The Harbour, Annalong, Newry, Co Down, BT34 4QH

Picturesquely located at the mouth of the Annalong River, the Harbour at Annalong evolved throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. It remains operational and retains proportions and a size that reflect the scale of 19th-century fishing and trade activities. The harbour holds considerable social significance as a principal export point for granite and potatoes, and a vital centre for herring fishing. It has an association with a nearby navigation mark. The setting is enhanced by a nearby corn mill and panoramic views of the Mourne Mountains.

The tidal harbour complex is situated within a rocky cleft where the Annalong River meets the sea and comprises breakwater piers extending from either side of the river and an inner basin. The easternmost breakwater, located on the south side of the harbour mouth, has a metal navigation light. The inner harbour was created by excavating rock on the south side of the river and constructing a quay wall around it. A small entrance is present in the north wall, alongside an electrically operated crane used to insert timbers between the entrance abutments to protect boats moored inside during storms. All walls are constructed of large, roughly-dressed granite blocks in regular courses, and paved with granite setts. Protective storm parapets are located around the east side of the inner harbour and the north-east pier, alongside several granite mooring bollards.

A small, rock-cut harbour and pier existed by 1822, as noted by Alexander Nimmo in his report on fishing stations. This pier was erected by the Earl of Kilmorey. The 1836 Ordnance Survey Memoir described it as “a capital port to put into, should a storm come on while making from Carlingford to Belfast”. Substantial improvements, including deepening the entrance channel, enlarging the inner harbour, and erecting quays and a breakwater, were carried out under the Sea Fisheries Act of 1846. This work was completed in 1848. A breakwater pier at the east end of the inner harbour was added in 1902. The harbour is of industrial archaeological interest and possesses local, social, cultural, and economic importance.