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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Victory Voices: VE Day & VJ Day 80 years on

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0)330 137 4049

museums@mandd.org

Type

Type:

History

This talk by Michael Burns, the Research Officer at the Northern Ireland War Memorial, delves into the extensive oral history collection of NIWM to explore how these historic occasions were celebrated across County Down.

Dates

More Info
Facilities

Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
The Taste of Home Twilight Market

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0)74 6884 3838

shenda@killowendistillery.com

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

The Taste of Home Twilight Market gives your the unique opportunity to sample and buy the best in local produce in the stunning surroundings of Down County Gaol.

Dates

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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

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
Create a Hand Stitched and Dyed Leather Satchel at Down County Museum

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

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

Telephone
+44(0)3301374014

downartscentre@nmandd.org

Price
Price £135.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Leather Satchel Workshop

Dates

Price
Price £135.00 Per Ticket

More Info
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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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
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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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

More Info
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
Set for Summer! Cathedral View Kids' Zone

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

Indoor kids activities - drawing, colouring, dress up and reading

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
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
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

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
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
26 May Bank Holiday Activities

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:

Arts

Family activities at Newry and Mourne Musuem

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
From Canal Street to the Caribbean – Newry links to slavery and the plantation economy

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
Price £2.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

History

A talk on 18 century Newry merchants' who traded in the Carribbean

Dates

Price
Price £2.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
Set for summer! Outdoor games

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

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

Telephone
+44(0)330 137 4049

museums@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Summer Events

Take on a challenge with our giant Connect 4, Jenga, chess or draughts.

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Music over the Bank Holiday weekend

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:

Concert

As part in Iúr Cinn Fleadh, the annual traditional Irish music and community festival in Newry, Newry and Mourne Museum will host guest musicians over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
Eamon Donnelly: Republican Politician and Lifelong Anti-Partitionist

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

Type

Type:

History

Dr Éamon Phoenix will give a talk on Eamon Donnelly, prominent Nationalist politician in Ireland during the 1920s and 1930s.

Dates

More Info
Book Binding – Hardback at Down County Museum

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

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

Telephone
+44(0)330 137 4014

downartscentre@nmandd.org

Price
Price £55.00 to £60.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Book Binding – Hardback. Make a beautiful hand stitched book during this 1 day course

Dates

Price
Price £55.00 to £60.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Queering the North Exhibition

Newry

Address

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

Telephone
+44(0)330 137 4992

museums@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Exhibition

The exhibition explores the journey of the LGBT+ community in Northern Ireland, from 1967 to the present-day.

Dates

Price
Free

More Info