Warrenpoint, County Down

About

Warrenpoint sits at the southern approach to the Mournes and at the point where the Clanrye River and Newry Canal open into Carlingford Lough. 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. The square is one of the largest in Ireland and saw many ‘fair days’ up until the late 1950s. The town 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.

All year round Warrenpoint offers well known nightclubs and restaurants providing excellent entertainment and 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.

Just outside Warrenpoint is Narrow Water Castle, an excellent example of a tower-house and bawn built about 1568 at the strategic point where the Newry or 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 popular summer band concerts. Facilities include tennis courts and a children's play area.