A major online discussion about reviving Newry's struggling nightlife has generated hundreds of responses from residents sharing their ideas and frustrations about the current state of play of the city's entertainment scene. While some venues are certainly holding their own, others are suffering from a downturn in numbers through the door and many now only open on certain nights of the week.
Town Hall. Photograph: Columba O'Hare/ Newry.ie
The conversation, started by Newry.ie, firstly asked locals what entertainment venues and the public could do to help reignite the city's nightlife. The responses highlighted transport issues, lack of venues, high costs and the need for more diverse entertainment options as key barriers preventing people from going out. Some suggestions from people are actually happening already but perhaps venues aren't getting the message out far enough?
Transport
Transport emerged as the most frequently mentioned problem. Many people cited difficulties getting taxis, with some reporting waits of up to two hours. Aaron Rooney from Rooney Coach Hire revealed he had attempted to run buses to and from Newry on Saturday nights in November and December, similar to services his father had operated for years, but saw little to no uptake. He said he plans to try again and encouraged people to contact him. Laura Weldrick from Meigh explained that taxi costs of over £20 one way at peak times, combined with babysitter expenses, makes nights out prohibitively expensive. Several commenters suggested allowing Uber to operate in the area or introducing late-night bus services from surrounding towns like Warrenpoint and Camlough.
Rory Murphy proposed a detailed transport solution called NightLink Newry, a pilot scheme using Glider-style hybrid vehicles on three circular routes connecting key areas around the city. He said he had even prepared a business plan and sent it to a key member of Translink but received no response. The system would use two outer routes running 50 to 60 minutes each with two vehicles per route for 30-minute frequency, plus a shorter inner city loop. Murphy suggested the project could align with Local Economic Partnership goals and wider regeneration plans.
Venues
The lack of what commentators thought were suitable music venues was another major concern. Mari Donohoe said Newry needs something like The Spirit Store in Dundalk, noting that while Magees and Nan Rices are doing a good job, the city needs a venue for live acts and up and coming artists. Dave Larkin called for a decent bar just for rock music like The Voodoo in Belfast. Marty McAlinden echoed the call for a proper live music venue with quality performers.
Caitlín Mullan from Yew Tree Promotions explained that they started specifically to address this gap. They host open mics in Nan Rices every Friday and ticketed Saturday gigs every two to four weeks featuring local bands and touring acts who play original music. Mullan noted they get a mixed age crowd, with people ranging from young attendees up to those over 60, and the venue capacity is about 100 for more intimate shows.
Children's events
Several people suggested Newry needs better entertainment options beyond traditional pubs and clubs. Sarah Dunbar proposed facilities like mini golf, bowling, interactive darts and escape rooms which could be used by children and teenagers during the day and with a licence at night. She said Sheepbridge is the only venue like this and it's out of town. Multiple commenters identified the empty Debenhams building in The Quays as ideal for such activities, with plenty of parking available.
Canal Festival
Nikki Mc Alinden offered an extensive list of suggestions including candlelight concerts in Newry Cathedral or St Catherine's Dominican church, expanding the Christmas and Halloween markets with links to live band sessions, bringing back the Newry Canal Festival, using empty units at the Quays Shopping Centre for concerts or events, and exploring Newry's historical stories about fortresses, Vikings and monks. She also suggested tea dances, high tea events and activities for older teens and young adults that don't involve alcohol.
Outdoor events
The idea of outdoor events and festivals gained significant support. Declan Heaney suggested Hill Street outside First Derivatives would be perfect for concerts, as the street can be closed off in all directions with pop up bars and food trucks. Angela McCann proposed a Belsonic or Custom House Square type music festival, noting Newry is halfway between Belfast and Dublin. Several people mentioned Party in the Park at Heather Park, with Rory Murphy highlighting that the sloped park would work well as a concert venue with bars nearby and parking across the road.
Accommodation
Budget accommodation was identified as another missing piece in the entertainment jigsaw. Traolach Hollywood said a budget hotel would be a good start for encouraging people to stay in the town, while Kathleen Mcateer suggested the old Mercy Convent would make a great venue for this with a little imagination.
Costs
High costs were repeatedly mentioned as a deterrent though it was said that while price is an issue, it doesn't seem to be affecting Dundalk nightlife. Chris Casey said taxis are a shocking issue but also linked this to poor nightlife, questioning why Uber isn't running in Newry when you can wait an hour for a taxi midday on a Wednesday.
