Write a comment
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is progressing plans for a new major tourism investment project as part of the Belfast Region City Deal. The emerging Immersive Tourism Trail project aims to explore a connected tourism journey from Carlingford Lough to Strangford Lough, linking the three key destinations of Kilbroney Forest Park, Slieve Gullion Forest Park and Delamont Country Park.
The plan doesn't mention the historic Newry Canal and Ship Canal but there would certainly be a case for including them in the broader plan along with the popular Carlingford Lough Greenway and Newry Canal Towpath.
Imagine using the trail to travel on a ship from Strangford, down Strangford Lough, out into the Irish Sea, down Carlingford Lough and up Newry Ship Canal to a marina in the heart of Newry City where you can take advantage of local accommodation and perhaps hire a bicycle to travel onwards towards Slieve Gullion, Kilbroney or the Carlingford Lough area. Doing the route in reverse you could cycle from Strangford to the Delamont Country Park.
This early survey is primarily aimed at businesses and organisations with an interest in tourism across the district. If you are a member of the public, your views are still welcome. You'll only be asked a small number of questions relevant to you. There will also be a wider public engagement exercise later in 2026, providing a further opportunity to share your views as the programme develops.
This is an opportunity to explore how future investment could create a connected journey across iconic landscapes, celebrate our spectacular natural environment, enhance the visitor experience and create opportunities for local businesses and communities
This survey is being conducted by AECOM on behalf of NMDDC. It closes at 5pm on 23 July 2026 and should take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
Complete the survey at forms.office.com
