The best walks and hikes around Commons

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.

Saint Patrick and Saint Colman's Cathedral is the architectural jewel of Newry and one of Ireland's most impressive Neo-Gothic structures. Construction began in 1825, and upon its completion in 1829, the cathedral made history as the first Catholic cathedral to open in Ireland following the repeal of the penal laws (Catholic Emancipation). Built from local granite from the nearby Mourne Mountains, this edifice exudes a robust yet elegant power. The cathedral is world-renowned for its fabulous interior: the walls and ceiling are adorned with colourful mosaics, meticulously applied by hand by Italian master craftsmen in the early 20th century. For the cyclist, this is not only a visual highlight along the route but also a place of serene tranquility. Its detailed stained-glass windows and monumental tower make it one of the city's most photographed locations and a worthy endpoint (or starting point) for your tour along the Newry Canal Towpath.

From the Flagstaff Viewpoint you can enjoy a stunning view of the expansive landscape where the Newry River gently curves its way to Carlingford Lough. The view stretches down to the fjord where the land meets the water and the hills in the distance form a picturesque backdrop. The valley opens up between the lush green conifers and you can watch the landscape unfold below you. From up here, the roads and fields look like little veins and patches that tie the whole picture together. It is a place to linger and enjoy the silence - a haven of calm that makes you feel above it all.

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.

Stunning cathedral built from local granite

This beautiful forest extends along the slopes of Flagstaff Mountain, right above the estuary of Newry. It's very pleasant to walk along its paths, although in some sections, it's important to be mindful of the steep terrain.