Originally it was a small fishing village with the focus of development being the harbour and Main Street. The harbour is reputed to be of Viking origin and the beginnings of the small settlement can be traced to the ninth or tenth century.  Groomsport has developed as a centre for water and shore-based recreation with improved facilities for activities such as sailing and power boating.  Groomsport still retains the identity and character of a small harbour village with its pier and sheltered anchorage together with its historic street pattern.

A new attraction for the visitor in Groomsport is Cockle Row, the old fishermen's thatched cottages which were officially opened in May 1997 after four months of complete refurbishment.