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Alphabet Angel: A Tribute to Ulster-Scots Heritage

Discover the Alphabet Angel in Bushmills, a unique monument celebrating Ulster-Scots language and culture through symbolic art.

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The Alphabet Angel in Bushmills is a bronze sculpture honoring the Ulster-Scots language and culture. Created in 2004 by Ross Wilson, the statue features symbolic elements that reflect the community's heritage. It serves as a starting point for the Ulster-Scots Walk, a scenic route through the area.

A brief summary to Alphabet Angel - Ulster-Scots statue

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
  • Take a moment to read the inscriptions around the statue to fully appreciate its cultural significance.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the nearby Bushmills Distillery for a complete experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are already in Bushmills, you can easily walk to the Alphabet Angel. From the town center, head towards the Old Bushmills Distillery, which is well-marked. The statue is located just a short stroll away from the distillery entrance. It's a pleasant walk, and you can enjoy the local scenery on your way.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus from your current location to Bushmills. Bus services, such as the Ulsterbus, operate frequently along the Causeway Coastal Route. Once you arrive at the Bushmills bus station, exit the station and head towards the Old Bushmills Distillery. The statue is located nearby, about a 10-minute walk. A single bus fare from Belfast to Bushmills costs approximately £22. Most Ulsterbus cash singles will increase between 10p and 50p depending on distance.

  • Car

    If driving along the Causeway Coastal Route, follow the A2 road towards Bushmills. Once in Bushmills, follow signs for the Old Bushmills Distillery. The Alphabet Angel is located near the distillery. Parking is usually available around the distillery. Parking at the Causeway Coast Way Car Park costs £15.

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Discover more about Alphabet Angel - Ulster-Scots statue

Nestled in the charming village of Bushmills, the Alphabet Angel stands as a striking tribute to the Ulster-Scots heritage. This unique artwork captures the imagination with its intricate design and symbolic representation of the rich cultural history of the region. The statue features letters of the alphabet entwined in a stunning display, merging art and education, and serving as a reminder of the importance of language and communication in our lives. The Alphabet Angel was created in 2004 through a community art project, with sculptor Ross Wilson, involving local youth and community members exploring their cultural identity expressed in their local tongue. The sculpture became the first physical marker to the Ulster-Scots tongue in Europe and possibly the world's first life-size bronze figure celebrating the tongue. The statue includes a backpack of hearts holding forgotten words, flying goggles representing vision and insight, a capital “A” symbolizing the origin of language, and a trumpet calling attention to the heritage. A pathway leading to the sculpture features a poem by Ulster-Scots poet James Fenton. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the site, taking in the craftsmanship and the natural beauty of Bushmills. The statue is complemented by the village's ambiance, known for its distillery and proximity to the Causeway Coast.

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