Newry Canal

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

The line of the canal is clearly defined throughout its course within this ward. Except for a short section at the south end, in the vicinity of the WIN industrial estate and Canal Quay, the banks are not revetted. Although the canal is overgrown with vegetation along both sides, water flows along an open channel down the middle. There is a towpath along its west side. There are three lock chambers along this section (HB16/25/013; HB16/25/023B; HB16/25/034), all in a reasonably intact condition. See also Armagh District for further related structures.

Historical information

The inland section of the Newry Canal was constructed between 1730 and 1742 to facilitate the carriage of coal from Coalisland to Dublin. It was the first summit level canal in Britain and Ireland. Finance was provided by the Irish Parliament; work commenced under Richard Cassels and brought to completion by Thomas Steers. It was extensively refurbished in the period 1801-12 by John Brownrigg. It last worked commercially in 1936 and was officially abandoned in 1949. Newry & Mourne District Council recently assumed responsibility for the section lying within its area and attempts to secure funding for its restoration are on-going (1998).

Source:

1. E.R.R. Green, 1963, The industrial archaeology of Co. Down, pp 64-70 (Belfast: HMSO).

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

This canal is primarily of historical interest in being the first summit level canal in Britain and Ireland. Its entire course survives as do its 14 locks (including the ship lock beyond Newry), three of which are in this ward.

General comments

Canal crosses OS Map Nos 252-14, 266-2 NE, 266-3 NW + SW, 266-7 NW
Canal extends from J 075293 to J 086270 in this Ward