Temporary Exhibitions

Making Waves: Newry’s Rise As a Global Trade Centre

This exhibition explores how the influx of goods from around the world transformed the lives of people in and around the Port of Newry, forever changing the region. It also shows how the maritime trade provided employment for generations of local people, from merchants and sailors to dockers and customs officers.

Visitors to the exhibition will discover Newry's transformation into a bustling global marketplace, a story told through the Museum’s collection of artefacts and information boards. Panels highlight a bustling trade of imported goods like minerals and sugar, which filled the warehouses of Sugar Island and Merchants Quay. In turn, products exported included Newry granite, whiskey and fine linen.

Among the items on display are everyday relics from this era, such as postcards, paper bags for loose tea, receipts for tobacco and flax seed, and 18th century consignment notices for linen bound for America.

Accompanying the exhibition is a complimentary booklet of essays, offering more information and providing greater detail on subjects such as businesses in the 19th century, women’s work and the port, emigration as well as the historical development of the port itself.

The free exhibition is now open to the public until September 2026

VE Day & VJ Day Exhibit

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, with Victory in Europe Day and Victory over Japan Day and on 2 May, Cllr Pete Byrne Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council officially launched the exhibit of two Second World War artefacts and costumes at Newry and Mourne Museum as worn by local men.

On display is a US Army 563rd Motor Ambulance Company Blouse and Cap c1943

Worn by Private First-Class James Quinn, originally from Tullyframe near Kilkeel. After emigrating to America, he served as an ambulance driver and mechanic with the US Army from 1943 to 1945 before returning to live in Kilkeel in 1950.

You can also see a suit made by Burton’s 1940s. Known as a demob suit, civilian clothing was issued to servicemen after their demobilisation from the British armed forces. The outfit included: a felt hat or flat cap, a double-breasted 3-piece suit or a single-breasted jacket and trousers, two shirts and collars, a tie, shoes and a raincoat. Gloves, underwear and socks were also available, and men were given a special allocation of clothing coupons to buy any extra items they might need, as well as an extra cigarette ration, and a one-way rail warrant.

One of the main suppliers was Burton’s, founded by Montague Burton, and it’s thought that that the phrase the full monty, meaning "everything" originally referred to a full set of demob clothes supplied by the firm. Women demobilised from the armed services simply received clothing coupons.

As well as the suits you will see mid-20th century collars, a clothing ration book, receipts from 1934 and 1945 from two gentlemen’s outfitters in Newry and a commemorative handbell was made by the Buckinghamshire Die-Casting Co using aluminium alloy from German aircraft shot down over Britain.

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Confirmed Bachelor: The Gay Diaries of David Strain

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, Downpatrick, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0)330 137 4049

museums@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Exhibition

In this illustrated lecture, Dr Tom Hulme tells David Strain's story: how he discovered his sexuality, searched for love, and ultimately forged a circle of gay friends - both in Belfast and his beloved Oughley Hut in Co. Down.

Dates

Price
Free

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The 1803 Rebellion: Sites Associated with Thomas Russell, Bus Tour with Linda McKenna

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, Downpatrick, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44(0) 33 0137 4252

alan.freeburn@nmandd.org

Price
Price £10.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

History

Join Heritage Officer Linda McKenna on a special guided tour to mark the 220th anniversary of Thomas Russell's death.

Dates

Price
Price £10.00 Per Ticket

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Free Tours of Newry and Mourne Museum

Newry

Address

Newry and Mourne Museum, Bagenal's Castle, Castle Street, Newry, County Down, BT34 2BY

Telephone
+44 (0)330 137 4422

Declan.Carroll@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

History

Tours of Newry and Mourne Museum

Dates

Price
Free

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DownTime SummerFest

Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, The Mall, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0)75 9597 8137

philip@downcommunityarts.org

Type

Type:

Festival

Downtime Summer Festival and family friendly festival in beautiful, historic Downpatrick

Dates

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Christmas Arts and Crafts at Newry and Mourne Museum

Castle Street, Newry

Address

Newry and Mourne Museum, Bagenal's Castle, Castle Street, Newry, County Down, BT34 2BY

Telephone
+44 (0)33 0137 4422

Declan.Carroll@nmandd.org

Price
Price £2.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Arts and Crafts for Families at Christmas in Newry and Mourne Museum.

