| I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to | | | | Newry offers some of the finest scenery in Northern |
| Newry, one of Northern Ireland's oldest towns. | | | | Ireland, with the Ring of Gullion to the south-west and |
| Newry lies in the most south-eastern part of Northern | | | | the Mourne Mountains to the east. Both have been |
| Ireland, in the north-south corridor between Belfast and | | | | designated as areas of outstanding natural beauty. |
| Dublin. As such it has developed into one of the most | | | | The river Clanrye runs through the city and historically |
| popular shopping towns in Ireland. Cross border trade | | | | formed the border between Armagh and Down. The |
| has increased, which has meant both the Quays and | | | | city's Town Hall was built on top of the river. |
| the Buttercrane enjoying high footfall in their stores. | | | | Newry can boast some famous sons with Pat |
| Newry's recent past has seen it being conferred with | | | | Jennings, former goalkeeper and Northern Ireland's |
| city status in 2002. One of two cities in Northern Ireland | | | | most capped player born in the city. Mountaineer |
| bestowed with this honour by the Queen, the other | | | | Terence "Banjo" Bannon is from the city, as is John |
| being Lisburn. | | | | Dunlop, prominent Presbyterian churchman. John |
| Newry history shows that it was founded in 1144 | | | | Mitchell, the driving force behind the Young Ireland |
| alongside a Cistercian Monastery. It was destroyed by | | | | Movement is buried in the Old Meeting House in the |
| fire in 1689 by the forces of King James II during the | | | | city. |
| Williamite war. The city was rebuilt afterwards and | | | | Newry has a population which has grown steadily and |
| became a busy trading town. By 1742 its port became | | | | in a census carried out in 2001 its population numbered |
| the busiest in Ulster and as result its canal opened | | | | 27433 people. Newry house prices have also |
| making it the first major canal in Britain, it ran for 18 | | | | increased dramatically by 371% since 1996, topping a |
| miles to Lough Neagh. | | | | poll for the whole of the United Kingdom. |
| Newry is also the home of Ireland's highest viaduct, | | | | Sport plays a major part in the fabric of the city with |
| Craighmore Viaduct which lies to the North of the city | | | | Pairc Esler being the home of Down GAA. The city |
| and consists of 18 arches; it was designed by Sir John | | | | also boasts a soccer club which play at the |
| O Neill and opened in 1852. | | | | Showgrounds in the city. There are a wide range of |
| The city has strong links to St Patrick, the English | | | | activities available in the city, with a museum, arts |
| interpretation of the name comes from the Irish (Lur | | | | centre and a number of art galleries available. |
| Chinn Tra) which means the yew at the head of the | | | | Accommodation in the city can be found in the |
| strand, which St Patrick is said to have planted in the | | | | magnificent surroundings of the Canal Court Hotel. |
| 5th Century. | | | | Centrally located, the hotel offers a superb base while |
| Ireland's first protestant church is also in the city and | | | | staying in the city. |
| bears St Patrick's name. It first opened its doors in | | | | As you can see Newry has a varied history and a lot |
| 1578. Newry's other main Cathedral is St Patrick's and | | | | to offer for those tourists looking a short break away |
| St Colman's which was built in 1829, it was designed | | | | from it all. So come and stay in Newry and |
| by architect Thomas Duff. | | | | experiences all the city has to offer. |