Carlingford Marina and Newry City, 2 to 5 August 2024
Beautiful Carlingford Lough lies between the Mourne Mountains of County Down and the Cooley Mountains of Louth. The valley continues to Newry, providing a transport route that has been used for centuries.
Many members have visited the lough, staying at the drying harbour or the marina. The annual oyster festival used to attract racing yachts and gourmets alike. Navigating through the narrow rocky entrance for the first time is a milestone in any cruising career.
Fewer have experienced the four-mile passage from the head of the lough to the city of Newry. The ship canal used to bring goods from all over the world to this major trading hub. It has recently enjoyed a revival, with the community keen to welcome tourists aboard leisure craft.
Now there is a new threat: a fixed bridge that would make the city inaccessible to sailing vessels. Our presence in Albert Basin on Saturday night will contribute to the campaign for a lifting or swinging bridge instead.
Update: John Connolly says “The latest plans for the bridge just north of Omeath/Warrenpoint specifies that the bridge will be an opening bridge to allow entry for yachts into the Newry canal.”
In any case, it’s a thriving hospitable city. The chance to explore it from a boat, not to mention the picturesque canal trip there and back, will make this a bank holiday to remember.
The event is open for bookings now. For more details and to book, visit the event page: