Home & Away with Robert Walshe
www.robertwalshe.com
Weekend Hotspot – Canal Court Newry THE Mourne’s is home to Northern Ireland’s highest mountain peak Slieve Donard and is said to have inspired C.S. Lewis’ magical world of Narnia, whereas the landscape of the Ring of Gullion and its ancient Ring Dyke makes it officially listed as a unique area of special interest, rich in culture, heritage and mythology. In summer at least (winters can be surprisingly harsh), there are plenty of straightforward hikes in the Mournes that require no special equip-
region is ideal for hill walkers, golfers, sailing, fishing & other water sports. The annual Carlingford Oyster Festival usually held in late summer attracts thousands of visitors from all corners. Newry City has been a place of continuous human settlement since way back in 4,000 BC, so it’s no surprise that it enjoys a rich and colourful heritage. Sitting handsomely among modern structures are elegant 18thcentury Georgian townhouses and a lovely mid-19th-century courthouse. Down by the quays, brick ■ Canal Court canal buildings Hotel Newry with attractive terCo Down racotta façades are still in place with their original features. A former sugar mill, once occupied by American soldiers during World War II, has been converted into a textile design business with an art gallery and café, while a flax and spinning mill on Cornmarket has been restored and is now used by
ment, with obvious tracks to many of the more scenic parts. There are also more serious climbs and courses in the Mournes are run by the Tollymore National Outdoor Centre in Bryansford. Both areas are unique in themselves, an adventurer’s paradise which offer a unique experience. Nearby Carlingford is a small and medieval village where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea. With tourism as the main source of employment the
■ The Quays Shopping Centre Newry
For our best deals call 0044 28 9038 1111 or visit www.mooneyhotelgroup.com community groups. Outside of Belfast, Newry is by far Northern Ireland’s finest location for shopping. The town boasts two shopping centre’s (The Quays and The Buttercrane) as well as an impressive out-of-town shopping complex at Five Way’s. The Quays also has a 9 screen cinema, showing the latest blockbuster movies. There are also facilities for playing ■ Mourne Mount soccer, bowls and ains tennis. Newry also has a number of pubH o m e ’ lic parks and is surrounded feeling amidst the luxurious by beautiful towns such as surroundings that the Canal Warrenpoint & Rostrevor. Court Hotel & Spa has to The Canal Court Hotel & offer. Spa is a fine four star propEnjoy a candlelit dinner in erty, with a total of 110 bed- the Old Mill Restaurant, sip a rooms & suites, extensive Cocktail in the Granary Bar, Health & Leisure Complex relax in the outdoor Hotand stunning Spa, perfectly tub at the CC Spa or work located in the heart of the out in the Health & Leisure City close to both Bus & Rail Complex. Enjoy a one nights Stations. B&B plus an evening meal inThe hotel is the perfect base cluding spa treatment from for a city shopping break, re- £105 per pps. laxing spa break, family getaThe Canal Court Hotel is way or romantic weekend. easily accessible as it is on Enjoy a ‘Home away from the main A1 road between
Dublin and Belfast as being a stop on the main Dublin Belfast rail link. Regular bus and rail service run from both Belfast and Dublin. Ample car parking is available at the rear of the hotel. www.canalcourthotel. com Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio in Northern Ireland and Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe.com