Greyabbey

The wedding village of the peninsula

Greyabbey is known as locally as the ‘wedding village’ due to the array of businesses that cater for them. From a church to a wedding venue to a wedding dress shop, not forgetting beautiful bespoke accommodation for you and your friends, this little village really does have everything.

Getting to Greyabbey

Located between the villages of Carrowdore and Kircubbin, on the eastern shores of beautiful Strangford Lough, and not far from Ballywalter on the Ards Peninsula, to the far east, overlooking the Irish Sea.

Best accessed by road and Translink public transport (bus).

See Sat Nav details and Distance Guide at the bottom of the page.

Plan your trip

The Abbey

The origins of the village can be traced back to 1193 when Affreca the wife of John de Courcy (Anglo-Norman invader) founded the Abbey from which it takes its name. For over 800 years people have been visiting the ancient Abbey, which the village is famous for. Becoming poor and decayed in the late Middle Ages, the Abbey was dissolved in 1541 but in the early 17th century was granted to Sir Hugh Montgomery. Within the church, the nave was refurbished for parish worship until the late 18th century.

The Abbey is set in the landscaped parkland of the 18th century Rosemount House; however, visitors should note that these grounds are private. Visitors are however welcome to wander among the ruins and the lawns, where picnics are also permitted.

From high class oriental to classic pub grub, charming places to stay and quaint antique shops this village is a hidden gem.

Ulster-Scots in Greyabbey

Explore the Ulster-Scots influence in the village.

Sat Nav details

Latitude 54°32'31"N and longitude 5°29'16"W

Driving distances (approx, depending on route):
Belfast - Greyabbey | 15 minutes
Bangor - Greyabbey | 25 minutes
Comber - Greyabbey | 20 minutes
Portaferry - Greyabbey | 20 minutes (via Strangford Lough)