Ulster Aviation Society

The Ulster Aviation Society (UAS) is a Volunteer-run, 100% Non-Profit Aviation museum and Registered charity dedicated to preserving and exhibiting Northern Ireland's aviation heritage. Featuring a unique array of 54+ Aircraft & Vehicles within its Heritage collection, and housed within two, authentic, Second World War hangars at Maze Long Kesh, just 5 mins outside Lisburn (at back of Balmoral site). 

Founded in 1968, the UAS is entirely operated by passionate and knowledgable volunteers who restore and maintain the collection, many of whom have decades of experience.

The Society's mission is to educate the public about Northern Ireland's rich aviation legacy, including its key role in aircraft production and innovation during the 20th century.

Guided Tour - Enjoy a free guided tour  (you must pre-book!) led by knowledgeable and engaging Volunteers, with opportunities to sit in many aircraft cockpits and learn about restoration projects.

Get up close to (and sit in) rare military and civilian aircraft, including the a Red Arrows Hawk, Tornado GR.4, Phantom FG.1, Jaguar GR.3A and many more!

Explore helicopters such as the Lynx, Gazelle, Puma, Wessex, Scout and Alouette.

Experience interactive exhibits, 7 x Flight Simulators and 6 x VR headsets in their two state-of-the-art suites.

Browse their extensive Aviation Library with rare aviation books and manuals.

The UAS are Winners of the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS).

Attractions include the below which have all strong links within the island of Ireland

Military Fast Jets — modern and Cold War eras, plus Irish Air Corps Military Helicopters — RAF & Irish Air Corps Second World War — including fighters Shorts-designed & built Aircraft Civilian Aircraft Vintage Aircraft Second World War era Vehicles Flight Simulators (7) & VR Suites (6) — unique anywhere in Europe Aircraft Engines Artefacts and rare aviation reference materials Aviation Library Open Season: 1 March – 31 October (closed November–February)

Tour Times: Daily at 10:30 and 17:30.  Additional tour slots may be available on Saturday

Guided Tour Duration: Approx. 2-3 hours

Please note — The hangars are unheated, so dress warmly during cooler months.

How to book -  All visits must be pre-booked via E-mail.bookvisit@ulsteraviationsociety.org.  Please note walk-ins are not permitted. At time of booking please provide the number of visitors in your group (max 10 for family or small groups) plus your Mobile number for confirmation

The Volunteer Tour Co-ordinators will confirm your booking, or suggest alternative times or dates.

Admission: Family and small group tours (up to 10 people) are free. Donations are encouraged to support the Society's charitable work. Larger groups (11-50+ people) and schools are welcome for a small fee of £3 per person.

Children under 8 must be closely supervised at all times.

Accessibility - Wheelchair accessible, though some surfaces in the hangars may be uneven.

---

Getting to the start by car

Directions from Lisburn: Located inside the Maze Long Kesh development site (beside the old prison) on the West edge of Lisburn, just South of the Lisburn-to-Moira Road. We are only accessible via vehicle.

From Belfast: Drive west on the M1 motorway and leave on the Junction 7 off-slip for Sprucefield Lisburn, bearing left to turn toward Lisburn. Proceed under the motorway overpass bridge, and turn left immediately at the traffic lights beneath it, heading west on Blaris Road for almost 2 miles. At the Halftown Road T-junction, turn left, then immediately right to the security Gate 3 at Maze Long Kesh. A security attendant at the barrier can guide you from there. There's only one main tarmac road directly to us on the site. Once you arrive at our hangar compound, drive through the main gates in the middle and park around the edges of our spacious car park.

Other: Make your way to the Sprucefield Lisburn roundabout and follow the directions above to Blaris Road.

---

Book using

https://www.ulsteraviationsociety.org/book-a-tour

---

Opening times

10.30 - 17:30 7 Days a week by appointment.

Starting 01/03/2025
Finishing 31/10/2025
Monday: Open
Tuesday: Open
Wednesday: Open
Thursday: Open
Friday: Open
Saturday: Open
Sunday: Open
BankHoliday: Open

---

Directions from Town

Vehicle required or jump in a taxi from Lisburn City Centre.

---

Price from £

Free entry, booking essential