Grey Abbey

 Located near the shore of Strangford Lough, Grey Abbey is one of the finest examples of early gothic architecture founded in 1193 by an Anglo-Norman knight and it holds deep historical and spiritual connection to Ireland.

The beginning of my visit was at the Abbey itself.  The ruins consist of weathered walls and magnificent marble arches, that as someone with a keen interest in local history helps bring the past back into life. The Abbey’s architecture consists of beautifully crafted stone works with pointed gothic windows which can be seen as a symbol of the Abbey’s former grand stature, which also gives the perfect background for anyone that is a keen photographer.  Although the Abbey is old the surrounding grounds are still very well maintained and are also able to be explored as well. These grounds mainly show the remains of an old church and monastery where you are still able to see how these people went about their daily lives which I thought was very intriguing and a reminder of how far we have come today as a society.

Near to Grey Abbey you can also visit the newly refurbished walled garden which has been around since the early 18^th century and is often open to the public. This garden also represents another element of the local history and heritage as it grows and displays many flowers such as the bluebells and foxglove that can only be grown in Ireland.  The ideal time to visit the walled garden is during the springtime as in recent years they have started to hold a flower exhibition where local floral enthusiasts grow their own patch of flowers and then judges vote on which flower patch is the best. This helps drive people to the often-overlooked Abbey and it’s a fun day out for people of all ages.

The highlight of my visit came after we had finished exploring the ruins and the surrounding grounds but rather when we decided to visit the local village which is also called Greyabbey. It is widely known in local areas for its craft and antique shops making it the perfect place to stop in at and buy some gifts for your family and friends.  As it is close to the Strangford Lough shoreline, birdwatching is a very popular activity for the local residents as I was told that on Saturdays and Sundays the locals may spend 2-3 hours with their binoculars watching the birds while enjoying the tranquil scenic view especially during migration season. The village also provides tourists with top of the range hospitality if you are wanting to stay overnight with everything you would want such as pubs, cafes, restaurants and even a small bed and breakfast hotel.

Grey Abbey is more than just an old monument stuck in the middle of the rural countryside but a portal into old medieval Ireland. It has such a deep connection to history so whether you are a keen historian looking to discover the past or someone who wants to slow down for a while and absorb the peace and quiet of the countryside Grey Abbey is the perfect hidden gem spot for you. I would rate my experience there an 8/10