The Grey Abbey

Grey Abbey is a Northern Irish Cistercian abbey, built in 1193. Now in ruins, it is located in the village of the same name, and is one of the most beautiful remains on the Ards Peninsula. A free site, moreover, which should appeal to lovers of stones steeped in history…

Visit Grey Abbey

A 12th-century building

The story goes that Grey Abbey was founded by Affreca, daughter of Godred – king of the Kingdom of Man and the Isles. Legend has it that she decided to erect the building after surviving a terrible shipwreck, which stranded her on the Ards Peninsula.

Grey Abbey is located on the outskirts of the village, on the Ballywalter road, on the Rosemount House estate. Access is free, and a small parking lot and footpath provide easy access to the site.

The abbey is in pretty good condition, and whole sections are still standing, so you can easily guess its original state. The corner is silent, and carries an indescribable charm, with its vaults, reinforcements and traces of ancient foundations.

The site was renovated during the Middle Ages, before finally being abandoned in the 18th century. This explains the multitude of improvements, some dating from the 12th to the 16th century…

And don’t forget to admire the abbey’s small graveyard: a truly authentic sight, with its Celtic crosses and randomly scattered gravestones…