The pretty little village of Groomsport is nestled between the City of Bangor and the bustling harbour town of Donaghadee. For a small place it is certainly packed with a lot of history and it is a hiving community of boaters at the quiet harbour.
Getting to Groomsport
Located 15 minutes drive between the City of Bangor and Donaghadee, on the North Down coast of the Borough, at the mouth of Belfast lough, is the small village of Groomsport.
Best accessed by road and by using Translink public transport (bus only).
See Sat Nav details and Distance Guide at the bottom of the page.
Plan your trip
Picturesque Groomsport
Stop and explore Groomsport. Enjoy the sights, and delicious food from two main eateries in the village, The Groomsport Inn pub and The Stables. Or, pack a picnic and relax on the shorefront, perhaps making use of the local cosy coffee shops and typical community stores.
American links
Renowned for it's historic link to the Ulster-Scots and the Eagle Wing, the first emigrant ship to leave Ulster for America. She sailed from Groomsport on 9th September 1636 but battering winds and rain forced the ship to return to the Island after reaching nearly two thirds of their way in the point of their journey. Their attempt inspired others over the next couple of years to make the journey themselves.
Groomsport Beach
An award-winning beach, which is also one of Northern Ireland's few fully accessible beaches for all ages and abilities, made operational by the Mae Murray Foundation (seasonally), a picnic area and playground make it the perfect stop for a day out. Read our blog article to find out more about Groomsport Beach, an Inclusive Beach.
Cockle Row Cottages
Overlooking the harbour, you will find Cockle Row Cottages, fishermans cottages that date back to the 16th century, which are open seasonally. They are a lovely spot to visit, housing a small exhibition room reflecting life of the times in the 1600's, a Visitor Information Point and a small gift shop. Look out for free family fun and entertainment, ranging from animal roadshows, to craft workshops, live traditional music, and special guests - T-Rex and even a mermaid have made special visits! As a nod to Groomsports Ulster-Scots heritage, Pipes and Drums performances, accompanied by Highlighland Dancers, form part of the annual entertainment programme too. Find out more.
Golfing Driving Range
Not far from the village centre is Groomsport Golf Centre. The centre has two PGA coaches on site, Craig Lyall and Michael Jones, who are on hand to help you improve your game. Find out more about golf in Ards and North Down.
Ulster-Scots in Groomsport
Explore the influence of Ulster-Scots on this village.
Discover Groomsport
Discover Groomsport has created a set of papers focused on key aspects of the history of Groomsport.
Topics include:- The Maxwell / Waring Maxwell / Perceval Maxwell Family - a simplified family tree, Cockle Island, the harbour and fishing, The Coast Guard and the Watch House, Cockle Row Cottages – survivors of the redevelopment of Groomsport, The Voyage of the Eagle Wing, Lifeboats in Groomsport, Groomsport House, The Right-of-Way Dispute, Groomsport Parish Church, The Lodge, The Maxwell Hall, The Hill, including Providence Place, Groomsport Presbyterian Church, The National Schools and Walter Nelson Hall, Groomsport War Memorial, and The Schomberg Monument.
Read these fascinating papers here.
Guided History Tours
Discover Groomsport will run Guided History Tours in July and August, on Saturdays (weather permitting) at 2.30pm from Cockle Row and last about 90 minutes. The September tours start at 2.00pm, again from Cockle Row.
Tours and Talks for Groups
If your group or organisation would like to take the tour, Discover Groomsport can make a bespoke arrangements for you. We may also be able to arrange refreshments for your group.
They can also arrange an illustrated talk to your group, “Aspects of the History of Groomsport” which is based on the guided history tour.
Find out more here.
Sat Nav details
Latitude 54.67562, Longitude -5.61788
Driving distances (approx, depending on route):
Belfast - Groomsport | 35 minutes
Bangor - Groomsport | 15 minutes
Portaferry - Groomsport | 40 minutes (via Strangford Lough), or 60 minutes (via the east coast)
Groomsport village is a delightful spot, with quaint village shops, cafes and popular eateries, including historic Cockle Row Cottages, a restored turn of the century fisherman's cottages.
