About
Please note, these events took place in August 2023. These are some of the activities that took place. Keep an eye on this page for exciting details of the 2024 events.
Cockle Row Cottages in Groomsport are the perfect setting for Sunday afternoons this summer! Depending on the day you could relax and listen to live music, enjoy heritage craft demos and explore the historic fishermen's cottages.
With free entertainment between 2pm - 4pm, see below for August's activities.
Sunday 6 August
The cottages will be a hive of traditional activity with calligraphy from local artist Jacqui Brachi, rope making by Traditional Rope Makers NI and soda bread baking from Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen. Demi Walker's School of Dance will have little Highland Dancers along to entertain you. (in association with the Ulster Scots Agency.)
Sunday 13 August
A special visitor has washed up on the shore front of Groomsport… a friendly Mermaid – bring the kids to come and say 'hello' before she swims off back to the sea and make some seaside crafts.
There will also be short performances by Valhalla Street Theatre, on the story of Groomsport Life Boat.
Sunday 20 August
The thatched cottages will be the backdrop for traditional crafts and storytelling. Clive Lyttle will be willow weaving, Jacqui Brachi will be demonstrating calligraphy and renowned local writer Liz Weir will be story telling by the fire.
Sunday 27 August
Come and enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the sea as Marianne McShane local author of Ronan and the Mermaid and The Fog Catcher's Daughter will be story telling by the fire while local musician David Lemon will fill the air with traditional music.
The Cottages are open Thursday - Sunday from 11am - 5pm throughout the summer, there is an exhibition, gift shop and visitor information on site.
Also, on Thursdays in August, Christine of Kiri Cottage Crafts will be demonstrating how to make soda bread, 2pm-4pm.
Find out more about the picturesque village of Groomsport and Cockle Row.
