THE NEWRY CANAL

The Newry Canal was the first summit level canal in the British Isles. It opened for traffic in March 1742. Eighteen miles in length, it extended through a series of locks from Newry to Whitecote Point, 2km south of Portadown. The last lock before the canal joins the River Bann is known as Moneypenny’s Lock.

The Moneypennys were lock keepers for 85 years and operated the lock gates. They also took note of the barges, which passed through the lock carrying a great variety of cargoes including linen cloth, farm produce, coal, grain and flax seed. However, with the growth of the railway network, the use of the Newry Canal began to decline and the last known commercial journey through lock was in 1936.

Moneypenny’s is 4km from Portadown town centre via the Ulster Way footpath.

Exhibition area opens:
April – September only Saturdays and Sundays 2.00-5.00pm.
Parties and groups by arrangement by telephoning 028 38 322205.