Newry is a beautiful city in Northern Ireland, in the UK. Located in a serene location with lovely weather, it comprised of rolling mountains, lush valleys, and numerous historical monuments. Originally, it was a garrison and a market town. In the mid-18th century, it became a port. Today, it is one of the oldest cities in Ireland, and also one of the most fascinating and unique places you will ever visit. As a visitor, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to start when exploring, and that’s why we’ve put together the top things to do in Newry, the UK, to act as your guide in this city.
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1. Learn about the city's rich past at Newry and Mourne Museum
The Newry and Mourne Museum is a historical site opened in 1986. It is located within the Bagenal’s Castle that was built on the site of a 12th-century Cistercian abbey. It showcases the historic past of the city through permanent and temporary exhibitions. There are family arts and local crafts, lectures, workshops, comics, and costumes, among others. There are plenty of events and activities to take part in the museum.
Newry and Mourne Museum
Address: Newry BT34 2BY, United Kingdom
Website: Newry and Mourne Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4:30pm; Sun: 1:30pm - 5pm
2. Be at one with nature at Silent Valley Mountain Park
The Silent Valley reservoir is an area that was built to collect water from the Mourne Mountains, which then acts as the main water supply in Belfast. The valley is surrounded by mountains and serene natural beauty, making it an amazing spot to relax. This particular area attracts thousands of visitors every year. There are many walking routes nearby, should you wish to go on a short nature hike. Furthermore, the Mourne Wall is a piece of art that is pleasing to the eye.
Silent Valley Mountain Park
Address: Head Rd, Ballymartin, Newry BT34 4PU, United Kingdom
Website: Silent Valley Mountain Park
Opening hours: 10am - 6:30pm (daily)
3. Tour the Derrymore House
This is no ordinary house. It is a house built in the late-18th century using a unique thatched gentrified style. The house grounds are open throughout the year for the public to visit. Within the grounds, there is a “drawing or treaty room”, which is free to visit on selected dates and it is the main attraction of the house. It is the property of the National Trust and a worthy place to visit in Newry.
Derrymore House
Address: Bessbrook, Newry BT35 7EF, United Kingdom
Website: Derrymore House
4. Marvel at Newry Cathedral
Newry Cathedral, otherwise known as the Cathedral of Saint Patrick and Saint Colman, is a must-visit when in Newry. It is the seat for the Bishop of Dromore. With stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings and floor tiles adorning the interior of the cathedral, and the Gothic revival architecture on the exterior, it is no less than a feast for the eyes.
Newry Cathedral
Address: 38-40 Hill St, Newry BT34 1AT, United Kingdom
Website: Newry Cathedral
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
5. Have an unforgettable kart racing experience at Formula Karting
For the Formula One fans, Formula Karting is a must-visit spot in Newry. Formula Karting provides a thrilling experience for the visitors. The race tracks here are some of the best in the UK and suitable for all age groups. The prices are fair, and there are special offers, too. There’s also a conference room, a cafe bar and party rooms, to complete the fun experience.
Formula Karting
Address: Unit 4, Greenbank Business Centre, Warrenpoint Rd, Newry BT34 2QX, United Kingdom
Website: Formula Karting
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm
6. Visit the Ballymacdermot Court Tomb
This tomb is located just about 3.2 km (2 mi) outside of Newry. It is one of the well-maintained Neolithic burial sites in the region. It has a total of three chambers, and the site on which this historic monument is built date back to the astonishing 2500 BC. Besides the chambers, another highlight of this site is that it offers the best views of the Meigh plain surrounding it. It is open throughout the year.
Ballymacdermot Court Tomb
Address: UK, Bernish Rd, Newry BT35 8QA, United Kingdom
7. Have fun with family at Slieve Gullion Forest Park
The Slieve Gullion Forest Park is filled with fun activities and trails for all members of the family. This is essential to break the monotony of the educational tourist sites and experience the fun part of Ireland. Inside, there’s an adventure playpark for all ages, a walled garden, picnic benches, and a 1.5-km (0.9 mi) long themed trail offering stunning views of the surrounding lush greenery and mountains.
Slieve Gullion Forest Park
Address: 89 Drumintee Rd, Meigh, Newry BT35 8SW, United Kingdom
Website: Slieve Gullion Forest Park
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
8. Indulge in outdoor activities at Cranfield Beach
The Cranfield beach is the perfect place for all visitors in Newry, old and new. It is suitable for taking walks and having a breather in the evening when there is little to no activity. There is a wide array of unusual pebbles to collect here. It’s a blue flag beach, meaning it meets strict standards of quality in terms of facilities and purity of water. The clear water makes it suitable for swimming. If you don’t want to swim, you can simply laze around and sunbathe. Make sure to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Cranfield Beach
Address: Newry, United Kingdom
9. Enjoy amazing views from the famous Bernish Viewpoint
Bernish Viewpoint is one of the best landmarks in Northern Ireland. The viewpoint allows one to see many beautiful sites that dot the area. This viewpoint will enable one to see almost the whole of Newry and the sites near it. It is a perfect place to take photos and gaze at the beautiful view of God’s creation. Bernish viewpoint also has a seating space, where you can relax and enjoy a picnic. The sunset from this site is spectacular.
