This study examines the efforts of Ulster liberals to create institutions responsive to public opinion and demonstrates the unrecognized successes that they achieved in the face of considerable obstacles. While Ulster liberals did not always prevail, they established a niche for themselves and successfully challenged the monopoly of landed elites in local government in many Ulster towns. Along with the overlooked successes of Ulster liberals, this study frankly recounts the social and cultural changes that would make the solidarity of creed easier to maintain than ecumenical public institutions.