New Nightclub
Mark Shevlin said a "New nightclub is needed with different nights for different ages, dances to get the big bands and artists in, more use of the Town hall with an increase in the variety of plays and concerts". He pointed to the Christmas Market as proof people are willing to go if the standard is there, noting that Covid did a lot of damage and it's time to take a chance.
Parochial Hall
Historical venues were also discussed. Carol Jackson asked whatever happened to the old parochial hall, which had a great stage and dancefloor and great bands, while Lynn Rose McLoughlin said the venue is lying empty and was one of the best music venues around, with amazing acoustics that could rival the Spirit Store if someone did something with it.
Knock on effect
Studio Twenty Three in Water Street highlighted how their business has a knock on effect, with people going for dinner first, then coming to their paint and sip nights or ceramic painting sessions, before heading to bars across the street for drinks after. They noted that more people supporting local business pays forward to surrounding businesses.
Ask not what your city can do for you but ask what you can do for your city!
The discussion took a more challenging turn in a follow up post where Newry.ie asked what residents themselves would do to support nightlife, rather than just suggesting what others should do. The site noted that if every one of their followers pledged to go out just one extra night a month in Newry, that would be an extra 1,300 people a night out in the city, which would completely change the dynamic overnight.
From the comments received it was obvious that many people don't see it as 'their' problem to solve but a problem that needs solved for them.
Games night
One good suggestion came from Seasons Coffee in Hill Street who do an occasional Games Night and commented that they would be up for being a space to host or help others host an event. "We have been trying over the years but definitely needs buy in from the community." they added.
Need to compete with home comforts
James Treanor responded that the problem is nights out in Newry aren't really competing with staying at home, which is cheaper, more comfortable and predictable. He argued that people need a reason to leave the house, whether that's an event, live music or a night where they know a crowd they like will be there. "Until going out offers an experience you can't get at home, it's unrealistic to expect people to just go out more and hope for the night to be good," he said.
Piano Fest
Joanne Quigley McParland promoted the upcoming Newry Chamber Music Piano Fest taking place from 06 February to 08 February, describing it as a world class product right on the doorstep with amazing concerts the like of which you won't find anywhere in Ireland that weekend. She encouraged people to grab a bite to eat in one of Newry's fantastic restaurants beforehand and come to a concert.
Facebook Group
Derek Doughty had a great suggestion to set up a facebook group for cinema goers to go see a movie in Newry together and then go for coffee or a pint after to chat about movies. "Great way of meeting new people and good for mental health whilst bring business to pubs or coffee shops". Others suggested groups to encourage those with similar interests to meet up.
Sugar Island Strip
Karl Toner believes we need a strip in the town maybe Sugar Island. "More bars cocktail bars whiskey bars and wine bars. Outside dinning. More culture. Dundalk is doing a great job. We need culture" he said
The debate highlighted a chicken and egg situation, with venues struggling to put on events without guaranteed attendance, while residents are reluctant to go out without guaranteed entertainment.
What remains clear is that bringing Newry's nightlife back to the level it should be at will require action from both businesses and the public working together.
By opening this debate Newry.ie in no way is belittling the wonderful events that do take place throughout the city on a regular basis. We will continue to promote what is currently happening and continue to encourage people to go for a great night out in the city.
All The Comments
# Compiled Comments: How to Reignite Newry Nightlife
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**The Music Room**
Newry should and could be a great entertainment spot on the Island with ease of access both North and South, however it's alright having these places however it people won't attend or go out they can't complain there is nothing to do. The price of going out is a deterrent however the venues have to make its profitable as well. Many of dancing weekends galore in Donegal and well supported. We don't lack the talent we lack the venues!
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**Author - Newry.ie**
The Music Room Agree but re price - it doesn't seem to be affecting Dundalk nightlife
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**The Music Room**
It's sadly when people don't have something they want it, when they do have it they don't avail of it 🙁
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**Author - Newry.ie**
The Music Room very true
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**Nikki Mc Alinden**
Candlelight concerts in the cathedral or Dominican
Sub urban transport
Taxis / transport/ night busses
More live music venues
Expand the Christmas / Halloween markets which could be linked to live band sessions
Party in the park - I know I know on many levels but hear me out!! Heather park is a sloped park, sloped venue for a concert. Close to local bars. And parking across the road.
