History TouRs
& Talks
GUIDED HISTORY TOURS, 2025
We have arranged that our popular guided history tours of the village will take place on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of June, July and August as well as on 6th and 13th September for Eagle Wing Celebration and the European Heritage Open Days.
The Dates are:
Saturday 7th June
Saturday 21st June
Saturday 5th July
Saturday 19th July
Saturday 2nd August
Saturday 16th August
Saturday 6th September
Saturday 13th September
Tours begin at Cockle Row Cottages at 2pm. There is no need to book. The tours are free of charge, but donations are welcome.
SELF GUIDED TOUR
We have published a map and guide for self-guided tours. If you would like to go, details of the self-guided tour can be found by clicking here.
TOURS FOR GROUPS
Viking raiders, an Irish chieftain, Scottish settlers and Schomberg landing on his way to the Battle of the Boyne. The voyage of the Eagle Wing – the first attempt by Ulster-Scots folks to emigrate to America – and landlords who kept changing their family name. All of these are aspects of Groomsport’s history which are covered by the tour.
The tour, also includes important buildings in the village including the Coast Guard’s Watch House, the first lifeboat house in Belfast Lough and the fishermen’s cottages at Cockle Row. Grander buildings include Groomsport House and the two churches which were all built in the 1840s.
The tour lasts 90 minutes, but it can be shortened if required. If a group or organisation would like to take the tour, we can arrange a tour at a convenient time.
Special Offer
We have arranged an attractive package with The Stables, Groomsport’s recently refurbished restaurant, for before or after the tour. The cost of the tour along with coffee or tea and a home-made scone in The Stables is £10 per person.
For tours for groups please contact, Peter Gibson on 07979 335265 or at discovergroomsport@gmail.com.
TALKS FOR GROUPS
We can also arrange to give an illustrated talk to your group. “Aspects of the History of Groomsport” is based on the guided history tour.
“Two families of Groomsport – gentry and fisherfolk.” A talk about the Maxwells, the landowners, and the Watersons, fishermen who crewed Groomsport’s lifeboats.
If you are interested in a tour or talk for your group, please get in touch with Peter Gibson, by telephone on 07979 335265 or you can contact us by email.
