Official tourism website for Northern Ireland
En

Cockle Row Cottages

The Harbour, Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JR
Cockle Row Cottages

Book Tickets Online

About

Take a step back in time with a visit to the lovingly restored Cockle Row Cottages in Groomsport. The cottages illustrate life for a fisherman and his family at the turn of the last century. Open seasonally, in the summer, the Cottages also house a local Visitor Information Centre and shop. 

Thought to be nearly 400 years old, Cockle Row is the last reminder of old Groomsport. The building was once a pair of fisherman’s cottages and signs of their age can be found by taking a closer look inside. Pop into the Visitor Information Centre to discover a window exposing the interior structure of the walls or look in the cottage capturing its yesteryear and admire the thickness of the walls and the thatched roof. Or appreciate how the cottages were built at right angles to the sea, to protect its inhabitants from the fierce coastal storms.

The cottages were inhabited until the 1950s and were saved from demolition in the 1960s by Bangor Art Club, who repaired the cottages and opened them to the public during weekends in the summer.

In 1997, North Down Borough Council were awarded a grant to entirely renovate the cottages including the first installation of electricity. They reopened that summer, with one building becoming a heritage cottage to allow visitors to experience bygone life and the other as a modern Visitor Information Centre. Since then, they have become a much-loved attraction in the area. Why not call into Cockle Row to have a chat with the Visitor Ambassadors, pick up a souvenir or enjoy the free entertainment which takes place each Sunday.

The cottages are open seasonally, June - early September (usually, until the European Heritage Open Weekend).
Thursday to Sunday, 11am-5pm
Also, free family entertainment, every Sunday, 2pm-4pm - Find out more

 

Look out for free family fun during the year. Stay up to date with all events by following our Facebook and Instagram pages and by signing up to our monthly e-newsletter.

Book Tickets

Facilities

Attraction Facilities

  • Gift Shop
  • Guided Tours Available

Catering

  • Picnic Area

Establishment Features

  • Accept coach parties

Parking & Transport

  • On site parking

Payment Methods

  • All major credit/debit cards accepted

Provider Preferences

  • Free (parking charges may apply)

Guide Prices

No admission charge

Add Cockle Row Cottages to your Itinerary

Close window

Call direct on:

Tel+44 (0) 28 9127 2269

Map & Directions

Opening Times

Season (1 June 2025 - 15 Sept 2025)
DayTimes
Monday - WednesdayClosed
Thursday - Sunday11:00 - 17:00

* Seasonal opening, June until the annual European Heritage Open weekend in September

What's Nearby

  1. Groomsport has one of Northern Ireland's few fully accessible beaches for all ages and…

    0.12 miles away
  2. The mile long crescent of sandy beach curving along Ballyholme bay has been a favourite…

    1.1 miles away
  3. Destination spot for Terry Bradley collectors and art enthusiasts from across the globe.…

    1.96 miles away
  4. A perfect park in the centre of Bangor. An ideal spot to enjoy the local wildlife and…

    2.13 miles away
  5. Stroll through this beautiful wooded wonderland which is an exhilarating experience…

    2.36 miles away
  6. Enjoy a fun day out at Pickie Fun Park. Try out the 18-hole mini-golf course, giant pedal…

    2.38 miles away
  7. This impressive building was built for the Hon Robert Edward Ward and his family in 1852.…

    2.43 miles away
  8. Visit North Down Museum to explore the fascinating saga of the North Down area from the…

    2.43 miles away
  9. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Varieties of flowers,…

    2.49 miles away
  10. Founded in 558AD the main body of the building dates from 1830's, the tower from 15th…

    2.61 miles away
  11. An enchanting park leading onto the North Down Coastal Path.

    2.95 miles away
  12. With tranquil walks through peaceful meadows and wooded glens and a stunning waterfall,…

    4.47 miles away
  13. This 7 1/4" gauge miniature railway has about 2km of track with a variety of routes…

    4.61 miles away
  14. Beautiful sandy beach with excellent facilities, all within twenty minutes drive of…

    4.69 miles away
  15. The Ark Open Farm is a fantastic family day out; the farm itself is set in 40 acres of…

    4.77 miles away
  16. Situated in Helen's Bay, Grey Point Fort is one of the best preserved early 20th century…

    4.9 miles away

Virtual Tour

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Directions from Town:Located off Main Street, Groomsport

Back to Top

Tourism Northern Ireland

Don't Miss