Grey Abbey

Visited this beautiful ruined Abbey with family and friends. Although the visitor centre was closed the explanation boards were very good and allowed us to go round and get a real feel for how the abbey was when it was a working Abbey. The children loved clambering over the ruins. The whole place was wonderfully atmospheric. There is also a small, beautifully laid out and maintained “Physic Garden”. We spent a very enjoyable hour or so and could have spent longer.

Driving north along the eastern shore of the Strangford Lough, we made our first stop Grey Abbey. Ireland is so dotted with abbeys that we were tempted to give this one a pass, but we were glad we didn’t. Managed by the Northern Ireland Environmental Agency, it is exceptionally handsome and historically interesting. On this Sunday afternoon, volunteers were available to augment the information covered by the interpretive center and the plaques scattered around the ruin. We learned that this was the only Cistercian monastery in Ireland known to have been founded by a woman. Affreca, wife of the Anglo-Norman invader John de Courcy, established it in 1193, tradition has it in gratitude for landing safely after a stormy passage from England. I found the medicinal herb garden especially interesting. Who knew that fennel was used to treat intestinal disorders?

Hidden from sight this beautiful ruin of a Cistercian abbey sits near the Church of Ireland church as you drive out of Greyabbey on the road to Ballywalter. There is a small information centre that tells of the history of the site and has some interesting exhibits. As you enter evocative music plays as you read the information provided.

The ruined abbey itself is a haven of peace and tranquility' surrounded by grass and ancient woodland trees. Montgomery House sits majestically on the hill behind. The most amazing thing about this place is that obviously much is spent on the upkeep of both the site and the Information Centre and yet there was no entry charge and we couldn't find a Donation box. I have been to similar sites in England and paid a premium to get in. In this day and age it is wonderful to have the opportunity to visit somewhere like this at no cost.

Greyabbey is small but perfectly formed. A really beautiful and interesting spot, its a pity they don't have a bit more information on monks and life at the abbey.

If you enjoy ancient ruins and history you must visit Grey Abbey! This Cistercian monastery dating from 1192 is architecturally important as the first fully gothic building in Northern Ireland. It was originally known as lugem or the Yoke of God and was founded by Affreca, wife of the Anglo-Norman invader, John de Courcy. It is the only Cistercian monastery in Ireland known to have been founded by a woman, traditionally in thanksgiving for her safe landing after a storm at sea. Over the centuries the abbey was pillaged and burned until the land and buildings were granted to the Scottish adventurer Sir Hugh Montgomery in 1607. They reroofed the nave and used it as a parish church until 1778. It was given to the care of the state in 1907. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency cares for some 190 monuments spread across Northern Ireland. You must see these well preserved ruins!

Cycled here and was surprised to view how well presented this historic place is. We had not been at the Abbey for several years. A very informative trip and staff were very helpful sharing their knowledge. Grear spot for a picnic. Beautiful trees, plants etc

Grey Abbey is a Cistercian abbey monastery beginning in 1193. It was our first stop on the trail to Saint Patrick in northern Ireland near Belfast. Grey Abbey was founded by Affrica de Courcy, the daughter of Godred Olafsson, King of the Isles. She is known for religious patronage in northern Ireland. She was wealthy because her father ruled the island of Ireland. She married Courcy who built her a castle. He ruled the lands for a quarter of a century which gave them peace. The marriage took place in 1180. The Abbey felt like a special place in history.

I must confess that although I have lived in north down for a great number of years I have never visited Grey Abbey.
Last week I had some English friends over and took them down the Ards to show them the sights.
Passing through the village they asked me to stop and wanted to see the Abbey.Well I must say that after spending an hour in the ruins I left with a new insight into our history and how we evolved as a people.
I would urge anyone with any kind of interest in history or our past ,to spend some time in this beautiful quiet oasis and reflect on how things were in a bygone age.

Have eaten here on numerous occasions and it always delivers good food. The setting is stunning and if you are lucky enough to have good weather, the terrace is the perfect setting.

These beautiful ruins of a mediaeval Cistercian Monastery just a few miles from busy Belfast provide a place of utter peace and calm, surrounded by grass and ancient trees. Plenty of space for picnics and quiet reflection, surrounded by echoes of history. It's not a tourist attraction, more a place to escape the tourist rat-race.