Take a look at this article from recent visitors to the Albert Basin, Newry, from Poolbeg Sailing Club ( Dublin )

THE NEWRY CANAL

During the long hot summers of yesteryear my parents would take the family to Carlingford Lough. We all looked forward to the boat trip across from Omeath to Warrenpoint.

Over the years I have sailed into the Lough many times. I knew by the road trips from Omeath to Newry that there was a canal running along beside the road. But in latter years, with the situation in the North, I did not even think of the possibility that one day I might make this trip in our own boat. However, things change and just over a year ago the repairs on the Victoria Lock and Albert Basin were completed, and with a lasting peace with our neighbours...this trip was possible.

At the Malahide Boat Show I visited the Newry and Mourne Council stall. They were promoting Dundalk, Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Region. I spoke to them of the plan I had to bring friends of our Cruising Section and perhaps others from the Cruising Association of Ireland to Newry for the June weekend.

We set off on Friday 30th to spend the night in the Marina to ensure an easy run to Carlingford the next day. As usual the hospitality of Howth Yacht Club was a "home away from home" style and we loitered a little too long into the night. Next morning, two boats set off at 04.00 to enter Carlingford with the morning tide. Us, older and more experienced sailors, let the heads clear and set off at 10.00. We set a time to meet at the Hellyhunter buoy at 17.00 to catch the last of the flood.

The day was windless. And we converged at the Hellyhunter on time. The run up the Lough was exciting. The first-timers were thrilled at the 5-6 kts run of the tide. The marks are clear and at the correct Port buoy we rounded for the marina. The welcome in the marina was good and by 18.30 we were safely moored, had paid our dues and walked to explore Carlingford. There was a general consensus that the fees were over the odds for the east coast. For our 37 ft. we paid around Euro 47.00. We thought it was a bit high but paid and set off to enjoy the evening..

The town is soaked in history. It had a mint and a paper back in the mists of history, King John built his castle there...very much an independent town. The modern Yacht Club was a lift into the future, with views and hospitality that only one would wish for. The sun set on the Club House and the singing and imbibing ran on for a few more hours. We all felt it would be a lost opportunity to bypass Carlingford Sailing Club. But we were bound for Newry.

Late that evening the Newry Tourist Office contacted me and asked that we be at the Victoria Lock at 09.15 on Sunday. The advice was to leave Carlingford Marina at 08.00 and on passage to call the Warrenpoint Harbour Radio on Channel 24 for clearance to pass the Docks and proceed up the Newry River to the Victoria Lock. This we did and were welcomed to Warrenpoint and sent on our merry way.

We were surprised at the extent of the docks and size of the town...there is provision to tie up in the town and it could be another stopover on a long weekend. However, on we went for two miles up the Newry River to the lock gates. Noel, the keeper of the Newry Canal , was very kind and professional as he ushered our six boats into place. "Just go on for half an hour and you will find Newry. I'll be there to set ye up." Out of the filled lock and on we went. For those who never sailed on a canal it was a happy experience. We waved at cars and cyclists, fishermen and walkers, as we proceeded at 4kts. towards Newry. Drivers and passengers of cars were shocked to look out their windows and see boats sailing along right beside them. How many of them had ever dreamed that this canal would be used again?

The Albert Basin is right in the heart of Newry...and twenty yards from the quayside stands the Quay Shopping Centre. Do the shopping and fall back into the boat... joy for some, misery for others. But Noel was there to greet us..."any boat needing water or electricity?" We had made it.

Monday morning at 10.00 we passed through the Victoria Lock on the way home. The lock can only be opened an hour either side of high water. This is a big help because if you are heading for Newry you come up Carlingford Lough on a rising tide, enter the Lock and proceed to Newry. When leaving you have a falling tide all the way out the Lough and down the east coast.. There was no wind on our return so we to motor home.

I would say this is a new opportunity for sailors. A few days in Newry, hire a car and see the quiet, hidden places of Co. Down. What would I recommend? Next time I make the trip I will go straight from Howth Marina to the Victoria Lock and have an extra day in Newry. I would also encourage others to cruise in company and bring their families.