Newry Canal, Newry, Co Down

The Newry Canal, constructed primarily between 1730 and 1742, is of significant historical interest as the first summit level canal in Britain and Ireland. Originally built to transport coal from Coalisland to Dublin, the canal’s inland section was initially designed under the direction of Richard Cassels and completed by Thomas Steers, with extensive refurbishment undertaken between 1801 and 1812 by John Brownrigg. It ceased commercial operation in 1936 and was formally abandoned in 1949.

The canal’s course survives throughout the ward, with its banks generally un-revetted, except for a short section near the WIN industrial estate and Canal Quay. Both banks are heavily overgrown with vegetation, but water flows through an open channel down the middle, alongside a towpath on the west side. Three lock chambers are located within this section (HB16/25/013; HB16/25/023B; and HB16/25/034) and are in reasonably intact condition; these include a ship lock beyond Newry.

The canal is recognised as a derelict monument of industrial archaeological interest and crosses Ordnance Survey Map Nos 252-14, 266-2 NE, 266-3 NW + SW, and 266-7 NW, extending from grid reference J 075293 to J 086270. Newry & Mourne District Council currently holds responsibility for the canal’s section within the ward, and efforts to secure funding for its restoration are ongoing.