I have lived in Newry since 1993 after moving from Dundalk in the Irish Republic which is only 12 miles away .It is a town with approximately 25000 people.

In the last few years Newry has gone from strength and is now regarded as being one of the most progressive towns in Northern Ireland.The range of shops is such,That now,It is not worth while going to the City of Belfast as everything needed is on the doorstep.On top of all the main high street shops elsewhere there are some large stores like tkmaxx and roches stores which offer a large selection of goods usually found off the beaten path. I have always found the people of Newry and its environs as friendly curteous and willing to help any and everybody .As a Result I now regard it as my home and have made some very good friends.

One of the benefits of living in Newry is its close proximity to the border and you can avail of the best both sides have to offer whether is is cheaper fuel in the South or cheaper Drink in the north .As a result of the changeover from the Irish currency ,The Punt,to the Euro It can be difficult whilst shopping but most shops will take the Euro and you can be assured that you wont be ripped off.

The town itself has been in existance since the 1100s and has a substancial history attached to it.There are numerous castles and places of local lore to visit and even has its own "magic hill" where you can park your car,let off the handbrake and the car seems to move uphill.Of course this is easily explained(if you are "in the know" as they say here)but then again maybe fairies may be at work.

The town is situated at the head of Carlingford lough which is split down the middle between the British and Irish Goverments years ago after Ireland became a republic.Ireland is described as looking like a Teddy bear in shape so look to see if his shirt is dirty at the small of his neck and theres where Newry lies.

In the town accomadation for travellers h
as increased considerably due to the the fact that Newry has finally realised what it has to offer in the way of scenery,location and history.New Hotels have been built recently and numerous pubs have started to offer food on a daily basis.As a result you wiil not go hungry and if you decide to fall out of the pub its not too far to where you are staying.As prices are relatively cheap ( to compete with the South of Ireland) a dinner will cost between £3.50 and £7.00 .The best places I found to eat out in Newry are Keenans Pub,The Quayside and Bennies which is in the middle of the town.The decor in bennies is not the best but the food is cheap and the place is clean .Keenans and the Quayside may be a bit dearer but the food is fantastic and well presented.In saying that the "Rose Garden" (a chinese restaurant) does a three course meal at dinner time for a fiver and was recently recommended in the "Sunday World",a national paper for its value and service.

Nightlife in Newry is limited as the main nightclub is "the Relic" but for a few pounds(in a Taxi) you can have your choice of five nightclubs within seven miles.The most famous locally is "the Marine" in Warrenpiont which charges a £1 a pint and has done for the last two years and there is no chance ,seemingly,of this offer being withdrawn .If you need a Taxi home remember to book it before you go out as demand exceeds service.Oh by the way after 2am be prepared to walk,walk,stagger,fall your way home as taxis are scarce.
All in all its a nice town but has its problems like every other town .
Ps by the way if you go to an outlying town its a long way to stagger,fall,walk,walk,stagger,fall if you dont book a taxi.Believe me, I know.