From the opening of the Newry Canal to the closure of the commercial port in 1974, trade shaped the town we know today.
In 1742, the discovery of coal in Co. Tyrone helped spark a new era for Newry. The construction of the Newry Canal transformed the town into one of Ireland's most important trading hubs, connecting local industry to the world beyond our shores.
What followed was generations of commerce, opportunity and growth that shaped the Newry we know today.
A thriving port town
By the mid-1800s, Newry had become a thriving port town. Goods arrived and departed daily through the Port of Newry, while passenger services connected local people to Liverpool and Glasgow.
The canal extensions to Victoria Lock and the Albert Basin helped establish Newry as a centre of global trade and ambition. Many local businesses were built during this period and some still stand today.
Generations of commitment
Long before online shopping and supermarkets, local family businesses were the heartbeat of communities. Through changing times, economic challenges, and the closure of the commercial port in 1974, some businesses continued to serve the people of Newry generation after generation.