Our short holiday should have been taken earlier this year, but had to be delayed. The owner of the property we stayed at (Stay on the Bay, in Kircubbin) was really helpful and it was rearranged for August.
The ‘upside-down’ cottage was brilliant and waking up in the mornings to the sound of the waves was wonderful. The weather hasn’t been the best this year, especially August, but a change is as good as a rest, as they say! Without stress or pressure, we just took each day as it came.
A short drive took us to Greyabbey.
Greyabbey was delightful. The village has few shops but there is enough to keep one occupied, exploring the craft and antique shops before lunch. Of course, a visit to the ruins of the abbey, a Cistercian monastery, is a must. It was founded in 1193 by Affreca, the daughter of Gofraid, the king of Man and the Isles. She was the wife of John de Courcy, the Anglo-Norman adventurer.
On another day, we visited the National Trust property of Mount Stewart.
The house, gardens and the estate are amazing! We have visited here many, many times and never tire of this special place on the Ards peninsula.
Ashley
A Different View 
Ashley, nothing beats an oceanfront view for relaxing 🙂 The room is quite charming. Beautiful photos of the surrounding area that’s quite rich in history. A wonderful getaway!
Thank you, Rosaliene for your lovely comments. 😊🙋♂️
My pleasure, Ashley 🙂
Such a beautiful view from the window!
Thank you for your visit here and for your comment. 🙋♂️
Thank you, Ashley, for your lovely update on your short stay by the sea. The house looks beautiful inside with a view of the water, especially pleasant first thing in the morning. I love the image of the Abbey and the relaxed atmosphere of the place. No doubt, you both feel better as even a short break is beneficial.
Joanna
Dear Joanna, indeed we do feel much better (it’s been quite a year)! There is something about the coast that draws everyone to the shore. Perhaps it has something to do with our origins. Thank you for your lovely comments. 🤗🙋♂️
You are right, dear Ashley about our origins, and you are more than welcome, as always!
Joanna
once again, some majestic pictures Ashley. i am in awe of the water view shot from the bedroom terrace. so glad things worked out for your holiday. thanks for sharing these gorgeous photos. Mike
Thank you, Mike, it’s good to hear from you. The coast is always a favourite!
Your holiday by Strangford Lough sounds really nice! Nothing like waking up to the sound of waves. I’m sure I would love the monastery and Mount Stewart! Great to have a much needed vacation like this! Your photos are beautiful, Ashleaf!!
Thank you, Edo-san, I’m sure you would especially love Mount Stewart with all its wonderful trees! No hokku for this post but the autumn equinox is not far off and I’m sure we will both have posts ready that special celebration. 😊🙋♂️
Looks like you had a wonderful time. Its a gorgeous part of the world, whatever the weather!
Thank you, Paula. Absolutely! We love the peninsula. 😊🙋♂️
That looks like a gorgeous holiday home. So good of them to postpone it for you, not every owner is that decent in my experience.
Thank you, Ruth, it is a fabulous location and holiday home. An emergency visit to the hospital in May meant it was a very stressful time for us and at such short notice the owner couldn’t have been more helpful. 😊🙋♂️
Beautiful place, the houses, garden and scenery, all look wonderful.
Thank you, it is a wonderful location. 🙋♂️
You’re welcome Ashley.
How beautiful. A wonderful place for a holiday. I love the cloister and the national trust property. Thanks for sharing this beauty. Being by the sea makes me always feel like holidays. Glad you enjoyed your time. ☀️😊
Dear Ute, thank you. The whole area is a great place to visit. With the Irish Sea on the outside of the peninsula and Strangford Lough on the inside it has a special charm, and I think it’s own unique climate. We love it there and actually it’s not too far to drive there. 🤗🙋♂️
What a lovely place to visit, rest and explore. Beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing.
Dear Katelon, thank you for your visit here. It was a lovely holiday, even if a short one. 🤗🙋♂️
Beautiful place! Love the last picture. I bet you had a great time there!!
Thank you, Indira, for your lovely comments. 🤗🙋♂️
Beautiful photos, Ashley! That sounds like a great trip! You just need something like that from time to time and you shouldn’t hesitate for a moment.
Thank you, Friedrich. I do love the coast and sometimes wish we lived there, especially in this location. It is always an uplifting experience. 🙏🙋♂️
What a peaceful room! 😌
Yes and ‘upstairs ‘ so great for views from the balcony. 😊🙋♂️
Lovely. And what wonderful skies! (K)
Thank you, Kerfe, for your visit here and comment. Being by the coast one really appreciates the constant changes of the sea and sky. 🤗🙋♂️
Yes, they are wonderful together.
Muy hermosas vistas! Poder oír el mar es tan relajante, adoro el mar! Un fuerte abrazo.
Gracias, Barbara. Nuestro amor por la costa puede tener algo que ver con nuestro origen acuático. Que tengas un buen fin de semana. Un fuerte abrazo. 🤗🙋♂️
What a delightful visit, Ashley and love your pictures. So glad you had a wonderful time💓
Thank you, Cindy. It was a much needed break. 🤗🙋♂️
oh I’m so glad💕
What a wonderful place. The room is charming, with exquisite decoration. I love it!
🌷
Thank you, for your lovely comments 🤗🙋♂️
❤️🌷😘
The sound of the waves when you wake up is always wonderful. Nice photos. They are all beautiful but the first is where I would like to be right now looking at the sea. Abrazo 🍷
Haha! On the last night the sea was crashing onto & over the patio outside the bedroom window! It woke me up & had me worrying that we might be flooded! A bit unnerving but by morning it was perfect calm. 😅
Beautiful! I love the photos that you choose to take!
Thank you, Bela for your lovely comment. 🤗🙋♂️
Absolutely!