![Grey Abbey, founded in 1193 by Affreca, daughter of Godred Olafsson, King of Mann and the Isles. Affreca was the wife of John de Courcy. It was dissolved in 1541.[1]](https://prod-images.planyourroadtrips.com/img/city-images/greyabbey-gb-545348--55603/0-Grey_Abbey__314914_.jpg?w=1080&q=80&f=webp)
historic highway
Craigantlet Hillclimb
A hillclimb on public roads in the hills above Belfast, running since 1946 and closed to traffic only on event days. The narrow climb gives long views over Belfast Lough.
17 km · about 20 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomNorthern Ireland
Greyabbey
Northern Ireland, United Kingdom · Europe
About Greyabbey
Greyabbey works well as a base: 10 minutes from Ballywalter, 43km from Tollymore Forest Park.
Greyabbey is in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, with about 1,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Ballywalter, about 5 km away.
Greyabbey or Grey Abbey (Irish: Mainistir Liath, meaning 'grey monastery') is a small village, townland (of 208 acres) and civil parish located on the eastern shores of Strangford Lough, on the Ards Peninsula in County Down, Northern Ireland.
It lies 7 miles (11 km) south of Newtownards. Both townland and civil parishRead more
are situated in the historic barony of Ards Lower. It is within the Ards and North Down Borough. It had a population of 939 people in the 2011 Census.
Greyabbey is often associated with the antiques trade, there being several specialist antique shops in the village, as well as some interesting Georgian and Victorian buildings. Of particular note is Mount Stewart Estate (National Trust) as well as a traditional coaching inn.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Greyabbey?
Within an hour or so of Greyabbey: Craigantlet Hillclimb (17 km), Castle Ward (Winterfell) (18 km), Ulster Transport Museum (20 km), Titanic Belfast (24 km).
Are there any good drives near Greyabbey?
The nearest famous roads are Craigantlet Hillclimb, Dundrod Circuit and Antrim Coast Road.
Where is Greyabbey?
Greyabbey is in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, about 5 km from Ballywalter.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 1,030
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- Northern Ireland
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 54.5348, -5.5603
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Greyabbey
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
film location
Castle Ward (Winterfell)
The farmyard at Castle Ward on Strangford Lough was Winterfell's courtyard in season one; archery and banquet experiences run on site.
18 km · about 20 min drive
museum
Ulster Transport Museum
Major transport museum at Cultra near Belfast, home to a gull-winged DeLorean DMC-12 built just miles away, Irish-built cars, locomotives and a renowned Titanic exhibition.
20 km · about 25 min drive
museum
Titanic Belfast
World-leading visitor attraction in a striking angular building on the exact spot where RMS Titanic was designed, built and launched in 1912.
24 km · about 30 min drive
castle
Carrickfergus Castle
One of the best-preserved Norman castles in Ireland, guarding Belfast Lough for over 800 years from its commanding waterfront position.
25 km · about 30 min drive
scenic viewpoint
The Gobbins
A dramatic Edwardian cliff-path of bridges and tunnels clinging to the basalt cliffs of Islandmagee.
29 km · about 35 min drive
historic highway
Dundrod Circuit
A 11.9km loop of Northern Irish country lanes still used for the Ulster Grand Prix motorcycle races, with jumps, stone walls and hedges inches from the racing line. Open public roads the rest of the year.
34 km · about 40 min drive
national park
Tollymore Forest Park
Northern Ireland's first state forest park at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, with Gothic arches, ancient trees and Game of Thrones filming locations.
43 km · about 50 min drive
Driving roads near Greyabbey
7 named roads, passes and coastal drives within 100km.
- 17 kmCraigantlet HillclimbA hillclimb on public roads in the hills above Belfast, running since 1946 and closed to traffic only on event days. The narrow climb gives long views over Belfast Lough.
- 29 kmThe GobbinsA dramatic Edwardian cliff-path of bridges and tunnels clinging to the basalt cliffs of Islandmagee.
- 34 kmDundrod CircuitA 11.9km loop of Northern Irish country lanes still used for the Ulster Grand Prix motorcycle races, with jumps, stone walls and hedges inches from the racing line. Open public roads the rest of the year.
- 46 kmSlieve Donard and the Mourne WallNorthern Ireland's highest peak at 850m, with the 22-mile granite Mourne Wall running over its summit.
- 49 kmMourne MountainsGranite mountain range that inspired C.S. Lewis's Narnia, with the Mourne Wall traversing 15 peaks and sweeping views to the Irish Sea.
- 67 kmAntrim Coast RoadA breathtaking coastal drive hugging cliffs and beaches from Larne past the Glens of Antrim toward the Causeway.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
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