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GUIDED HISTORY TOURS, 2026

Our popular guided history tours once again brought Groomsport’s fascinating past to life throughout the summer of 2026. Visitors enjoyed discovering the village’s rich heritage, remarkable stories and historic landmarks, with tours held during June, July and August, as well as special occasions celebrating the Eagle Wing and European Heritage Open Days in September. The dates listed below are those on which our 2026 guided history tours took place.

GUIDED HISTORY TOURS, 2026

Our popular guided history tours once again brought Groomsport’s fascinating past to life throughout the summer of 2026. Visitors enjoyed discovering the village’s rich heritage, remarkable stories and historic landmarks, with tours held during June, July and August, as well as special occasions celebrating the Eagle Wing and European Heritage Open Days in September. The dates listed below are those on which our 2026 guided history tours took place.

Saturday 6th June
Saturday 20th June
Saturday 4th July
Saturday 18th July

Saturday 1st August
Saturday 15th August
Saturday 5th September
Saturday 12th September

Saturday 6th June
Saturday 20th June
Saturday 4th July
Saturday 18th July

Saturday 1st August
Saturday 15th August
Saturday 5th September
Saturday 12th September

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.

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.

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.