Overview & The Route
The Newry Canal Way stretches 20 miles (32 km) from Portadown in County Armagh to the historic town of Newry in County Down. It follows the flat, traffic-free towpath of the former Newry Canal and forms part of National Cycle Network Route 9, as well as the long-distance Ulster Way. The surface is a consistent mix of smooth tarmac and compacted gravel, making it comfortable for road bikes, hybrids, e-bikes, walkers, joggers and wheelchair users.
Because the route is virtually level, it requires minimal effort to cover long distances, allowing visitors to focus on the changing scenery and the quiet villages that line the waterway. The canal corridor cuts through agricultural land, wetland habitats and gentle drumlin hills, offering a peaceful alternative to busy road networks.
A Pioneering Waterway
Opened in 1742, the Newry Canal was an engineering ambition for its time. It was designed to transport coal from the Tyrone coalfields to the Irish Sea, routing barges via Lough Neagh, the Upper Bann and the Albert Basin at Newry. What makes it historically significant is its summit-level design: the waterway climbs to 78 ft (24 m) above sea level at Poyntzpass before descending to the coast. This made it the first true summit-level canal in Ireland and Great Britain.
Fourteen locks managed the elevation changes. Nine locks handled the descent from the summit, while five managed the ascent to the sea. All were faced with durable Mourne granite, and their stonework remains visible today. Commercial traffic flowed steadily until the railway network expanded in the 1850s. Freight operations wound down in 1936, and the waterway was officially abandoned in 1949.
Local councils bought the disused sections in the 1970s for a symbolic £2 each. Over the following decades, volunteers from the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland cleared vegetation, repaired paths and restored the towpath into the greenway it is today. Campaign groups continue to push for a full waterway reopening, but for now, the route serves as a well-maintained recreational corridor.
Key Stops Along the Towpath
The canal way is punctuated by historic structures and community hubs that make good resting points:
- Moneypenny’s Lock House: The only lock-house still standing on the route. It operates as an information centre with displays on the canal’s original toll system, horse-drawn barge operations and 19th-century lock-keeping tools.
- Scarva Visitor Centre & Tearooms: Open from Easter to the end of September (closed Mondays). The centre offers refreshments, a small local history museum and a bandstand. During summer, the Poyntzpass Silver Band performs here on Sunday afternoons.
- Terryhoogan Aqueduct: A substantial stone structure that once carried water from the River Cusher to feed the canal basin. The engineering remains clear despite centuries of weathering.
- Acton Lake (Lough Shark): The summit-level feeder lake now functions as a wildlife reserve. A volunteer-run interpretive centre in the former sluice-keeper’s cottage explains how the lake regulated water levels for the summit pound.
- Terryhoogan Stone Lock: One of the best-preserved locks on the route. The original gates and stone walls are almost intact, giving a clear sense of how barges were raised and lowered.
- Jerrettspass: A quiet village stop featuring the century-old G.E.W. Porter shop and a former lock-keeper’s cottage that now houses local musician Mickey Murphy.
- Poyntzpass Silver Band & Bandstand: The brass band, founded in 1884, hosts a series of evening concerts throughout August. The Victorian-style bandstand was funded by a European grant and sits in a pleasant open space.
- The Windmill Stump: Located near Poyntzpass, this striking ruin adds a layer of industrial archaeology to the landscape.
Wildlife & Nature
The canal corridor supports a surprising variety of wildlife. Otters are frequently spotted along the water’s edge, particularly near Acton Lake where the banks are undisturbed. The surrounding wetlands and bog areas create ideal conditions for insects; dragonflies and damselflies are common, and lepidopterists record more than 19 butterfly species along the route.
Birdwatchers will find buzzards, swans and coots in the lake areas, with kingfishers appearing occasionally in winter. Brackagh Bog, near Jerrettspass, holds rare plant communities and is a reliable spot for spring wildflower walks. Coarse fishing for perch, roach, bream and pike is permitted in designated sections of the waterway, provided you follow local angling regulations.
Getting There & Practical Tips
- Access points: The main trailheads are at Portadown (near the River Bann) and Newry (Albert Basin). Smaller entry points exist at Scarva, Jerrettspass and Poyntzpass.
- Parking: Free parking is available at both main trailheads and at the Scarva Visitor Centre. Additional lay-by spaces can be found near Jerrettspass and Poyntzpass.
- Public transport: Regular bus services connect Portadown and Newry, allowing visitors to park at one end and return by bus.
- Surface & accessibility: The towpath is level and suitable for wheelchair users. The alternating tarmac and gravel surface works well for strollers and hybrid bikes, though narrow tyres may struggle on the compacted sections.
- Facilities: Picnic tables are located at Acton Lake. Public toilets are available at Scarva Visitor Centre and Moneypenny’s Lock House. Several village cafés and shops provide food and drink along the route.
- Safety & etiquette: Stick to the designated towpath, particularly where the canal still holds water. Dogs are welcome but should be kept on a lead near wildlife habitats and livestock fields.
Plan your trip around the summer months if you want to catch the Poyntzpass Silver Band concerts or use the visitor centre facilities. For a quieter experience, visit on a weekday morning when the path is empty and the wildlife is most active.