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