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.

Self Guided Town and Village Walking Trails
Learn more about the area through our Walking Trail guides which help you discover the rich history of this place, by walking in the footsteps of Normans, Vikings and Saints amongst others.
Village Trails of the Ards Peninsula
Other Walking Trail guides include:
Click for detailed Maps and Guides.
Visitor Information Centres
Our Visitor Information Centres in Bangor and Newtownards have a knowledgeable team who would be delighted to help offer tips and suggestions for how to make the most of your time in the city and the wider borough.
Each of our centres have a gift shop - pick up a memento of your trip from a range of items including souvenirs, locally crafted jewellery, ornaments, bath and body products and so much more.
Bangor Visitor Information Centre | Ards Visitor Information Centre
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)