Official tourism website for Northern Ireland
En

The Little Birdhouse

Gradings

  • Five Star Quality Assurance
Five Star Quality Assurance
16 Main Street, Greyabbey, Newtownards, Co Down, BT22 2NE
The Little Birdhouse

About

Our tiny cottage dates from the 1700s and was once part of the Greyabbey Estate. It's name is both a nod to Bird Island, one of over 70 small islands dotted acrosss Strangford Lough, and a reflection of our aim to create a cosy nest in which our guests feel snug, comfy and relaxed during their stay. 

While the cottage has been extensively renovated, it still retains its historic charm with many original features with rough plastered interior walls, wooden beams and panelling. We worked hard to ensure that the renovation and refurbishment was as kind to the environment as possible so we re-cycled and re-purposed as much as we could.  The furnishings are a mix of antique, vintage and second-hand finds that come together to create a cosy, relaxed, eclectic vibe that's stylish and reflects our commitment to recycle and re-use.

The open plan layout of the ground floor maximises sociability, allowing guests to take advantage of the new kitchen with its Belfast sink and modern appliances, while continuing to enjoy the company of their partner or visiting friends and family. There is a wood-buring stove in the living room which is separated from the dining area by a wooden beam and a line of vintage bricks set into the floor that indicate where a back kitchen was originally located.

The period style shower room has a large shower enclosure with an electric shower.  There's a vintage pedestal wash basin and the restored mahogany toilet seat, rescued from a skip, is sure to be a talking point!

Upstairs, the charming, romantic bedroom is flooded with light from the large skylights and the original dormer window overlooking Main Street. The ornate antique French cast iron king-size bed, luxurious white cotton bedding, reading area and antique writing bureau make this the perfect place for relaxing. A full-length vintage cheval mirror allows guests to check their appearance when attending a wedding in nearby Orange Tree House, and critically, for brides and grooms to do so too, should they choose to stay in this very special place.

Outside, the sunny back courtyard has a seating area and provides access to a  barbeque area with a picnic table which lead into the long back garden, recently planted with native apple trees.  A winding path provides access to a seat at the top of the garden, the perfect spot for enjoying a coffee on sunny mornings, listening to bird song. 

Located on the pretty Main Street in Greyabbey, the Little Birdhouse is right in the middle of the village, with its bustling vintage and antique shops, and opposite the charming Hoops Courtyard with its antique, interior and vintage shops and award-winning cafe.

There is some street parking available as well as free parking in two public car parks closeby.  Orange Tree House, a popular wedding and conference centre, is a 3-minute walk away, even in high heels or on bare-foot on the way home, making this the perfect base both if you're attending a wedding there or for couples getting married.

But, whatever your reason for visiting Greyabbey, couples and solo-travellers alike will find that the Little Birdhouse has everything you need - and more! 

Facilities

Establishment Features

  • Cater for females
  • Cater for individuals
  • Cater for males
  • Central heating throughout
  • Hairdryers
  • Ironing facilities
  • Latest arrival time (24 hr clock) - Check in is from 3pm, there is no restriction on arrival time after 3pm
  • Linen available free of charge - For stays of more that 5 nights additional linen is available, on request free of charge.
  • Linen provided - Bed linen and towels are provided
  • Lost property - Any property guests leave behind can be retrieved on contact with the hosts.
  • Number of Shared Bathrooms - There is one shower room in the cottage located downstairs
  • Prior Booking Required
  • Private Garden - A large back garden with a patio and BBQ area is available for the sole use of guests
  • Private rooms - Guests have sole use of the entire cottage
  • Real log/coal fires
  • Showers
  • Showers on site - The shower room is located downstairs and is fitted with a walk-in shower enclosure with an electric power shower.
  • Toilets - One toilet is available, located in the downstairs bathroom
  • Towels available - Additional towels are available on request for guests staying 5 nights or longer.
  • Washing & Drying facilities on site - A washing machine and clothes horse are located in the out house. Laundry products are provided free of charge and an outside clothes line and pegs are also provided.
  • Welcome single sex groups, eg stag/hen parties - Same-sex couples welcome

Leisure Facilities

  • Television in lounge/TV room
  • Wifi

Parking & Transport

  • Parking (free) - There is limited on-street parking as well as free parking in two car parks close by, one on Main Street beside the school and the other round the corner, just past Orange Tree House

Payment Methods

  • Daily rates available
  • Midweek breaks
  • Short breaks available
  • Weekend breaks

Provider Preferences

  • Al fresco dining
  • Coastal
  • Max group size - The cottage is ideal for couples with the maximum group size two
  • Non smoking establishment