Bring back the Newry canal festival.
The quays is an empty building - could Debenhams be a concert venue or place to host events.
Defo budget hotel - mercy convent would make a cracking good venue for this with a little imagination.
What more have we to offer in Newry regarding its history….
Fortresses of Newry
Vikings in Newry
Monks in Newry
Newry Uns has some seriously interesting historical stories about our little town. Historical story telling ….
Where in Newry could you go for a tea dance?
High tea?
Recent visit to George's market and chatting to stall holders. Younger generation are now enjoying high tea, antique tea cups candelabras, prosecco nights in tea cups.
What have we got for older teens / young adults. Any events to attract them into venues with no alcohol ?!?
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**Colette Ruddy**
I understand that the cathedral is planning more concerts after the success of the three tenors which was a great show
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**Rory Murphy**
Nikki Mc Alinden love the party in the park idea and use of the slopes
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**Raquel Rodrigues Keenan**
Rory Murphy same!
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**Angela Mercieca**
A place is Needed where over 50 s on up in ages can go without tripping over teenagers
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**Louth McMahon**
Angela Mercieca try Newry library. I don't think a teenager round Newry could tell me where it is. Lol.
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**Dave Larkin**
A decent bar just for rock music like The Voodoo in Belfast
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**Mari Donohoe**
We need something like The Spirit Store in Dundalk. Magees and Nan's are doing a good job but we need a venue for live acts & up & coming artists.
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**Giovanna McDonald**
Mari Donohoe exactly! There is no such venue in Newry😔
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**Rory Murphy**
Mari Donohoe get st Coleman's/ parochial hall up and running, be great for the town
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**Aidan Kerr**
Spirit Store is fab. Link in with its schedule. Keep prices modest and improve late night transport.
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**Sarah Dunbar**
Likes of mini golf, bowling, interactive darts, escape rooms would bring ppl in, could be used by kids/teenagers during day and with license at night be great night out. Something different, sheepbridge is only venue like this and out of town
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**Áine Ní Ruanaidh**
Sarah Dunbar Debenhams would have been a great spot for something like that and lots of parking
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**Caitlín Mullan**
This is exactly why Yew Tree started actually!
We host open mics in Nan Rices every Friday and host ticketed Saturday gigs every 2-4 weeks. We feature local bands and touring acts who play original music and would love to see more people down to support all the artists who play, and for some great craic
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**Author - Newry.ie**
Caitlín Mullan Thanks Caitlin and yes Yew Tree have put on some wonderful gigs. How do you get more people out? That is the million pound question
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**Mary Keenan**
Caitlín Mullan Didn't know this ,,always thought that was just " young ones " went there now?? And is it big enough to cater for bigger crowd ??
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**Caitlín Mullan**
Mary Keenan we do get a lot of young people coming but it's more of a mixed age crowd! We ourselves are pushing 30 and we frequently have people turning up who are up to 60+!
Capacity in nans is about 100 so it's more intimate shows but we would love to be able to afford to put on something bigger in the near future!
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**Mary Keenan**
Caitlín Mullan Thanks must watch out for next live music night 👍 pS defo more than 60!now 😱😁
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**Caitlín Mullan**
Mary Keenan we have an acoustic night in Finnegans tomorrow if you're up for it!
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**Author - Newry.ie**
Caitlín Mullan Looks like a good night
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**Mary Keenan**
Caitlín Mullan Finegans ?
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**Caitlín Mullan**
Mary Keenan yes sorry! Always spell it wrong lol
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**Giovanna McDonald**
A decent music venue / night club for groups to play in.
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**Chris Casey**
Newry use to have a good enough nightlife.. people did come from both sides of the border i feel the generation changed. But I would like it to go back to be decent again. Taxis are a shocking issue but then again its cause the nightlife is so bad... and im sorry to say this for the taxi drivers as i know its rough for them.. but why isnt uber running here.. when you can wait an hour midday on a Wednesday for a taxi.. more jobs for people as well struggling to make an income. Keep pubs open past 12 again and pubs just need to run more events or promote them better. And like someone said more space that you can drink and have abit of fun.. bowling alley..crazy golf whatever it maybe
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**Traolach Hollywood**
A budget hotel would be a good start for encouraging people to stay in the town
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**Laura Weldrick**
We moved out to Meigh two years ago after living in Forest Hill's for 14 years. (Now it's just Meigh - it's not a million miles away and it costs us £20+ in a taxi one way at peak times. Yes I agree everyone has to make a living but if the pubs put on transport we would happily spend it in town ! After baby sitters etc it's just too expensive! Reward the regulars, put in better late night suburban transport and more live music maybe?
