Newry is regarded as one of Ireland’s top shopping destinations. Granted city status in 2002, it now boasts two impressive shopping centres, The Quays and Buttercrane Shopping Centre, in addition to the main shopping area of Hill Street and its famous market which is held every Thursday and Saturday.
The city offers a whole host of entertainment options for visitors, from its multiplex cinema to traditional pubs, modern nightclubs and fabulous restaurants.
The Newry & Mourne Museum is also well worth a visit and can be found within Bagenal’s Castle, a 16th century fortified residence which was restored in 2008. The museum includes a number of temporary and permanent exhibitions and admission is free.
Other buildings of note include Newry Cathedral, which was constructed in 1829 and was the first Catholic Cathedral to be opened following the granting of Catholic emancipation, Newry Town Hall, built over the Clanrye River in 1893 and the Craigmore Viaduct, completed in 1866 and which includes a total of eighteen arches making it the highest viaduct in Ireland.
The Newry Heritage Trail, available here as a free download, takes the visitor on a journey through the city and its many attractions and is highly recommended.