Discover Groomsport

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Guided History Tours of Groomsport

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.

Tours are held every Saturday afternoon in July and August. We will also run the tours on the European Heritage Open Days on
9^th and 10^th September.

The King's Coronation Party

We know how to throw a party: Discover Groomsport hosted a village picnic event on the 7th of May to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III. The event was a success and so much so, it even made the front page of the local newspaper.

Activities were arranged around Cockle Row, games for the children, a costume parade, music by the Bangor Ukes, crafts in the Boathouse, crab fishing, a raffle and a Coronation cake.

The Trustees

Discover Groomsport is run by a group of trustees whose backgrounds are from various roles. The trustees have in common their commitment to the well-being of Groomsport and will:

To celebrate and promote the advancement of the rich history and heritage of the village.
To help preserve Cockle Row Cottages and some of the other important heritage buildings in Groomsport and to contribute to making the village an attractive and safe place for residents and visitors.
To work to ensure that future plans and developments for Groomsport are consistent with its heritage and uniqueness.
To strengthen the local community of Groomsport by increasing community participation.

Discover Groomsport is managed by a committee of Trustees. The trustees are:
Front row: David Martin (Treasurer), Elaine Nixon (Chair), Peter Gibson (Secretary) and Etta Halliday.
Back row: Rev David Irwin, Audrey Thomas, Maureen Irwin, Ruth Fee (Vice-Chair) and Roy McWhinney.
You can learn more about our trustees and their backgrounds by clicking here.

History TouRs
& Talks

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 the QR code box below.

The Guided History Walking Tours were held on Saturdays in July and August from Cockle Row. The tours were very popular and were fully booked every weekend. We look forward to welcoming you back again in 2024.

In July and August, the Guided History Tours tours are held on Saturdays (weather permitting) at 2.30 pm from Cockle Row and last about 90 minutes. The September tours start at 2.00 pm, again from Cockle Row.

Book Your Tour Dates

Tours and Talks for groups

If your group or organisation would like to take the tour, we can make a bespoke arrangement for you. We may also be able to arrange refreshments for your group.

We can also arrange to give an illustrated talk to your group, “Aspects of the History of Groomsport” which is based on the guided history tour.

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.

Gallery

: View of Cockle Island

: Boats in the harbour

: The middle beach

: Main Street early in the morning

: Row your boat

: Cockle Row

: Boats lift in day

: The middle beach

: The harbour at night

: Groomsport sunset

: The beach

: The Cottages