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**The Environment At Risk**
A New nightclub is needed - different nights for different ages.
Dances - get the big bands/ artists in.
More use of the Townhall - a increase in the variety of plays/ concerts etc.
The Christmas Market was proof people are willing to go if the standard is there.
Covid did alot of damage in many ways - time to take a chance & see the response.
A complete injection of life for all ages.
Advertising is key.
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**Siobhan Sheppard**
Motorhome parking
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**Mark S Hughes**
Build a college or university campus here ..: students are the fresh lifeblood of a town .. look at Dundalk down the road, has a healthy student population and cracking bars and pubs. Newry just full of young ones waiting to leave and auld wans waiting to shuffle off. Also build a venue, like not just the attic of a pub, a proper venue for theatre and gigs
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**Kathleen Mcateer**
My memory growing up was of a thriving busy newry in pubs and shops with buses parked everywhere!
Since Newry gained City status stagnated or some may say declined!
We need to upgrade our infrastructure to grow socially and economically.
If you drive through the town on your way to Dundalk or Banbridge it's dead!
Hill Street should be booming, lower the rates and encourage development of the old buildings into restaurants like the 'Cathedral' and 'Jocelyn' in Dundalk, allow people the chance to be able to open up small businesses again. As some have already said we have a market that should be like 'George's Market in Belfast!!! It's a no brainer that one. It would also get a great outdoor theatre space for local drama groups. Get the works started on the town hall look at the Market Place in Armagh. In the evening Hill Street should be lit up you should be able to stand at the Corner at Kildare Street look down Hill Street and see it lit up and busy until it meets William Street again, there's loads of opportunities there for cafes to open in the evenings and use the entertainment space in Marcus Square more often for free on street entertainment not twice a year.
The Quays should have developed the old mill as a bowling alley and an entertainment/music space for young people, after all young people have the disposable income! They can get to the train easier, and spend their money easier in Belfast than they can in Newry.
Debenhams old building in the quays shopping centre itself would be a great space for family entertainment like the island adventure golf in Belfast, a kids soft play with party facilities.
Build a better and cost effective transport network and increase the footfall in Newry again during the day,and it will have a knock on effect on the nightlife!!
It was always a busy market town, maybe it needs to tender to its changing target market now,
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**Derick Doughty**
Speed quizzing like The Tipsy Bird do in Belfast. Enormous fun doing the quiz on a tablet with a quizmaster. Drinks promos throughout the quiz. Interactive darts is also fun.
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**Jim Gray**
The success of the Christmas Market proved that there is an appetite for a thriving nightlife, I was just wondering what happened to the plans for new hotels, one on Hill st ,the other on the quay
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**Stephen Moore**
Jim Gray other business interests objected to it.
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**Marty McAlinden**
Newry needs a proper live music venue like the Spirit Store in Dundalk with quality performers.
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**Elmer Kerr**
Newry City is in decline with no vision for Business & Retail Improvement, the city is deadlocked, strangled with traffic chaos, poor parking & expensive parking, no planning for town centre regeneration, one major shopping centre 2/3 empty, buildings in decline due to lack of investment & business opportunity, no connection with feeder towns in south down & south Armagh, a council that knows nothing other than green & orange politics, a disfunctional Chamber & BID (Business Improvement District) Group, lack of activities for young people & talented artists, and the list just gets longer & longer! And when a city is in daytime decline how can you promote a vibrant nightlife. And southern shoppers now bypass newry and drive on to Banbridge & Belfast! If ever we need a Promote Newry Executive with no political input now is the time!
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**Des Murphy IrelandGuide**
Elmer Kerr💯!!!!
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**Carol Jackson**
Whatever happened to the old parochial hall it had a great stage and dancefloor and great bands.The townhall is another good venue if the would sort out the sound.
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**Aaron Rooney**
I tried in November/December to run buses, as my father had done for year from various locations to/from Newry of a Saturday night, little to no one, but will give it a try again
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**Author - Newry.ie**
Aaron Rooney if you do please get in touch and we will plug as much as we can. News@newry.ie
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**Aaron Rooney**
Newry.ie will do 👍 Cheers!
