Welcome to one of Northern Ireland’s most scenic and historically rich walking and cycling routes — the Newry Canal Towpath.
Stretching around 20 miles from Portadown to Newry, this route is a haven for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful day outdoors. The canal follows Ireland’s oldest manmade waterway, once a key trade route between Belfast and Dublin, now transformed into a vibrant green corridor brimming with wildlife, heritage, and charm.
Portadown: Where the Journey Begins
Our journey begins in Portadown, a town known for its strong railway links and industrial past. It’s also the point where the canal becomes the lifeblood of a new story — one of community, activity, and quiet reflection. The Portadown Boat Club can often be seen skimming across the water on the River Bann. The towpath itself is a hive of activity, drawing joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers daily. Yet even in its busiest moments, the canal offers a sense of tranquility. It’s this duality — a calm retreat and a hub of local life — that makes the starting point so captivating.
The Point of Whitecoat – Where Waters Meet
Not far from Portadown lies The Point of Whitecoat, where the River Bann and the River Cusher merge with the canal. It’s a symbolic point — the meeting of waters and histories, reflecting the way natural and manmade worlds blend along the towpath. This quiet intersection is a perfect spot to pause and reflect.
Moneypenny’s Lock & Forge: A Step into the Past
A few miles down the path, we arrive at Moneypenny’s Lock, one of the most historically rich spots on the canal. Named after the Moneypenny family, who managed the lock for generations, the site includes a beautifully preserved lock house and a working blacksmith’s forge. Jonny Kerr, Heritage Officer and current blacksmith, keeps traditional skills alive — showing how metal was shaped to maintain the infrastructure of the canal and provide horseshoes for the barge-pulling animals. The clang of metal against anvil is a sound that connects past to present in the most tangible way.
Scarva: Cafes Boats and Bandstand
Moving onward, we reach the award-winning village of Scarva. Known for its neatly kept gardens and warm hospitality, Scarva is a fantastic place to rest and refuel. Hollie Berrie Tea Rooms offers excellent food, cakes, and coffee, while Little Lottie’s coffee cart keeps Sunday visitors caffeinated and happy. During the summer months, Scarva’s bandstand hosts musical performances that give the area a lovely festive feel. Scarva also plays host to the annual boating rally by the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland, where canal boats moor up in celebration of this historic route.
Not far from the tearooms lies a culinary hidden gem — Sinton’s at the Bridge. This restaurant offers a fresh, locally sourced menu in a relaxing waterside setting. It’s another reminder that the canal is not just a natural or historic space — it’s part of a living, breathing community.
As the path leads us along the canal with grasses and reeds toward Acton Lake, we begin to notice the rhythm of passing trains from the nearby Belfast to Dublin railway line. This contrast — high-speed modern travel alongside a slow, serene canal — captures the unique character of the towpath. It’s a place where timelines overlap.
Acton Lake & Canal Heritage
At Acton Lake, we encounter the Sluice Keeper’s Cottage and the Inland Waterways Association’s Heritage Centre. Volunteer Claire Martin shares how this reservoir feeds into both directions of the canal — north to Lough Neagh and south to Newry and eventually the sea. It’s a rare feat of engineering, and the site holds the distinction of being part of the oldest summit-level canal in the UK and Ireland.
Poyntzpass & Jerrettspass: Local Flavour and History
We then roll into Poyntzpass, a picturesque village with deep roots in the region’s canal history. Today, it’s a welcoming stop for canal-goers with Rices Hotel offering hearty meals, drinks, and a friendly atmosphere. This historic pub has served generations of locals and travelers — and is still going strong. It’s a place where stories are shared over a pint, and where the past still lingers in the woodwork.
A short journey further brings us to Jerrettspass. Though quieter than it once was, this village at one time served as a key stop along the canal for trading barges and passing travelers. Now, it’s a charming snapshot of rural life, ideal for birdwatching, peaceful reflection, or simply enjoying the changing landscapes of the canal.
Newry Town Hall and Beyond
As the canal weaves toward its end, we enter the town of Newry — a historic trading hub where the canal once connected directly to a bustling port. Our journey concludes at Newry Town Hall, an iconic 19th-century building perched above the canal, signifying both the end of the towpath and the beginning of the Carlingford Greenway.
But the canal doesn’t end here. South of the Town Hall, the water continues its path to Victoria Lock and eventually to the sea at Carlingford. This final stretch remains a hidden gem for those who want to continue exploring. The towpath may begin and end in towns, but in between lies a wealth of stories, landscapes, and living culture.
Why Visit the Newry Canal Towpath?
Because it offers something for everyone. The scenery is gorgeous — from reedy wetlands to vibrant villages. The wildlife is abundant — you might see swans gliding across the water or hear the call of a hawk in the distance. The heritage is deep, with each lock and bridge telling a story. And the community spirit is strong, with cafes, pubs, and local volunteers keeping this space alive and welcoming.
It’s ideal for walkers of all levels, cyclists, families with children, and history fans. Whether you’re looking for a quiet afternoon escape, an active day out, or a chance to connect with Ireland’s industrial and social past — the Newry Canal Towpath offers all that and more.
