Attractions and Places To See around Nunsquarter - Top 13
Attractions and places to see around Nunsquarter are primarily located on the Ards Peninsula in County Down, Northern Ireland. This region is recognized as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, bordered by Strangford Lough to the west and the Irish Sea to the east. The area offers a blend of historical sites, natural landscapes, and coastal features. Visitors can explore various points of interest across the wider peninsula.
Best attractions and places to see around Nunsquarter
- The most popular attractions…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
Sketrick Castle
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Nendrum Monastery Ruins
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Whiterock Harbour
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Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop
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Grey Abbey Ruins
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Nendrum Monastery was a Christian monastery founded in the 5th century. The monastery finished somewhere between 974 and 1178, but the church survived until the 15th century. You can visit the ruins if you're riding past.
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Bike parking, nice coffee and eats, friendly staff, nice view of the lough
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Sketrick Castkle is a historic landmark situated on Sketrick Island near Whiterock. The castle dates back to the 12th century and the grounds are free to explore.
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This large tower house was built in the mid 15th century and was actively involved in warfare during the 16th century. It would have originally been four storeys high with a boat bay and subterranean passage. There were four chambers at ground level, the largest had a vault built on wicker centring and two ovens. The small unlighted room could have been a lock up or treasury. The tower-house was relatively complete until half of it collapsed in a storm in 1896. Part of the bawn wall survives to the north and east of the castle.
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This is the best example in Northern Ireland of a pre Norman ecclesiastical enclosure with its buildings. Nendrum is associated with St Mochaoi who died at the end of the 5th century, and is linked with St Patrick in a much later source. Notices of Nendrum clergy, including three bishops, begin in the 7th century and the excavation of a sophisticated tide mill on the shore near the site has shown that the mill was active in the early 7th century, which underlines the early importance of Nendrum. References continue until a fire in 976, perhaps a Viking raid, when the head of the church (erenagh) was burned in his house. In the late 12th century a small Benedictine monastic cell was founded on the site, but by 1302–1306 this was the parish church, abandoned for Tullynakill on the mainland in the 15th century. H.C. Lawlor excavated the site from 1922 to 1924, when enclosure walls, church and round tower were restored. The glacial hill is crowned with three concentric walled enclosures, irregularly oval in plan. Little is known of the outer cashel, only partly in state care. In the middle cashel on the south-west side are circular platforms for huts, which excavation suggested were craft workshops, and a rectangular building known as the ‘schoolhouse’, also a workshop. In the inner cashel were the most important buildings, including the church with its graveyard and the base of a round tower north-west of the church. The west wall of the church was rebuilt in the 1920s, incorporating a reconstructed sundial at the south-west corner. Finds from the 1920s excavation, including the well-known bell of Nendrum, are in the Ulster Museum and Down Museum at Downpatrick. Underwater archaeological work in the 1990s showed that there is a stone jetty south-east of the enclosure, now inundated in the lough, and medieval pottery was found close by. ( source: department of communities )
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It's home to two yacht clubs: Strangford Lough Yacht Club and 1.5 kilometres (0.95 mi) to the north, Down Cruising Club. Between the two yacht clubs is Sketrick Castle, a 15th-century tower house on Sketrick Island, now in a state of ruin. To the south of Whiterock is Ballymorran Bay.
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Lovely place to rest. There are tables arranged outside to the right of the Abbey. Grab some supplies from the shop just up the road in the village, and enjoy the atmosphere. The Abbey is open 24 / 7. Grey Abbey is one of the best examples of Anglo-Norman Cistercian architecture in Ulster, and was the daughter house of Holm Cultram (Cumbria). It was founded in 1193 by Affreca, wife of John de Courcy, the Anglo-Norman invader of East Ulster. The remains, in the beautiful parkland setting of the nearby grand house of Rosemount, consist of the church with cloister and surrounding buildings to the south.
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Daft Eddy's Restaurant / Pub is very popular with Cyclists, and is just up the hill. There is also a Car park with full facilities if you look back to the mainland just on your left.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore near Nunsquarter?
The region around Nunsquarter is rich in history. You can visit Sketrick Castle, a 15th-century tower house on Sketrick Island, offering scenic coastal views. Another significant site is Nendrum Monastery Ruins, a pre-Norman monastic site dating back to the 5th century with a church ruin and round tower. Additionally, the spectacular 12th-century Cistercian Grey Abbey Ruins are nearby, offering a glimpse into medieval history.