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**Karen Mooney**
Aaron Rooney i would definitely support this , price of taxis is definitely a big reason to not bother heading into newry , are you hilltown rooney buses? I hadnt saw it advertised
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**Louise McGivern**
Karen Mooney 100% and the difficulty in getting a taxi in the first place!
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**Aaron Rooney**
Karen Mooney https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AXErKyQXU/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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**Ashling Fitzmaurice**
Aaron Rooney I know years ago it ran from futher afeild but maybe for local areas like glenn , mayobridge, meigh , warrenpoint , annalong etc save people needing taxis it would work
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**Declan Heaney**
Hill st outside first derivatives/ woolies is perfect for concerts. The street can be closed off in all directions too. A big straight line from the cathedral to the taxi stand. Pop up bars and food trucks. Why does it have to be somewhere else? Why not us?
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**Mary Gallagher**
Financial Investment in Newry and all its infra structure and facilities etc has been very small scale . I have a treasure trove of ideas but would require millions of pounds of private investment to realise these . When I win the Euro millions I'll get back to you !😂
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**Roisin Cunningham Mc Quillan**
Just look at Belfast always a good day and into the night-time when we head down the entertainment whether its individuals with a guitar or groups in these pubs is fabulous at all times we need more of this good music on a Sat/Sunday day time
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**Margaret McGuire**
I'd love to see some sort of wine bar with tapas. Live music with local artists. I feel this is missing around Newry. Also somewhere people can go where it's not all around just alcohol. Classes like sip n sparkle Apiphany Jewellery which are a great idea for a night out.
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**Lynn Rose McLoughlin**
The parochial hall is lying empty and was one of the best music venues around with amazing acoustics. Could rival the spirit store any day if someone did anything with it
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**Rob Rossiter**
Not worth putting anything on until the transport situation is sorted. You can't get a taxi for love or money. Simple fix, promoters/council subsidise lay on free shuttle buses.
Allow Uber here.
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**Alannah Stephens-Rice**
I think first step is the council, I've seen recently the struggles local businesses are facing due to shocking high rates, rents etc. Once this issue is sorted hopefully it would be more appealing to new owners or tenants! I think now night clubs are no longer a big appeal to people but new bars / restaurants where you don't have to move about.
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**Lyndsay Ohagan**
We need uber, night bus etc it's currently a fortune to get home from town. Reduce rates on some of the empty buildings - allow for restaurants/ bars to have pop ups food markets etc. allow restaurants and bars to make use of space outsode their premises for sunny weather.
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**Emma McAnallen**
Society has changed a lot since the days of multi clubs in Newry.
Young people don't drink or socialise like we did.
Coffee shops are a huge thing. Honestly I think coffee should be integrated more into the pub culture. Normalise not drinking just alcohol in pubs.
Bands are expensive. Have open mic nights, spoken word, let people get experience let the punters get entertained and the pub get live music.
More quizzes. Everyone loved a pub quiz now people do go fund me and the quizzes died.
Bingo. What happens to the bingo in the hall that oul ones would have travelled on a bus for an hour to go to.
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**Rory Hughes**
Give the likes of Shame Rafferty a shout and a say. He knows what he is doing but obstacles are in his way.
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**Matt Madine**
From Newry became a City it has fallen footfall. Sad to see it. As a Country DJ myself I was part of the (Newry Goes Nashville Event) which was an absolutely fantastic event and hope something similar can happen again.
PS I'm here to help also 🙏🏼
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**Terry Conlon**
Need to redevelop town centre into something like Belfast Cathedral Quarter, or Dublin Temple Bar. Restaurants, on the street eating huts, live music. Create a warm cosy atmosphere.
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**Mary Keenan**
I guess affordability would help,it's often the cost that prevents people from deciding if it's worth making the effort, especially those out of work or pensioners ( we still love our music from when we were shall we say "in our prime" 😊) by time you pay for transport to n from the venue plus few drinks whether alcoholic variety or not can put a lot of people off. Definitely live music is the best but the venue and ambiance is important too.
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**Linda Hughes**
I think late afternoon/teatime entertainment would be great. Some like going out early and home early
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**Nan Rice**
Newry needs a comhaltas. It would be great if it could be setup. Nans would support this with as much help as would be needed 🎻
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**Des Murphy IrelandGuide**
With huge respect Newry.ie if you don't know what is wrong with #NewryTown by now, I don't see the point in wasting time or your space in responding!!?