Bernish Viewpoint
Address: 27 Bernish Rd, Newry BT35 8PZ, United Kingdom
10. Enjoy a leisurely meal complemented by live music at Bellini's Newry
For food enthusiasts, Bellini’s is the perfect joint. It is an Irish bar and restaurant, perfect for a meal and a fun night out. Here, you get to savor Ireland’s best dishes and drinks and, at the same time, enjoy the live music. It is spacious and has a great ambiance. Plus, there are flat-screen TVs and projectors for visual entertainment. Some of the must-try food items here include the Bellini burger, steak sandwich, and barbecue wings. They also have vegetarian options on the menu.
Bellini's Newry
Address: 25 Merchants Quay, Newry BT35 6AH, United Kingdom
Website: Bellini’s Newry
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 4pm - 8pm; Sun: 1pm - 8pm (closed on Mon - Thu)
11. Admire the 17th-century Moyry Castle
If you are the type of tourist who likes to check out historic landmarks in the cities you visit, you should not miss Moyry Castle on your Newry holiday. This is a 17th-century stone structure with gorgeous views of Moyry Pass. It is a simple castle with a small square tower and no stairs. It features living quarters equipped with windows and fireplaces. To reach different points in the castle, one must utilize a ladder. In history, Moyry Castle was constructed to aid the smooth transport of Queen Elizabeth’s ruthless general - Lord Mountjoy, in an act to overthrow the Earl of Tyrone.
Moyry Castle
Address: County Armagh, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Website: Moyry Castle
12. Check out the medieval Killeavy Old Churches
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Killeavy Old Churches are historic churches that were established on the slopes of Slieve Gullion. These are two separate churches joined by a wall. One church was built in the 11th century, and the other in the 15th century. These are Medieval monasteries that were home to nuns. Although all you’ll see at the present time are ruins, it is still nice to visit a site that is a part of history. Besides the fascinating stone structure’s remains, the views in Killeavy Old Churches are ones to experience.
Killeavy Old Churches
Address: Church Rd, Killeavy, Newry BT35 8LF, United Kingdom
Website: Killeavy Old Churches
13. Be fascinated by the Annalong Cornmill
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Nestled close to the foothills of Mourne Mountain, Annalong Cornmill is a historical place and a museum along Annalong harbor. The structure was built in 1880, and it serves as a symbol of the agriculture era of Annalong. It operated until 1960. The mill still works up to this day, and it is considered one of the last functional watermills in the city. After a long pause from operating, Annlong Cornmill was restored in the 1980s and it became a museum. When you visit this attraction, you can still see some of its original features, including the main building, three millstones, and a grain drying kiln.
Annalong Cornmill
Address: Marine Park, Annalong, Newry BT34 4QG, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
14. Play paintball with your friends at Watchtower Adventures
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Watchtower Adventures on Sunday, November 12, 2017
Nestled within a five-minute ride from Newry, Watchtower Adventures is a fantastic destination that offers a fun-filled adventure and breathtaking views of The Mourne Mountains and Camlough Lake. It features a lot of exciting activities for families, friends, and couples. In Watchtower Adventures, guests can spend a day playing paintball in any of this attraction’s three paintball sites. It even has a paintballing feature for kids with less physical impact. Also, this site offers clay pigeon shooting, bubble soccer, karting, and a bunch of other games.
Watchtower Adventures
Address: 46 Lower Foughill Rd, Jonesborough, Newry BT35 8SQ, United Kingdom
Website: Watchtower Adventures
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: From 16 USD
15. Experience horseback riding in the Mourne Mountains with Laneway Lodge
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Laneway Lodge on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Experience the best countryside holiday when you include Laneway Lodge in your vacation itinerary. Located in a stunning location in the Mourne Mountains, offering breathtaking nature views, Laneway Lodge is a horse riding school that welcomes everyone. It features scenic trails that go through different terrains, from lush forestry to gorgeous beaches. One can book a short adventure or go overnight. Accommodations are taken care of by Laneway Lodge. Your ride and best friend throughout the experience will be a friendly purebred American horse.
Laneway Lodge
Address: 6 Leitrim Rd, Hilltown, Newry BT34 5XS, United Kingdom
Website: Laneway Lodge
Visit Newry for some amazing experiences
Newry has some of the best tourist sites in the UK. If you’re planning a trip to Northern Ireland anytime soon, we’d recommend checking out the above mentioned attractions in Newry. There are a plethora of historic sites, cultural attractions and fun activities for the entire family.
Editor’s Note: Due to Covid-19, the business hours of the attractions may differ from the stated timings in this article. Please be sure to check the updated hours from the websites.
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