Things to do in Newry City

Newry City is jam packed with activities for you to enjoy.

Since it’s just a short hop from the south of the island, Newry City has always been a busy centre of activity. Our region's only city may be small in size, but as a regional centre it’s bursting with things to offer everyone with the added advantage of being really close to the Ring of Gullion, Carlingford Lough and beautiful surrounding countryside and beaches.

Shopping in Newry City

Bargain hunters have had Newry City on their radar for decades. There are two large shopping centres in the city and between them they host some of the most famous brand names in the world. The Quays Shopping Centre has a mix of major retail brands from UK & Ireland including top retail names such as Next, River Island, Marks and Spencer's, Houston's, Lush, Waterstones, H&M and Søstrene Grene. You also have the opportunity to get your hair done at Peter Mark before heading on to their ten-screen cinema for a night at the flicks. The nearby Buttercrane Shopping Centre offers more choice of top brands and back in the centre of Newry, discerning shoppers should head for Hill Street – the traditional shopping thoroughfare and home to many of the city’s oldest and most unique retailers. Depending on the time of year, the Newry Variety Market with its stalls and workshops is also well worth checking out.

If you're a fan of movies, heartwarming dramas, or laugh-out-loud comedies, Newry Omniplex Cinema has something for everyone. Based in the Quays Shopping Centre you can immerse yourself in the magic of one of its 10 big screens.

Walking Tour of Newry City

Familiarise yourself with our famous and infamous people, waterways, public spaces and fine buildings on the 'The Story of Newry' Walking Tour as the heritage and colourful history of Newry City is brought to life on this imaginative stroll with storyteller and tour guide Sinead Rice McAleavey.

Eat like a local on the Newry Food Tour. This walking tour takes you though the heart of Newry City and taste some of our favourite treats. Led by a great local guide, gain an insight into Newry’s culinary heritage, history and local traditions that have shaped its unique food culture.

Take it easy in Newry City

Before, or maybe after, you have a cocktail or two at the famous Bellini’s, get yourself to the Canal Court Hotel and Spa for a treatment. This 4-star hotel looks over the Newry Canal and boasts a hot tub on its roof with views over the city. After you’ve bubbled away your troubles, you can indulge in powerful anti-ageing facials, body therapies or maybe even a full body massage.

Newry Leisure Centre is well worth a visit with an excellent health suite including: spa pool, steam and sauna alongside an 8 lane swimming pool with a fun spiral flume slide.

Magical trails near Newry City

Your body will be ready to climb a mountain after all that shopping so why not head for nearby Slieve Gullion. Rising to almost 1,900 feet, Slieve Gullion is the centerpiece of the Ring of Gullion, a volcanic landscape of enchanting beauty and a Special Area of Conservation. If you have the little ones with you, this might be a bit too much to take on but there are plenty of walking tracks and trails for all levels at Slieve Gullion Forest Park. They’ll surely love Fionn's Giant Adventure, a very special place you could only describe as a magical living storybook brought to life along a trail of fairy houses, dragon dens and goblin bridges. Follow in the footsteps of Flynn the mischievous fairy as he makes his way to the Ladybird House for some dandelion tea. Everyone is invited!

There are more magical stories to be told on the Narnia Walking Trail at Kilbroney Park while a ramble up the short but steep climb to Cloughmore Stone offers spectacular views over Carlingford Lough. Those who like to get around on bikes can take the dedicated cycle track to the top just as long as you take care coming back down!

On your bike, a gentle walk or twenty-mile hike

Indeed, there’s lots of routes around Newry City for the biking enthusiast, find out more here about the cycle trails. Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails have routes on the shores of Carlingford Lough considered among the toughest but most satisfying on these islands. There are some utterly awesome coastal views and some thrilling single track descents for experienced riders.

While that experience is not for the faint hearted the Newry Canal Way is built for those who get their thrills by taking it easy. Both cyclists and walkers are accommodated here and while at twenty miles, it will take a little something out of those legs, the gradient is gentle.

Newry & Mourne Museum

Back in Newry City, Newry & Mourne Museum in Bagenal’s Castle offers more tales and history for people who are keen to find out more about the town itself and some of the local folklore of the Mournes and Ring of Gullion.

Newry & Mourne Museum has 3 floors to explore. It is a great experience for visitors of all ages. They have a self guided tour, plenty of costumes for dressing up and ongoing exhibitions on prehistoric material, as well as more recent local artefacts. The main exhibitions in the focus on prehistoric material, Newry as a merchant town, the working life of the area and modern experiences of living in a Border area.

Visiting Newry City with a young family?

For younger kids, check out The Imaginarium Centre. It has plenty to entertain children especially on a wet day. They also have a program of fun events running throughout the year including Sticky Fingers Arts.

The Newry Canal

If you want to get out and about there is a great trail running along the Newry Canal towpath. It is a walking and cycling path that runs along the disused canal from Portadown to Newry and joins onto the Newry Greenway bringing you up to Victoria Lock. For a longer hike you could choose a section of the Ring of Gullion Way which promises beautiful views and clearly marked paths.

The Bernish Viewpoint is a picnic area just outside of Newry City. It offers stunning views over the Newry Valley and and the Mourne Mountains.

Ballymacdermot Court Tomb is a well preserved Neolithic burial site close to Newry. It has 3 chambers and dates between 4000 and 2500 BC, the site offers great views of Slieve Gullion and its ring dyke as well as the Mourne and Cooley mountains.

Other nearby megalithic sites include Clontygora Court Cairn and Ballykeel Dolmen.

There is always plenty to discover, see and do here. No wonder people keep coming back to Newry City for more.