Newry

Newry lies in the most south-eastern part of Northern Ireland, in the north-south corridor between Belfast and Dublin. As such it has developed into one of the most popular shopping towns in Ireland. Cross border trade has increased, which has meant both the Quays and the Buttercrane enjoying high footfall in their stores.

Newry’s recent past has seen it being conferred with city status in 2002. One of two cities in Northern Ireland bestowed with this honour by the Queen, the other being Lisburn.

Newry history shows that it was founded in 1144 alongside a Cistercian Monastery. It was destroyed by fire in 1689 by the forces of King James II during the Williamite war. The city was rebuilt afterwards and became a busy trading town. By 1742 its port became the busiest in Ulster and as result its canal opened making it the first major canal in Britain, it ran for 18 miles to Lough Neagh.

Newry is also the home of Ireland’s highest viaduct, Craighmore Viaduct which lies to the North of the city and consists of 18 arches; it was designed by Sir John O Neill and opened in 1852.

The city has strong links to St Patrick, the English interpretation of the name comes from the Irish (Lur Chinn Tra) which means the yew at the head of the strand, which St Patrick is said to have planted in the 5th Century.

Ireland’s first protestant church is also in the city and bears St Patrick’s name. It first opened its doors in 1578. Newry’s other main Cathedral is St Patrick’s and St Colman’s which was built in 1829, it was designed by architect Thomas Duff.

Newry offers some of the finest scenery in Northern Ireland, with the Ring of Gullion to the south-west and the Mourne Mountains to the east. Both have been designated as areas of outstanding natural beauty. The river Clanrye runs through the city and historically formed the border between Armagh and Down. The city’s Town Hall was built on top of the river.