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**Ellie Darcy**
Need a food & drink pub with lively music, like mochara in dundalk
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**Moira Kimmins O'Shea**
I would like Soul and Motown music nights 70s and 80s music. The taxi's would have to be cheaper to get people into Newry.
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**Ash Mac**
Country nite 70s nits 80s nite 90s nite lots of different theme nites disco nite
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**Kelly Whymrak**
Before thinking on how to make nightlife great again ask yourself this, 'what happened to newrys nightlife? Why did it die?' unfortunately if those questions aren't answered then there's no hope
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**Author - Newry.ie**
Kelly Whymrak please tell us why you think it died
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**Kelly Whymrak**
Newry.ie it's a range of factors that killed newrys nightlife. Main one I would say was COVID. Taxis!! You'd be better off trying to draw blood from a stone than trying to get a taxis in Newry at the weekend. Then there's people. Customers and staff. Now I'm not saying everyone is the problem but it only takes a few people in any venue to stop people coming again. Drugs. People can put whatever they want into their bodies but when they start on their shadows, come on now 🤷. Cost. The price of drinks is astronomical
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**John Smith**
Newry.ie not to run it down but canal court took over then everyone got sick of it then nowhere else left to go
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**Michael Brendan Kingham**
Newry.ie I remember paying £10 into Millers say 15 years ago, and that was very expensive for a 'nightclub' then, but people were queued out the door to get in.
The line for the Bank night club used to be right down to near the Brass
Outside of Newry you had the Marine tavern in Warrenpoint - booming
Laceys on a sunday - packed, and it hard to get too, but thrived
I think the generations changed but the credit crunch and mass migration to the likes of Australia hit things hard.
Off the top of my head i had about 7 of my friends go to Oz for a few years and that's just me never mind hundreds of others
How to bring it back.??? An actual nightclub probably a start
But certainly lower rates and better parking, then, as has been suggested, some sort of late bus service
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**Derick Doughty**
Kelly Whymrak I think society changed after Covid - lots more drinking at home as it's cheaper, no taxis. Going out now drink is more expensive and lack of taxis when you need one.
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**Shivvy MacAoidh**
Kelly Whymrak its all so expensive now for young ones, the bank pints are I think 9 pound, how can any 18 year old student/apprentice afford that?
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**Damian Brady**
Keep the Council far away from any involvement. Allow them to provide funding but make sure they don't book the acts. Perfect venue is the Albert basin in terms of access and security, could be our custom house square.
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**Sci-Fi talks Ireland**
Not night related but we are bringing Newry Comic Con 2026 to the Canal Court in March
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**Jodie O'Brien**
Have a decent taxi service or public transport options in town so people can get home again.. getting home after a night out in Newry is a disaster
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**Gary Mc Dowell**
Better transport would be a help. The uncertainty of being able to get out of Newry after a night out puts many people off. Maybe a Disco bar and more live music. There are some great bars in the town but it's only when something like an organised event is on that you hear what entertainment they are providing. Food venues having entertainment would encourage people to stay on and have a few more drinks after their meal. I think city park festivals could be a great option. I know the green bank area is a bowl of contention but heather park could be an option or Park Esler could be a good concert venue
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**Joanne Quigley McParland**
https://newrychambermusic.org/piano-fest/
We are trying really hard and have a world class product right here on your doorstep. Some amazing concerts coming up 6-8 February. Grab a bite to eat in one of Newry's fantastic restaurants beforehand and come to a concert the like of which you won't find anywhere in Ireland that weekend.
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**Author - Newry.ie**
Joanne Quigley McParland that is so true. Looking forward to it
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**Brenda Sands**
Joanne Quigley McParland this is going to be a fabulous weekend of music! 🎹 🎶
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**Sharon Mc Parland**
Joanne Quigley McParland so amazing to experience such amazing talent on our own doorstep 👏🏻👏🏻
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**Barry Fox**
Joanne Quigley McParland tickets bought
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**Niall Murphy**
There we are Sharon 🤟
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**Angela McCann**
What about doing a type of Belsonic or Custom House square type of music festival. We are half way between Belfast and Dublin.
