The best walks and hikes around Carnagat

De An Bealach Glas (The Greenway) is a stunning, traffic-free greenway that connects Newry to the monumental Victoria Lock. This 6-kilometre-long 'green route' takes you along the tidal river Clanrye and the sea canal, with the impressive peaks of the Mourne Mountains to your left and Cooley Mountains to your right.

Once you leave the city of Newry behind, you cycle towards tranquility on An Bealach Glas, also known as the Carlingford Lough Greenway. This flat, smoothly asphalted path follows the banks of the canal and offers spectacular views of the river's mudflats along the way, where you can spot numerous wading birds and sometimes even a stray seal. The route is a true sensory experience: the salty sea air blows towards you while the mountains seem to get closer and closer. The absolute endpoint of this section is the historic Victoria Lock, an impressive lock complex from 1850 that marks the transition from the canal to the open waters of Carlingford Lough. It is the perfect place to get some fresh air and enjoy the maritime dynamics before continuing your journey to the coast.

De An Bealach Glas (The Greenway) is a beautiful, traffic-free cycle path connecting Newry to the monumental Victoria Lock. This 6-kilometer-long 'green route' takes you along the tidal river Clanrye and the sea canal, with the impressive peaks of the Mourne Mountains to your left and Cooley Mountains to your right.

Here, too, passersby encounter a "war memorial" in the center of town. Everywhere in the villages and towns, victims were mourned during the terrible wars (especially, but not only, in the first half of the last century) – often young people who had to endure suffering and pain and ultimately paid with their own lives for their service to their fatherland far from home. Their names are always inscribed on the respective memorial to at least keep the memory alive.

Here, too, hikers and walkers will encounter a "war memorial" in the center of town, as throughout the villages and towns, victims of the terrible wars (especially in the first half of the last century) were mourned – often young people who had to endure suffering and pain and ultimately paid with their own lives for their service to their country far from home. Their names are always inscribed on the respective memorial to at least keep the memory alive.

The war memorial in Bessbrook stands silently yet full of meaning in the heart of the village. The white obelisk bears the names of almost ninety people who gave their lives in the Second World War - a sign of remembrance and remembrance of those who once lived here and defended their homeland. As you walk past, you can read the inscriptions that tell the stories of those who fell. The square around the memorial is simple, but that is precisely what draws the focus to the message of remembrance and the silent commemoration of the past. The surrounding houses seem to carry the history of the place and you can almost feel how yesterday and today are connected here. A place that makes you pause and reminds you of how important it is to preserve history.

The Carlingford Lough Greenway has a special atmosphere as you walk along this section of Newry. With the Newry Ship Canal to your left and the Newry River to your right, you're in the middle of two worlds. The calm waters of the canal reflect the sky, making the surroundings seem almost like a backdrop, while the riverbank on the other side is lush with greenery and wild flowers. The narrow path takes you past flowering gorse and you can smell the scent of the vegetation in the air. It's a route that has its charms in every season, whether it's clear skies or when grey clouds hang low and make the water seem almost mystical. The Greenway is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a leisurely bike ride, enjoying being close to nature - an ideal place to clear your head.

The Ballymacdermot Court Tomb is a window into the past, waiting for you at the top of Ballymacdermot Mountain. As you look at the ancient stones, you can almost feel the thousands of years that have passed since they were built. These stone sentinels, erected between 4000 and 2500 BC, have seen countless sunrises over the valley and speak of a time when this place may have been sacred. The views from up here stretch far over the rolling hills of County Armagh and it's easy to imagine why Stone Age people chose this spot. Just three kilometres from Newry, the court tomb not only offers a glimpse into ancient history, but also a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the surrounding countryside. Other Neolithic sites nearby include the Ballykeel Dolmen and the Clontigora Cairn, which together paint a picture of the early cultures of this region. A visit here is more than just a hike – it is a journey back to the roots of human history.