Newry Canal Way
The Newry Canal Way is an 18-mile long section between Newry and Portadown exploring the restored towpath of the historic Newry Canal. This is a journey through the industrial heritage as well as the rolling countryside of southeast Ulster, and it offers walkers the chance to see a variety of birds and aquatic life. The firm, flat surfaces make this route well suited to all levels of walker.
| County | Distance | OS Map | Terrain |
|---|
| Down | 17.5 miles (28km) | Sheets 20 & 29 | A towpath surfaced along its entire length by tarmac or gravel path. |
| Start Town / Village | Finish Town / Village | Grid References | Points of Interest |
|---|
| Carnbane | Portadown | Starts at J074295
Ends at J013540 | Newry, Poyntzpass, Acton Lake, Scarva, Portadown |
Accommodation and Useful Facilities
Although this section of the route begins near the Carnbane Industrial Estate, the best place for nearby accommodation is slighty further south in Newry which a wide range of B&Bs and Hotels.
There is only one B&B along the route in Scarva but as this section can be realistically walked in one day, walkers should therefore reach Portadown which has a few B&B's and Hotels.
Click on an item in the table below for more details and information.
Town, Villages, and Points of Interest
| Type | Name | About |
|---|
| Point of Interest | Acton Lake / Lough Shark | Acton lake is named after a specimen of bream ... |
Acton lake is named after a specimen of bream contained within its waters, weighing up to and in excess of 8Ib. The lake, measuring 20.24 hectares, is also home to large hybrids of rudd and bream and has record sizes within its midst. The lake also has good pike fishing. |
| Town / Village | Newry | The city of Newry has a rich heritage and many fine ... |
The city of Newry has a rich heritage and many fine buildings and public places. The twin waterways, the Canal and the Clanyre River, flow through the town along parallel channels. There are several attractions in the town for those with an eye for architecture or a hunger for historical facts.
Newry is one of the country's foremost shopping destinations with an array of traditional independent traders and multi-national retailers, Hill Street in the heart of the Newry is the focal point for shopping and holds a market every Thursday and Saturday.
Newry also has a vibrant nightlife with excellent restaurants and bars and a wide variety of accommodation exists in the town including bed and breakfast, guesthouses and four star hotels. |
| Town / Village | Portadown | The Portadown of today boasts one of Northern ... |
The Portadown of today boasts one of Northern Ireland’s most thriving shopping centers with multi-national retailers and a wonderful mix of independent outlets, catering for everything from antiques and crafts to high fashion and household goods. In total, the town boasts over 300 retail outlets, including a plethora of coffee shops, bistros and restaurants. The natural assets of Lough Neagh and the River Bann and Portadown's location in the heart of the apple blossom County of Armagh, provide an environment of beauty and rural tranquillity to augment the thriving urban life of Portadown. |
| Town / Village | Poyntzpass | Poyntzpass in a small village on the Newry Canal Way ... |
Poyntzpass in a small village on the Newry Canal Way where they have the old adage that the devil would never get into Poyntzpass, because on each road entering the village there stands a chapel, church or meeting house. |
| Town / Village | Scarva | Scarva is famous as the location of the "Sham Fight" ... |
Scarva is famous as the location of the "Sham Fight" Pageant on 13 July every year. The Pageant attracts thousands of members of the Royal Black Preceptory, a group related to the Orange Order, who come to march and stage a symbolic (sham) re-enactment of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. There is also a visitor centre and a Train Station. |
Accommodation and Facilities
| Place | Type | Name | Rating |
|---|
| Newry | B&B | Ashbourne House | N/A |
| Address | 46 Corgary Road, Newry
BT34 1SZ | | Phone | (028) 3082 1793 |
|
| Newry | B&B | Ashdene House | N/A |
|
| Newry | B&B | Ava Bianca | N/A |
| Address | 43 Rathfriland Road, Newry
BT34 1JZ | | Phone | (028) 3026 6997 |
|
| Newry | B&B | Cedar Haven | N/A |
| Address | 19 Tirney Road, Newry
BT34 1RX | | Phone | (028) 4065 1633 |
|
| Newry | B&B | Deer Park | N/A |
| Address | 177 Tandragee Road, Newry
BT35 6LP | | Phone | (028) 3082 1409 |
|
| Newry | B&B | Lavengro | N/A |
|
| Newry | B&B | Marymount | N/A |
|
| Newry | B&B | Millvale House | N/A |
| Address | 8 Millvale Road, Newry
BT35 7LP | | Phone | (028) 3026 3789 |
|
| Newry | B&B | Mourne Drive B&B | N/A |
|
| Newry | Guesthouse | Belmont Hall | Three Star |
|
| Newry | Hotel | Canal Court Hotel | Four Star |
|
| Newry | Hotel | Francis Court Hotel | UnClassified |
| Address | 13 - 19 Francis Street, Newry
BT34 1AP | | Phone | (028) 3026 6926 |
|
| Newry | Hotel | Mourne Country Hotel | UnClassified |
|
| Portadown | B&B | Bannview Bed & Breakfast | N/A |
|
| Portadown | B&B | By Ways B&B | N/A |
|
| Portadown | Hotel | Carngrove Hotel | UnClassified |
| Address | 2 Charlestown Road, Portadown
BT63 5PW | | Phone | (028) 3833 9222 |
|
| Portadown | Hotel | Seagoe Hotel | Three Star |
| Address | Upper Church Lane, Portadown
BT63 5JE | | Phone | (028) 3833 3076 |
|
| Scarva | B&B | Druminargle House | N/A |
| Address | 29 Poyntzpass Road, Scarva
BT63 6LE | | Phone | (028) 3831 8206 |
|
