traditional Irish Cottage oozing
Charm & Comfort
Your cosy nest in Greyabbey, on the banks of Strangford Lough
The Little Birdhouse is a romantic holiday cottage on Main Street Greyabbey, which has been awarded a 5 star rating by Tourism NI. The name, the Little Birdhouse, is both a nod to Bird Island on Strangford Lough, and to the thousands of wintering water birds that nest on its shores. It also reflects our aim to create a cosy nest in which our guests feel welcomed and relaxed during their stay.
Dating from the 1700s, the cottage has been lovingly restored and still retains its traditional charm. There is an open plan living, dining and kitchen space that is fully equipped for guests who enjoy cooking. A wood-burning stove adds to the warm, cosy atmosphere making the cottage the perfect escape for winter months too. There’s a down-stairs shower room and upstairs, the spacious, romantic bedroom is filled with light and has a view over the long back garden. A vintage king-sized bed, together with an antique sofa and writing desk make this the ideal space to relax with a book or to work – but only if you must!
We love travel and enjoy the fun and more personal experience of staying in unique, quirky holiday lets. We have used our experience to focus on what guests need to make their holiday feel special. It’s important to us that guests feel at home and can relax and enjoy their time away. We hope you find the Little Birdhouse a relaxing retreat!
Priscilla & Gareth
Outside, the rewilded garden has been planted with native apple trees and wildflowers. A winding path leads to a Jack n Jill seat that’s the perfect spot to enjoy an early morning coffee to the sound of bird song. There is a barbeque and picnic table as well as a seating area in the sunny back courtyard.
The Little Birdhouse is right in the heart of the village, with its bustling vintage and antique shops, and directly opposite the charming Hoops Courtyard. Orange Tree House, a popular wedding and conference centre, is a 3-minute walk away – even in high heels! There is free parking in Main Street, and in two public car parks.
Amenities
Internet and office
Wifi
Dedicated workspace
Home safety
Smoke alarm
Carbon monoxide alarm
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit
Location features
Private entrance
Located in centre of village
Outdoor
Patio and courtyard
Private back garden – Fully fenced
Back garden planted in native apple trees and wildflowers
Outdoor furniture
Outdoor dining area
BBQ grill
Kitchen and dining
Kitchen
Space where guests can cook their own meals
Fridge
Microwave
Bathroom
Hair dryer
Cleaning products
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body soap
Hot water
Shower gel
Parking and facilities
Free on-street parking
Two free car parks in close proximity suitable for overnight parking
Services
Self check-in
Lockbox
Heating and cooling
Indoor fireplace
Central heating
Entertainment
Smart TV
Books and reading material
Family Board games
Cooking basics
Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper
Dishes and cutlery
Bowls, chopsticks, plates, cups, etc.
Freezer
Dishwasher
Electric cooker
Stainless steel single oven
Kettle
Coffee maker: espresso machine
Wine glasses
Toaster
Baking sheet
Barbecue utensils
Grill, charcoal, bamboo skewers/iron skewers, etc.
Dining table
Coffee
Bedroom and laundry
Washing machine
Hangers
Egyptian cotton bed linen
Extra pillows and blankets
Room-darkening blinds
Iron and ironing board
Clothes drying rack
Clothes storage: wardrobe and chest of drawers
Special Collection ‘DUVET DAY’ dressing gowns
Whatever your reason for visiting Greyabbey, on holiday, attending a wedding or getting married, bird watching, walking or enjoying water sports on Strangford Lough, The Little Birdhouse is a magical place to stay. You’ll feel relaxed and at home from the moment you step inside.
Location & Nearby Attractions
While staying at The Little Birdhouse, there are multiple attractions and activities to make the most of your stay in Greyabbey Village.
Restaurants
Alchemy Restaurant
12 Main St, Greyabbey, Newtownards BT22 2NE
The Wildfowler Inn
1 Main St, Greyabbey, Newtownards BT22 2NE
Olive by Cafolla’s
23 Main St, Greyabbey, Newtownards BT22 2NF
Harrisons of Greyabbey
35 Ballybryan Rd, Newtownards BT22 2RB
The Dutchie,
11a Main Street, Greyabbey BT22 2NE
The Courtyard Cafe,
7-9 Main Street Greyabbey BT22 2NE
Sight Seeing
A stroll through Greyabbey village reveals its rich historic past with many houses dating from the Georgian and Victorian eras. The village had a strong association with the 1798 United Irishmen rebellion and is continues to be linked to the Ulster Scots traditions evident in many street signs and in the frequent references to Greba, the Ulster Scot’s name for the village.
Greyabbey
A remarkable ruined Cistercian abbey founded in 1193 by Affreca, wife of John de Courcy. The Physic Garden at the entrance to Grey Abbey is planted with flowers and herbs that were used medicinally to treat the monks who populated the Abbey.
Grey Abbey House & Gardens
Overlooking the Abbey, this Georgian house and its gardens form an historic estate with ancient woodland, a lake, rare trees and views across the lough. (Viewing by arrangement only).
Explore the foreshore and mudflats of Strangford Lough at Greyabbey Bay
The area around Greyabbey includes stretches of mudflats and shoreline managed by the National Trust where you can spot migratory birds, ancient fish-trap remains and enjoy wide open views.
Village stroll of Greyabbey – antiques, cafés & local character
The village itself is charming — narrow streets, antique & craft shops (like the Hoops Courtyard Greyabbey), cafés and a peaceful vibe.
Mount Stewart & gardens (just a short drive away)
Located two miles from the village along the stunning coast road this National Trust property boasts extraordinary gardens, woodland walks and wildlife.
