Grey Abbey, Cistercian ruins in County Down, Northern Ireland

Grey Abbey is a Cistercian ruin in County Down, Northern Ireland, made up of stone walls, arched windows, and several connected buildings. The remains include the church, cloister, and surrounding structures, all set within parkland near Strangford Lough.

The monastery was founded in 1193 by Affreca, wife of John de Courcy, and operated as a daughter house of Holm Cultram. It functioned until its closure in 1541 during the English religious upheaval of that period.

The restored Physic Garden displays around 40 medicinal herbs and plants that Cistercian monks once grew for healing purposes. These plants reveal how the monks applied practical knowledge to support the health of their community and visitors.

The grounds are open daily from 9 AM until dusk, with clear paths leading through the ruins. Guided tours are offered on select weekends during summer months to help visitors understand the medieval layout.

The Exhibition Centre on site features interactive displays about how monastery buildings were constructed and what daily tasks the monks performed. These exhibits help visitors understand how the medieval community functioned and what roles each monk held.

• Location: Northern Ireland
• Inception: 1193
• GPS coordinates: 54.53580,-5.55830
• Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:02