Inland Waterways Association of Ireland - Newry Branch
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WELCOME TO THE HOME PAGE

 OF THE NEWRY AND PORTADOWN BRANCH.

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                         Latest news of branch activities              Become a Friend of the Newry Canal

The branch meets alternate months in Newry and Scarva with work parties every month. New members and guests are always welcome. See the calendar for info. or contact Newry Branch for more details.

The Newry canal.

 

In the beginning.

The Newry canal is the oldest summit level canal in the British Isles. It was an ambitious project but as a commercially viable operation its lifespan was short. A railway right alongside the canal for almost its entire length became the preferred method of shifting freight.

20th century.

In modern times the canal was ignored by all but a few dedicated campaigners who fought to protect it from the developers shovel. Plans to use it as a motorway and a carpark in the centre of Newry were thwarted by the Canal Preservation Society and the waterway was eventually left alone to deteriorate and return to nature. Then in the late 1990s attempts were made to have it re-opened by applying for massive public grants. All efforts failed to restore the navigation but they did succeed in restoring the towpath for public use. This now forms an 18 mile long country walk and cycle path between Newry and Portadown that is used by thousands of people every year.

The future

"As a person who has arrived into Newry by boat from the Irish Sea I am determined to one day arrive into Newry by boat from Portadown. Why not join the branch and help us with our aims."

Geraldine Foley round the world sailor.

 

The branch is always looking for photographs of the Newry Canal to add to its database "The life of the Newry Canal". If you can help please send photos to the archivist by email to newry@iwai.ie 

 

INTRODUCTION TO THE NEWRY CANAL .

 

Listen here to a full half hour radio programme from BBC "Your Place and Mine" about a journey along the canal from Portadown to Newry which features members of the branch and others. It gives a good overview of the history and our hopes for the future. 

THE NEWRY CANAL PAST AND PRESENT IN PICTURES.

 

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Waddell's lock - near Gamble's bridge

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Spires of Newry from Albert Basin


 
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Scarva Basin today
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Scarva Visitor's centre
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Scarva mural.