Guided History Tours of Groomsport
9th June 2023
Groomsport village is nestled between the City of Bangor and the bustling harbour town of Donaghadee. Discover the centuries deep history and heritage of this place through a series of tours throughout the summer this year.
The tours take place at 2.30pm each Saturday in July and August and last about 90 minutes. The tour has been designed by Discover Groomsport, a community organisation (and registered charity) which has an interest in promoting the history and the heritage of the village. The tour is based upon a series of papers which have been published on the website at: discovergroomsport.com.
The tour covers the history of the village which includes Viking raiders, an Irish chieftain, Scottish settlers and the Duke of Schomberg landing on his way to the Battle of the Boyne.
The tour covers the of voyage of the Eagle Wing which sailed from Groomsport on 9th September 1636. In had 140 passengers, including four Presbyterian ministers, and was the first attempt by Ulster-Scots folks to emigrate to America.
Tour participants will also hear about the Presbyterian minister who loved building – first he built a church, then a school, followed by houses for the poor and a house for himself.
The tour also covers the landlords (originally the Maxwells of Finnebrogue, near Downpatrick) who kept changing their family name. The tour visits the wall which one of them built to stop villagers using the beach.
The tour also includes important buildings in the village including the Coast Guard’s Watch House (1821) and the first lifeboat house in Belfast Lough (1858). Fishermen’s cottages at Cockle Row and The Hill are visited. Grander buildings include Groomsport House (1848) and the Parish Church (1841) – which, unlike most Church of Ireland buildings, cannot be dedicated to a saint – and Groomsport Presbyterian Church (1843).
Tours start at Cockle Row Cottages.
The tours are free. Booking is essential and tickets can be booked through the website, discovergroomsport.com.
If your group or organisation would like to take the tour, we can make a bespoke arrangement for you. We may also be able to arrange refreshments for your group.
We also have an illustrated talk “Aspects of the History of Groomsport” which is based on the guided history tour.
For tours and talks for groups please contact Peter Gibson on 07979 335 265 or at discovergroomsport@gmail.com.