Greba Secret Garden
31b Carrowdore Road, Greyabbey is an enchanting private garden that opens to the public (advance booking required)
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There are many beautiful sandy beaches along the Ards Peninsula that offer scenic walks. Ballywalter beach, located approx. 3 miles across the Peninsula from Greyabbey has a two mile stretch of sand with views of the Mourne Mountains. Ballyhalbert, Northern Ireland’s most easterly point has a sandy beach from which on a clear day, its possible to see Scotland and the Isle of Man.
Strangford Lough is a great spot for bird watching and to view migrating waders stopping off on their way to warmer climes as well as native species During the winter, there are guided watches at Greyabbey bay where large flocks of brent geese arrive from Canada in the autumn.
Depending on the time of year, Strangford Lough offers opportunities to view other wildlife including common seals, pilot whales, porpoises, bottlenose dolphins and otters.
Adventure
Strangford Lough is a favorite location for water sports enthusiasts, the sheltered position of its many bays make this the perfect place for canoeing, kayaking, stand-up water boarding, wind and kite surfing.
Newtownards Sailing Club a few miles from Greyabbey provides opportunities for sailing, power boating, windsurfing, kayaking and paddle boarding with experienced instructors.
Ards Flying Club, Portaferry Road, Newtownards offers taster flying lessons and follow on lessons for those interested in learning to fly and obtaining a Private Pilot’s License.
The Strangford Lough Activity Centre also offers a wide range of water sports in addition to land activities that include a climbing wall, archery, axe throwing, laser tag and bushcraft.
Ballyhalbert harbour is a popular location for jet skiing.
On the east coast of the Ards Peninsula, Cloughey beach has an expanse of fine golden sand stretching 1.5 miles. The long spit of sand and stone provides protection from the swells so this is a popular location for wild swimming.
Bars & Lounges
The Wildfowler Inn
1 Main St, Greyabbey, Newtownards BT22 2NE
Gilmore’s Bar
44-46 Main Street Kirbubbin, Newtownards BT22 2SP
Biking & Hiking
The scenic coastal walk from Orlock Point at Groomsport meanders over fields and then on tight coastal paths that split and reconnect. There are two sheltered beaches and many rare wildflowers. The flat rocks are a perfect picnic spot.
Strangford Lough Cycle Trail
A long-distance loop around the Ards Peninsula and the shores of Strangford Lough.
Mount Stewart “Red Trail” Walk
A woodland/farmland circular walk on the Mount Stewart estate (not far from Greyabbey) offered by the National Trust.
Nugent’s Wood Country Park offers a gentle stroll in sheltered trees on the edge of Strangford Lough at Portaferry. A peaceful place that’s suitable for all abilities with a flat grassed boreen and plenty of spots to stop off for rest. This walk is a must in May with the native bluebells in full bloom.
Kearney coastal path near Portaferry offers two choices, easy plodding or a rugged trek on shale and grass coastline towards Ballyquintan Bay from there, an easy farmland walk with incredible views through farmland leads to a former Second World War lookout point.
Killynether Wood in Newtownards is a peaceful woodland haven which offers a gentle sloping walk or a challenging trek with very steep hills but with rewarding views.
Day Trips
Greyabbey is located directly on St. Patrick’s Trail which is an 82 miles walking trail that connects key sites to St. Patrick and Christian heritage.
Grey Abbey Bay & the islands
Near the village, the bay on Strangford Lough has archaeological interest (including a 4500-year-old dug-out canoe) plus lovely coastal scenery.
Mount Stewart House & Gardens
Just a short drive away, Mount Stewart is a beautiful estate with impressive gardens and an historic house.
Outdoor trails in Ards Peninsula & Strangford Lough region
The wider region offers many trails — coastal walking, countryside cycling and heritage routes around the Ards Peninsula.
Grey Abbey
A must-visit for history and scenic surroundings: This Cistercian abbey, founded in 1193, is one of the finest early Gothic monastic buildings in Ulster.
Discover more of the Peninsula.
The drive from Greyabbey to Portaferry takes about 20 minutes but it’s worth taking a pause at Salt Water Brig both for refreshments and to explore the little church and graveyard nestled at its side. The church was used as a film location in “December Bride”,adapted from the novel by Sam Hanna Bell.
Onwards towards Portaferry, a small, quiet town on the shores of Strangford Lough with a significant maritime history especially in boat building and of course, the ferry service, which has been running for over 400 years. Portaferry was the setting for the recent BBC production, “The Woman in the Wall”.
Enjoy the views from the top of Windmill Hill. There’s a 360° vista from the windmill across the Irish sea coast to the Isle of Man, the Mountains of Mourne, round to Strangford village, Castleward, Audley’s Castle and up the Lough. Even on a blustery day, the views are striking.
Follow the signs for Kearney and explore this traditional Irish fishing village, now owned by the National Trust Take a walk down on to the beach to Ballyquintan Bay.
While in Portaferry, check what’s on in The Portico Arts and Heritage Centre, a striking Greek revival style building that doubles as the local Presbyterian Church and arts theatre.
Strangford Village and Castleward.
Take the ferry across the Narrows to Strangford village. Enjoy the stunning views as the ferry approaches Strangford and in summer, watch for bottlenose dolphins. Stop for a wander through the pretty village of Strangford.
Castleward, a National Trust property that will be familiar to Game of Thrones fans is a few miles from Strangford. The house is testament to a notoriously unhappy marriage of a couple who couldn’t even agree on the architecture of their new home hence the Palladian style frontage and the Gothic rear. While there, take a walk through the farmyard and along the coastal path – if only to clear your head after visiting the house!
How to Find The Little Birdhouse
Guest Reviews
Don’t take our word for how marvellous our little Birdhouse is (we are a little biased:-) here is what our guests have to say. . .
