Attractions and Places To See around Crunagh - Top 12

Between the rustling trees along the Newry Canal Towpath, you'll encounter the tranquil ruin of a lock keeper's cottage. Once, this was the proud and bustling heart of the waterway, where the lock keeper stood ready day and night to operate the heavy wooden canal gates for passing barges. Today, only the robust stone walls remain, slowly being reclaimed by nature.

Quiet canal section south of Poyntzpass, where the towpath runs tightly along the narrow water. The bank is lightly overgrown with low trees and hedges, giving the stretch an intimate, green impression. The water is mostly still, forming a straight line through the open agricultural landscape. An even, traffic-free segment ideal for quiet miles on the towpath.

The Newry Canal Towpath is a 32-kilometer-long, almost entirely traffic-free green corridor connecting the towns of Portadown and Newry. It follows the towpath of the oldest canal in the British Isles, opened in 1742 to transport coal from County Tyrone to the sea. The Newry Canal Towpath offers an unparalleled cycling experience through the tranquil heart of County Armagh and County Down. This historic route, part of the National Cycle Network Route 9, takes you along a flat and largely asphalted path past fourteen monumental locks and characteristic lock-keeper's cottages. As you follow the waterway, you'll traverse a varied landscape of dense forests and open meadows, passing through welcoming villages like Scarva and Poyntzpass along the way. The path is a haven for wildlife; keep an eye out for kingfishers, swans, and otters that inhabit the reed beds. Whether you cycle the full 32 kilometers or explore just a section, the combination of industrial history and natural beauty makes this one of the absolute gems of Irish cycling routes.

On the cycle path between Newry and Portadown, the gentle idyll of Northern Ireland unfolds in all its splendor. The route winds its way past lush green meadows where cows graze peacefully, through a wonderfully quiet landscape. The gentle rise and fall of the fields, the vastness of the sky and the gentle rustling of the wind create a unique atmosphere of relaxation. Here you can let your gaze wander into the distance while the path runs picturesquely between fields and hedges. A perfect place to let your bike roll and unwind.

There is something enchanted about this old, dilapidated stone hut - as if it were whispering stories of times gone by, when the canal was still full of life and the lock keepers worked here day and night. The walls, overgrown with greenery and moss, show how nature is slowly reclaiming its place. The building itself is only a ruin, but that is precisely what makes it somehow interesting. The mixture of broken brickwork and wild growth has something melancholic about it that fits perfectly into the tranquility of the surroundings. Right next to it there is a small rest area with a bench - ideal for stopping for a moment and taking in the atmosphere.

In the heart of Clare Glen, where the forests are thickest and the Cusher River flows gently through the landscape, hikers will encounter two special examples of craftsmanship: the stone bridges of Clare Glen. The first, a delicate miniature bridge, seems to have been made for elves and fairies, so delicate and yet robust as it sits there in the middle of the green thicket. A few steps further rises its big sister, a stately stone bridge of impressive normal size. Both bridges are made of solid stone and bear witness to the masterful architecture of bygone times. As you walk over them, you can hear the gentle rippling of water making its way under the arches. The cool forest that surrounds the bridges offers protection from the midday sun and envelops the hiker in quiet greenery. The chirping of the birds, the rustling of the leaves and the quiet murmur of the water create an atmosphere of peace and contemplation.

A piece of untouched nature stretches along the Cusher River, taking hikers into a world of silence and serenity. The gentle rippling of the river accompanies every step, creating a soothing melody that carries your thoughts far away. There is a caravan and campsite nearby, which serves as an ideal starting point for exploring this idyllic landscape. It is also convenient that free parking spaces are available at both ends of the highlighted section, which makes the journey particularly comfortable. For hiking enthusiasts, there are three marked trails that suggest different routes through the area. And although they suggest different levels of difficulty, in practice they are all easy to complete. Even with a stroller, exploring here is easy, which again speaks for the good accessibility and condition of the paths. It is the simplicity of this place that makes it so special. No excessive challenges, no hectic crowds of tourists. Just nature, the river and the peaceful sound of the surroundings. A perfect place to escape from everyday life, take a deep breath and enjoy the here and now to the fullest.

This cycle and walking route from the Bann Bridge in Portadown to the Town Hall in Newry is a 20 mile trip on part of route 9 of the National Cycle Network. The route follows the towpath on the western bank of the, now non-navigable, Newry Canal. Here's a bit about the Canals history. Built to transport coal from Coalisland in County Tyrone to Dublin via Lough Neagh, Portadown, Newry and the Irish Sea, the Newry Canal was opened in 1742. It operated for almost 200 years until it fell into disuse following the growth of the railway network. Frequent interpretation boards along the way give information about the history of the canal. You will also find lots of art pieces along the route including Sustrans commissioned Millennium Mileposts and a series of pieces which reflect the former work and nature of the Newry Canal.