see the mechanics of the loom.  Punch cards are used to transfer a pattern to the cloth being woven.  It hole in the cards correspond with a thread in the weave that lifts and brings the pattern to the front.  A few days later in Lisburn we would see how they design these punch cards.  I was able to get a video of the weaver.  You can decide if the click clack of the shuttle is peaceful. =)

Carrick a Rede rope bridge.  This is an old picture that was in one of the houses.  It is a very dramatic portrait of the bridge we would visit on the morrow.

Our favorite part of the museum is the rural area, because of the animals.  When we got to the one house that has had the three horses in the past and they were not there the kids were so disappointed.  They tried to enjoy showing grandma through the nice farm house but they were really let down.  Once we were done in the house we followed the road past the house and down a hill.  Where to our great joy was a meadow with the horses.  They quickly came over to the fence for some hugs and pets.

Sabrina and Samuel

Sabrina

Sarah

Samuel getting his pants eaten again.  He must get lots of yummy stuff on his pants.

Down the road a way we saw a baby donkey.

We saw sheep and Sarah fed the chickens

The house guide shared some of his cereal with Sarah so she could feed the chickens.

black cat enjoying the sun

All the animals at the museum are native to Ireland.  They try to keep things as authentic as possible.

Our last stop on the way out was the candy shop.  It is always fun to buy sweets in the old store.  All their candy is made by Aunt Sandra's shop which the kids and I have visited in the past.