Strangford
Strangford (meaning "sea inlet with strong currents") is a small village in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is situated across Strangford Lough from Portaferry and is the main base for the Strangford Lough ferry service. It had a population of 474 people in the 2001 Census. Strangford is situated in the Down District Council area.
The village has a small harbour, which is overlooked by rows of 19th century cottages and a fine Georgian terrace. It also has a number of restaurants.
Strangford Ferry
The channel connecting the Irish Sea and Strangford Lough is five miles long and half a mile wide. The rush of the tide through the channel is so strong that the Norsemen called the place Strang Fiord. The channel has a maximum depth of 52 metres.
Mount Stewart
Mount Stewart is an 18th-century house and garden in Northern Ireland owned by the National Trust. Situated on the east shore of Strangford Lough, a few miles outside the town of Newtownards and near Greyabbey, it was the home of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family, Marquesses of Londonderry. The house and its contents reflect the history of the Vane-Tempest-Stewarts, who played a leading role in British social and political life.
Greyabbey
Greyabbey is a small village located on the eastern shores of Strangford Lough, on the Ards Peninsula, County Down, Northern Ireland, 7 miles south of Newtownards. In the 2001 Census it had a population of 1,011 people. It is within the Ards Borough Council area.
Greyabbey is often associated with the antiques trade, there being several specialist antiques shops in the town, as well as some interesting Georgian and Victorian buildings, and a traditional coaching inn.
Saint Cooey's Wells
South of Portaferry and towards Ballyquintin Point, stands the Holy Wells founded in the 7th century by Saint Cowey. According to tradition it was here that Saint Cowey performed his penitential exercises in the late 7th and 8th centuries. The foundations of a church, a small church, modern altar and three Holy Wells may be found. A drinking well, wishing well and eye well are still visited by pilgrims and reputed to have healing powers.
A short distance from the church on the shore a flat rock can be found with deep indentations, which, according to popular belief mark where Saint Cowey placed his hands and feet whilst in prayer.
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