Warrenpoint, County Down

About

Warrenpoint is a picturesque port town in County Down, Northern Ireland. Warrenpoint sits on the shores of Carlingford Lough at the southern approach to the Mourne Mountains and at the point where the Clanrye River and Newry Canal open into Carlingford Lough.

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What's the history of Warrenpoint?

There was no town of Warrenpoint up until the beginning of the 19th century. The town was planned and built on a grid system by the landlords in Narrow Water. Warrenpoint Square saw many ‘fair days’ up until the late 1950s. Warrenpoint came to prominence in the early 19th century, first as an outport for Newry, developing a thriving timber trade with North America and Canada. By the mid 1800s Warrenpoint had grown to the 5th largest port in Ireland, in terms of imports and exports, including people. A plaque stands at the corner of the town dock to commemorate the thousands of emigrants who passed through the town in search of a better life.

Is Warrenpint worth visiting?

Yes, absolutely! Warrenpoint’s front shore incorporates a promenade that wraps around the breath-taking natural beauty of the surrounding water, mountains and landscapes. Home to a wealth of biodiversity, the area is also renowned for its association with Celtic mythology and legends.

All year round Warrenpoint offers well known restaurants providing a variety of foods to suit every taste and pocket. During the summer months, an open-air amusement park is on offer in the main square or you can take a stroll down along the beach and seafront. Warrenpoint is also home to well-known Festivals such as the Wake the Giant, Blues on the Bay and the Loughside Festival. 

Just outside Warrenpoint is Narrow Water Castle and Keep, an excellent example of a tower-house and bawn built about 1568 at the strategic point where the Newry/Clanrye River meets Carlingford Lough.  

Warrenpoint Park close to the centre of the town has a magnificent array of flowers and shrubs and the fine Edwardian bandstand is the focus for music in the Summer. Facilities include tennis courts and a children's play area.

Where is Warrenpoint Promenade?

Warrenpoint Promenade begins at Marine Parade at Warrenpoint Port.  This modern port creates a direct link with Warrenpoint’s history as a thriving place for industry beginning in the mid-1700s via milling and trade. Warrenpoint Port is the second largest port in Northern Ireland and the fifth biggest on the island of Ireland. It came into prominence in the early 19th-centrury as an out port for Newry.

Warrenpoint Promenade frames social spaces that have played key roles in the community throughout history from the Edwardian baths (1907) that enjoyed their heyday in the 1950s/1960s to the Seaview Promenade overlooking Warrenpoint Beach which is located beside the baths.

Carlingford Lough is a popular spot for open water swimming along with activities from rowing and boating to windsurfing and SUPing.
A key stretch of the Promenade- overlooking the breadth of Warrenpoint Beach - is characterised by picturesque Victorian and Edwardian architecture.