Dates

Price
Price £2.00 Per Ticket

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
Come build with us - a Bricks4kidz Lego Experience (13.30 workshop 4-11 yrs)

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, Downpatrick, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
0330 137 4049

museums@nmandd.org

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

These popular, Disney themed workshops blend STEAM education with creative play, offering an engaging mix of building, teamwork, and fun.
13:30 Workshop - designed for Primary school aged children 4-11 years.

Dates

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
The Mindful Museum

Castle Street, Newry

Address

Newry and Mourne Museum, Bagenal's Castle, Castle Street, Newry, County Down, BT34 2BY

Telephone
+44 0330 137 4422

Declan.Carroll@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

History

Discover relaxing new ways of looking and experiencing our beautiful collections in Newry & Mourne Museum and learn some techniques for staying curious and mindful in the world around us.

Dates

Price
Free

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Facilities

Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
Preaching House Pottery

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, The Mall, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0)33 0137 4049

museums@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Exhibition

Preaching House Pottery and the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust's Carer Support Service's Exhibition

Dates

Price
Free

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
Down County Museum Showcase: Belinda Loftus Collection

Downpatrick

Address

Down Arts Centre, 2 - 6 Irish Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6BP

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4049

alan.freeburn@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Exhibition

Belinda Loftus is a local artist who uses a wide range of media and styles to explore the natural environment, ancient history and myths, political events past and present, and the impact of high finance and artificial intelligence.

Dates

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Highlighting the Heritage in Newry

Newry

Address

Abbey Way, Newry, County Down, BT34 2BY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9055 0213

info@uahs.org.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Talks/Lectures

Explore the architectural heritage of Newry and the history of the Newry Canal. Talks and a walking tour included.

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Easter Activities at Newry and Mourne Museum

Newry

Address

Newry and Mourne Museum, Bagenal's Castle, Castle Street, Newry, County Down, BT34 2BY

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4422

Declan.Carroll@nmandd.org

Price
Price £2.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Easter Events

Children's arts and crafts for Easter

Dates

Price
Price £2.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
For the curious and interested: a British Museum touring exhibition

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4049

museums@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Exhibition

Northern Ireland is the first stop for this exhibition, which reunites items from Sir Hans Sloane's collections, alongside new insights and reflections.

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
The Workhouse System in Ireland

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, Downpatrick, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0)330 137 4049

museums@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Exhibition

This free talk provides historical context for the current Downpatrick Workhouse exhibition in Down County Museum

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
Mono Printing Workshop

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, The Mall, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4014

downartscentre@nmandd.org

Price
Price £55.00 to £60.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Mono Printing - create some painterly prints using different techniques guided by printmaker Karen Daye-Hutchinson ARE. Explore additional detail layering using Drypoint and other combinations of hybrid print.

Dates

Price
Price £55.00 to £60.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
Come build with us - a Bricks4kidz Lego Experience (10.30am - SEN Friendly Workshop)

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, Downpatrick, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
0330 137 4049

museums@nmandd.org

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Let your child's imagination soar as they embark on a LEGO® adventure with Bricks 4 Kidz workshops this August Bank Holiday Monday at Down County Museum.

Dates

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
Family Arts & Heritage Day| DownTime Summer Fest

Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0)75 9597 8137

philip@downcommunityarts.org

Type

Type:

Festival

We're back at Down County Museum on Friday 2nd August with another brilliant day of free arts, crafts, and heritage activities.
Bring the family and enjoy hands-on fun, creative workshops, and a celebration of local culture — all right here in…

Dates

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Come build with us - a Bricks4kidz Lego Experience (15.00 workshop 7+ yrs)

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, Downpatrick, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
0330 137 4049

museums@nmandd.org

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Let your child's imagination soar as they embark on a LEGO® adventure with Bricks 4 Kidz workshops this August Bank Holiday Monday at Down County Museum.

Dates

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
Set for summer! HELP! Pokémon Go

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, The Mall, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
0330 137 4049

museums@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

History

Are you a Pokémon Go trainer? We need your help!

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Art in the Attic: A Curator's Talk

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, Downpatrick, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0)330 137 4049

museums@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Exhibition

Join Down County Museum's Curator, Dr Kris Reid for this FREE lunchtime talk.

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Children's Lego Workshops on Bank Holiday Monday

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, Downpatrick, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44(0)330 137 4252

amy.button@nmandd.org

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Brickz4Kidz are bringing their Lego fun to Down County Museum on August 26th.

Dates

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

More Info