About Newry

Among the many examples of fine architecture in Newry, most of which were constructed from local granite, there are several that stand out.

Newry town hall, which straddles the river, is an impressive nineteenth century construction that dominates the surrounding area, but perhaps the most striking architectural sight in the area is the large Craigmore Viaduct. This eighteen arch bridge lies on the main railway line between Belfast and Dublin and is the tallest viaduct in the whole of Ireland - the highest arch towering nearly 130 feet above the valley below - as well as being a quarter of a mile in length.

Newry is surrounded by a variety of differing landscapes, from the quintessential Irish rolling green hills to the stunning nearby mountains, not to mention beautiful riverside views in the town itself.

Amid all this impressive scenery are any number of ancient monuments, from thirteenth century Norman castles to even older standing stone circles. The city's tourist information centre itself is based within the remains of a sixteenth century castle that stood on the site of a Cistercian monastery from the time of the town's founding.

One of the city's many fine religious buildings that is well worth a visit is St Patrick's Church, generally thought of as Ireland's first Protestant church. The original church was constructed in the sixteenth century, but the imposing present building dates from the mid nineteen-hundreds and is located on a hilltop that overlooks the city.