The Eagle Wing sailed from Groomsport on 9th September 1636. On board were 140 Presbyterians, including four ministers, who were traveling to Massachusetts where they felt they would be free to practice their religion.

Following a storm which damaged the ship, they decided to return and they arrived back in Lough Fergus (Belfast Lough) in November 1636.

The significance of the Eagle Wing is that it was the first attempt by Ulster-Scots folk to emigrate to the American colonies. Later, from the early 1700s, it is estimated that some 250,000 Ulster-Scots emigrated to America where they became known as the “Scotch-Irish”.