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.
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.
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.
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.
There is always plenty to discover, see and do here. No wonder people keep coming back to Newry City for more.
Find out more about Newry City here.
The Quays Shopping Centre is a major retail and leisure development situated in the heart of Newry, County Down. The complex overlooks the canal in the historic Albert Basin area of the City.
Buttercrane Shopping Centre in the heart of Newry City is home to over 50 big name brands including anchor tenants Primark, Dunnes Stores, Sports Direct/USC and Lidl. Located alongside the historic Newry Canal and close to the 4* Canal Court Hotel, the Centre offers lots of hot food options and over 1000 carparking spaces (including dedicated parent & child, disabled and E charging parking). A visit to Buttercrane promises a great day out, where you can shop and save in style.
Slieve Gullion is Ireland's Mountain of Mystery. Slieve Gullion Forest Park offers walking trails, a scenic drive, an Adventure Playpark, Fionn's Giant Adventure children's story trail and a Courtyard with coffee shop.
Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails in Kilbroney Park and Rostrevor Forest offer challenging climbs with some serious descents and Ireland's first two official downhill trails and other trails suitable for families to use. Make time to stop off at Kodak Corner to take in the view over Carlingford Lough and beyond.
Bagenal’s Castle located in historic Newry is a 16th century fortified house and adjoining 19th Century warehouse, and has been sympathetically restored to house Newry & Mourne Museum and Newry Visitor Information Centre.
The Canal Court Hotel & Spa is a fine four star property, with a total of 110 bedrooms & suites, extensive Health & Leisure Complex and stunning Spa, perfectly located in the heart of the City close to both Bus & Rail Stations.
