Attractions and Places To See around Ballyvally - Top 9

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.

Hollie Berrie is a good place for refreshments on the route at Scarva

The small town of Scarva, nestled between green meadows and the quiet canal, offers a welcome break on my bike tour through Northern Ireland. Here you cycle on well-maintained paths past historic bridges and small villages that give you the feeling that time has stood still. The British flags fluttering along the side of the road remind you that you are in a culturally special area - a detail that reflects the identity of the region. The route is easy to cycle, the surrounding landscape is gently rolling, which makes for pleasant cycling. The view of wide fields and rolling hills invites you to slow down now and then and take in the peace and quiet. A special feature of Scarva is the annual Orange Order March, which transforms the village into a kind of open-air stage once a year and keeps the traditions of this region alive.

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.

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.

The impressive property tells stories of a time when the Earls of Gosford ruled these green lands. The renowned London architect Thomas Hopper worked on its construction, which began in 1819 and reached its magnificent end in the 1850s. His visionary talent gave the castle its characteristic Norman Revival style - a contemporary witness to the architectural greatness of the 19th century. Considered Ulster's largest listed building, the mighty walls of Gosford Castle have witnessed numerous historical turning points. The Earls of Gosford lived here until 1921, after which the castle's fortunes changed. In 1958, the Department of Agriculture acquired the property and transformed the surrounding countryside into the picturesque Gosford Forest Park - a nature lover's paradise spanning 240 hectares where Ireland's flora and fauna flourish in their full glory. But the years were not kind to the castle and it rapidly fell into disrepair. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, it was acquired by the Boyd Partnership in January 2006. At a cost of around £4 million and under the watchful eye of a government-appointed commission, the castle was lovingly restored and converted into elegant private apartments. Today, Gosford Castle shines in new splendor and attracts admirers from far and wide.

Scarva (from Irish: Scarbhach meaning "shallow place, rough ford" is a small village in the parish of Aghaderg, County Down, Scarva is known as the location of the "Sham Fight" Pageant on 13 July every year. The Pageant attracts thousands of members of the Royal Black Preceptory, who come to act out a symbolic dramatised re-enactment of the Battle of the Boyne.