Harbour Pier

The appearance of Groomsport has changed significantly over the centuries, but if you had been standing around here on 9th September 1636, you would have witnessed an astonishing sight - the first passenger ship ever to leave Ulster and head for North America.

On board were 140 Presbyterians – four ministers and 136 members of their congregations from Counties Antrim and Down, seeking religious freedom and a fresh start in the New World.

Groomsport had a thriving Presbyterian congregation who, because of persecution, couldn’t freely practise their beliefs.  The son of the Governor of Massachusetts invited them to come to the New World where they would have the freedom to worship as they wished and would not be persecuted as ‘Dissenters’.

Although Eagle Wing never reached her destination and came home to Ulster after 2 months at sea, this episode is still considered the ‘spark’ that lit the flame of emigration, heralding a new beginning to Ulster’s connections with America.