Newry City

Newry City is situated at the head of Carlingford Lough between two Areas of Outstanding Beauty (AONB) – the majestic Mourne Mountains and the enchanting Ring of Gullion. 

Shopping in Newry City 

Dive into retail therapy at the Quays Shopping Centre and Buttercrane Shopping Centres. Browse some independent boutiques in the Cathedral Quarter or the Creamery Quarter. Don't miss the weekly Variety Market, a vibrant showcase of local produce, crafts, and antiques. Held regularly, this market is a treasure trove for those seeking unique finds and authentic local products. Chat to local stall holders, sample regional delicacies, and experience the lively atmosphere that makes the market a true reflection of Newry City's community spirit. 

Plan your break to Newry City

Ready to explore the City of Newy? Start planning your trip and search all our approved accommodation here.   

Things to do and where to eat in Newry City 

The historic area of Newry City has lots of independent cafes where you can grab a snack during the day and there are a range of dinner options to keep your taste buds happy. 

If you want to delve a little deeper why not book a spot on the Newry Food Tour for a guided walk around some unmissable place.

Newry hosts the Iur Cinn Fleadh Festival annually, it takes place during the August Bank Holiday weekend. It celebrates the rich musical tradition of our area and spills over into all the bars and pubs. With over a hundred performances there’s sure to be something to suit you! 

The annual Newry Arts Festival is the place to be for a display of our local artistic talents including live theatre performances, visual arts workshops and on street entertainment.  

Newry City’s Architectural History 

As you wander through the city streets, Newry City's Victorian architecture transports you back to its bustling port town days. Once a hub of merchants and traders, remnants of its maritime heritage are still evident in the charming facades that grace the city.  You'll find the Clanrye River gracefully flowing through Newry City centre, adding a tranquil touch to the urban landscape.  

Proud to be a Bordertown  

Newry City's position is quite unique, it is just 10 miles from the border with the Republic of Ireland and straddles County Armagh and County Down. The city's friendly population give visitors a warm welcome and always have time for a chat.  

An Iúr Cinn Trá 

Newry's name itself holds a tale. Derived from the Irish language "An tIúr," a shortening of Iúr Cinn Trá, meaning "yew tree at the head of the strand," the city's is steeped in history. Legend has it that Saint Patrick planted a yew tree here in the 5th century. 

Explore Newry City 

Newry City has plenty to keep you busy on your break.  It’s home to the 16th century Bagenal's Castle, Newry's oldest surviving building and is home to the amazing Newry and Mourne Museum. Newry Heritage Trail starts at Newry Town Hall and takes you through Newry City's many attractions, exploring the history and heritage of this ancient place.  Newry Heritage Trail lasts approximately one hour and 45 minutes and the short trail lasts 45 minutes (approx.) 

Newry and Mourne Museum first opened in 1986 in Newry Arts Centre and moved to larger premises at Bagenal’s Castle in March 2007.  The Castle’s exact location was lost over the years due to constant adaptation of the building, not least when the premises were purchased by Arthur McCann Ltd in 1894 and converted into a bakery.  Rediscovered in 1996 when McCann’s sold the site, the Castle has been sympathetically restored.  During the restoration process, drawings from a survey of the Castle completed c.1568 allowed archaeologists to uncover many original features of the Castle and these have been interpreted for the visitor. The main exhibitions in the Museum include prehistoric material, Newry as a merchant town, the working life of the area and modern experiences of living in a Border area.  Changes are made to the main exhibitions on an annual basis.  Click here to visit the NMD Museums website.

Newry Town Hall

Newry Town Hall was designed in a classic style by William Batt and constructed in 1893.  One of the last works of the old Newry Town Commissioners, whose crest dated 1891 is still on the bridge. Reputed rivalry over its location led to Newry Town Hall being built on a bridge astride the Clanrye River, the county border.  On the bridge is a Russian Trophy - a 19th century cannon captured during the Crimean War, and given to recognise the men from Newry who fought in the war. 

St. Patrick's Church of Ireland (Stream Street, Newry) 

First Protestant Church built after the Reformation in Ireland, commanding panoramic views of the city below.  The earliest part of the building was built by Sir Nocholas Bagenal in 1578.  The Church was almost destroyed in 1641 and wasn't fully restored until 1866.  This is one of the oldest Churches in Ireland still used for worship. Dean Jonathan Swift is said to have preached here during visits to Newry.

Cathedral of St. Patrick and St. Colman (Hill Street, Newry)

The most commanding building in Hill Street. Built in 1829 from locally sourced granite, costing £8,000.  This was the first Catholic Cathedral opened after the Catholic Emancipation. The tower and transept were added in 1888 and the nave was extended in 1904.  The interior marble work and mosaics took five years to complete.

Whether you're drawn to history, shopping, or the great outdoors, Newry City invites you to uncover the treasures it holds.