Room / Unit Features

  • Central heating in all units
  • Colour television in all units
  • Dishwasher
  • Drying Facilities in all units
  • Freezer in all units
  • Fuel Included
  • Hairdryer Available
  • Ironing Facilities
  • Microwave
  • Non smoking rooms available - Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the premises.
  • Radio in all bedrooms
  • Sleeps 2
  • Tea & coffee making facilities
  • TV
  • Units available with real log/coal fires - There is a wood-burning stove and logs are provided.
  • Washing Machine

Specialist Features

  • Activity breaks - Greyabbey is renowned for its many vintage and antique shops and is a weekend destination for anyone interested in browsing vintage treasures.
  • Marketed as green/environmentally friendly - The property has been furnished with many re-cycled, re-purposed and re-used items and guests are encouraged to use the recycling bins provided.

Add The Little Birdhouse to your Itinerary

Check availability for The Little Birdhouse (opens in a new window)

Close window

Call direct on:

Tel+44 7891 039234

Map & Directions

Opening Times

Open Christmas
Open New Year

Awards Welcome Scheme

  • Tourism Northern Ireland Welcome SchemeWalkers Welcome Walkers Welcome 2024

What's Nearby

  1. Grey Abbey ruins and graveyard from a birds eye view

    Grey Abbey, a Cistercian Abbey church and its living quarters were founded in 1193 by…

    0.25 miles away
  2. Photo of four seals gathered on the seaweed and moss covered sea rocks

    The Lookout is a wildlife interpretative centre, showcasing the wildlife around the…

    1.91 miles away
  3. Mount Stewart House

    Mount Stewart is a stunning estate in the beautiful scenic area of Strangford Lough. The…

    2.01 miles away
  4. A photo of Ballywalter harbour on a bright day with pink flowers to the forefront of the image

    A long sandy beach which offers enjoyment for all.

    3.1 miles away
  5. Photo of Mahee Castle, with bridge way and water to forefront

    This ruined Tower House commands a position at the north end of Mahee Island in…

    4.23 miles away
  6. Nendrum monastic site on a clear sunny day

    Nendrum is thought to have been set up by St Machaoi in the 5th Century and also has…

    4.33 miles away
  7. A photo of the Sketrick Castle ruins

    Sketrick Castle is located on Sketrick Island which is reached by a causeway on the west…

    4.78 miles away
  8. Inside the Battletown Gallery

    The gallery seeks to promote quality Irish art in a relaxed atmosphere and displays a…

    4.96 miles away
  9. a photograph looking up at a windmill with a blue sky in the background

    Late 18th-century tower mill in use until 1915 and still in working order. Take a virtual…

    4.98 miles away
  10. Photo of shrubs and reeds along Millisle promenade with water in the distance

    Millisle Beach Park is an area of 150 metres of golden sand and a relatively safe bathing…

    4.99 miles away
  11. Couple walks outside the Echlinville Distillery in the sunshine

    Discover how Echlinville Distillery captures the flavour, colour and mouthfeel of their…

    5 miles away
  12. ariel view of WWT Castle Espie

    WWT Castle Espie is an extraordinary day out for the whole family. Escape the everyday,…

    5.45 miles away
  13. a photo of a group of adults on a small train surrounded by snow and trees

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

    5.45 miles away
  14. Drone image of Burr Point the most easterly point in Ireland

    Burr Point, the most easterly point on the island.

    5.76 miles away
  15. Photograph of the Movilla Abbey, grave stones and ruins

    Movilla Abbey, Methodist and Church of Ireland.

    As important as Bangor, Movilla was…

    6.1 miles away
  16. Exterior to the centre with welcome banner

    The Livingston Centre at Killinchy Parish Church is a local heritage centre. It tells the…

    6.28 miles away

Virtual Tour

Map & Directions

Public Transport Directions

Bus - The aptly named Antique Shop bus stop is located right outside the front door of the cottage, from where buses depart for Belfast. Return buses stop on the opposite side of the road. Buses to Newtownards leave from the front of the war memorial, at the top end of Main Street, on the other side of the roundabout from the cottage.

Bus timetables are available in the cottage for guests to consult. 

Airport transport

Fying into Belfast International Airport, guests can take the 300 Airport Express 300 Service to Grand Central Station in Belfast. From there, they can catch a bus to Greyabbey. 

Belfast City Airport has a designated Airport Express 600 Service which buses passengers every 20 minutes during peak times from the front of the terminal building to Belfast Grand Central Station. The journey only takes around 10 minutes. From there, they can catch a bus to Greyabbey. 

Alternatively you can board a NI railways train service  at Sydenham rail halt, just a short distance by foot along the Sydenham Bypass from the terminal building, and travel to Belfast Grand Central Station.

 

Back to Top

Tourism Northern Ireland

Don't Miss