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Grey Abbey House welcomes historical, architectural and horticultural groups and we are able to provide lunch, tea and dinner by arrangement. We cater for flexible numbers and larger groups can also be accommodated. Various organisations visit the Grey Abbey Estate on a regular basis, along with some popular events such as the County Down Traction Engine Club who hold an annual rally on the Estate. We have also hosted classic car meetings for the MG Owners Club and Rolls Royce Owners Club. As well as local and national visiting groups, we also have visitors from much farther afield. The Australian Garden History Society visit us annually, and we have welcomed various groups from the Royal Horticultural Society and garden enthusiasts from France, Italy and Sweden. Students from two horticultural colleges in France come to work in the gardens every summer.
Grey Abbey House is considered to be one of the finest Georgian country houses in Ireland and has remained in the possesion of the Montgomery family since 1607. The central portion of the house was built in 1762 by William Montgomery, whose portrait hangs in the dining room, depicting a solemn-looking man holding what is believed to be the architect’s invoice! The house retains many interesting architectural features and fine 18th century plasterwork. In 1769 James Boswell was visiting the ruins of the Abbey and met William Montgomery’s eldest son, also called William, walking with his dogs and his gun; he invited Boswell to visit “the excellent house of Mr. Montgomery’s own planning”. Boswell also commented on the fine views overlooking Strangford Lough. William died while serving in the army in America, so his brother Hugh then became the heir of the Grey Abbey Estate.