What natural attractions are there around Nunsquarter?
Nunsquarter is located on the Ards Peninsula, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You can enjoy scenic views from Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop across Strangford Lough. The peninsula is embraced by the waters of Strangford Lough, the largest sea lough in the British Isles, known for its high biodiversity. The area also offers miles of coastline with numerous sandy beaches and coastal walks, such as Cloughey Beach and Ballyhalbert Beach.
Are there any unique cultural sites in the Nunsquarter area?
Beyond the historical ruins, you can find unique cultural sites like St. Mary, Star of the Sea in Nunsquarter itself, a significant local church. Near Millisle, Ballycopeland Windmill is the only remaining working windmill in the world with a complete and fully-functioning Hopper Roller Reefer sail system. The Echlinville Distillery, Ireland's first farm distillery, offers insights into local history and spirit crafting.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions near Nunsquarter?
Visitors appreciate the blend of history and natural beauty. For instance, Sketrick Castle is loved for its scenic coastal views and the chance to spot seals and otters. Nendrum Monastery Ruins are praised for their quiet atmosphere, picnic areas, and fine views of the lough, especially at low tide. Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop is a popular stop for its scenic views and refreshments.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Nunsquarter?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Sketrick Castle and Nendrum Monastery Ruins are both considered family-friendly historical sites. The Grey Abbey Ruins also offer an open site for exploration. For marine life, the Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary in Portaferry is Northern Ireland's only aquarium and seal rehabilitation centre, providing an engaging experience for all ages.
What hiking opportunities are available near Nunsquarter?
The Ards Peninsula offers various walking and hiking routes. You can find easy to moderate hiking trails such as the 'Boundary Walk, Mount Stewart' or the 'Sketrick Island loop via Sketrick Castle'. For more options, explore the 'Hiking around Nunsquarter' guide for detailed routes and difficulties: Hiking around Nunsquarter.
Can I go cycling near Nunsquarter's attractions?
Absolutely! The Ards Peninsula is popular for cycling. There are numerous routes, including the 'Strangford Lough Cycle Trail' and loops from Kircubbin and Greyabbey that pass by various attractions. You can find detailed cycling routes in the 'Cycling around Nunsquarter' guide: Cycling around Nunsquarter.
What is the best time of year to visit the attractions around Nunsquarter?
The Ards Peninsula is beautiful year-round, but the spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for exploring outdoor attractions, coastal walks, and gardens like Mount Stewart. During these months, visitor centers and cafes are typically in full operation. However, historical sites like Grey Abbey Ruins are often open year-round.
Are there places to eat or drink near the attractions?
Yes, there are several options. Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop on Sketrick Island is a popular spot for coffee, meals, and scenic views. Whiterock Harbour, near Sketrick Castle, also has a cafe/restaurant/bar. Many villages across the Ards Peninsula, such as Greyabbey and Portaferry, offer cafes and pubs.
Are there any dog-friendly walking options near Nunsquarter?
Many of the outdoor areas and coastal paths on the Ards Peninsula are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a lead and owners clean up after them. Kearney Village, managed by the National Trust, offers well-managed coastal walks that are generally suitable for dogs. Always check specific site regulations before visiting, especially for nature reserves or enclosed gardens.
How can I reach the attractions around Nunsquarter by public transport?
Public transport options to Nunsquarter and surrounding attractions on the Ards Peninsula can be limited. Bus services connect some of the larger towns like Newtownards, Portaferry, and Kircubbin. However, reaching specific historical sites or natural viewpoints often requires a car. It's advisable to check local bus schedules in advance if relying on public transport.
Where can I find parking for attractions near Nunsquarter?
Most major attractions and popular walking spots on the Ards Peninsula, including Sketrick Castle, Nendrum Monastery Ruins, and Grey Abbey Ruins, provide dedicated parking facilities. Smaller coastal access points or trailheads may have limited roadside parking. Whiterock Harbour also has a caravan/car park with amenities.
Are there any hidden gems or less-known spots worth visiting?
Beyond the well-known sites, consider exploring Ballyquintin Farm, a National Trust wildlife reserve at the tip of the Ards Peninsula, offering wild beauty. The 40 Steps at Kircubbin provide a beautiful walking trail with fine views of Strangford Lough. Corrog Wood is a young woodland of native hardwoods, offering a pleasant, quieter walk. Millin Bay Cairn, a neolithic burial site, also offers a unique historical perspective overlooking the sands of Millin Bay.
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