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**Nikki Mc Alinden**
Angela McCann at NarrowWater Warrenpoint could be the new slane
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**Angela McCann**
Nikki Mc Alinden, yes or Pairc Esler, closer to Newry .
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**Rory Murphy**
I've said for a long time, we need a simple transport system like Belfast's glider, I even done a rudimentary business plan on it and sent it a key member in Translink and didn't hear anything back. Here's a summary: NightLink Newry is a proposed evening transport pilot using Glider-style hybrid vehicles on three circular routes connecting key areas around Newry. The system aims to support the night-time economy, improve accessibility (especially for wheelchair users and families), and relieve pressure on overstretched taxi services. All routes stop at key venues on route and connect at Canal Court Bus Station to allow easy transfers in a simple London tube map fashion
- Two outer routes (North and South) run 50–60 minutes each, with two vehicles per route for 30-minute frequency.
- The inner city loop is shorter (25–30 minutes) and uses one vehicle.
- Six vehicles in total are leased for the 12-month pilot.
With revenue expected from fares, sponsorships, and advertising. If successful, it could evolve into a daytime service and lead to a full capital rollout. The project aligns with Local Economic Partnership goals and complements wider regeneration plans, such as the Newry Basin Park
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**Rory Murphy**
The Glider / tube style mapping will simplify things and take away any bus Stigma
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**Wayne Denner**
Rory I think that's an excellent idea.
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**Paul Mccourt**
Rory Murphy that's an excellent idea 👌
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**Deasúnaigh Mac Giobúin**
Rory Murphy Newry doesn't have the population to support a BRT system in the day time let alone at night. BRT work on high demand routes.. Even a night bus using existing buses and staff would require massive subsidy, again because demand just would not be there. As much as you might think its a good idea it would not pass any kind of economic appraisal
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**Seamus Parr**
Firstly, lower business rates around Newry. Businesses are under alot of pressure so slight reduction in rates would help reinvestment.
Secondly, budget hotels around the centre. This will start to invite tourists which will ignite restaurants and cafes along with bars. Nightlife will increase with music venues hopefully investing in the area.
Thirdly, close Hill Street (or part off it) to traffic. Lisburn and other city's have done the same which has invited people/children to walk freely around the streets. It will also invite buskers to perform while increasing footfall around the shops.
We have great restaurants and cafes that are dotted around the city but just need more footfall.
Last thing...traffic. Shoppers are bypassing Newry and travelling onwards to Banbridge (Outlet), Sprucefield, Lisburn as it takes as long to drive down the Camlough road into Newry, get parked in Buttercrane as it would turning left onto the bypass and driving to Banbridge.
---
**Kevin Quinn**
Newry needs a waterpark
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**Fiona Campbell Ballance**
F
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**Sinead Galloghly**
Needs new nightclubs
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**Juliee Rooney**
Taxis 🚕 is the biggest issue 🙄
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**Annie Britton Nice**
Most people are concerned about taxis or lack of in the evening.
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**Brigid Campbell**
I think bring back an old style club with food and dancing. It worked before??
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**Joan Davis**
Theyre all sharing mini buses to Belfast Cathedral Quarter full of live bands or to Dundalk
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**Bj Killen**
There needs to be a grant for business to paint there premises in really colourful paint and hanging baskets in the summer. Newry lacks imagination , buildings are run down . Reduce business rates. A budget hotel and a hostel and try and get tourists into newry.
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**Chrissy Millar**
There is no nightclubs no more .. relic had the biggest Djs coming to Newry, people travelling from everywhere to come to Newry.. Need more nightclubs and better transport , Festivals more live bands in pubs
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**Conor Rafferty**
I think weve all seen before how much the local community band together when one of our own are in need , what if we done fundraising weekends and invest the money back into the city. The money can go into youth work and have a sustainable place and funding for kids and teenagers to go and get them of the streets, the money can be used for themed nights in the market with local live music and acts with local food venders and bars, close off hilsteet and have family fundays , bouncy castles food buskers , stalls , outdoor cinemas . Scare houses at halloween, markets at christmas, scavanger hunts at easter
---
**Gavin Mulligan Taxi**
You have The , Bank , Bellini's ,The Hotel, cobbles,
Magee's bar , Nan Rice's, The Bridge bar, The Railway bar, The Phoenix bar, MC Swiggans, MC Guigans bar , all these pubs provide entertainment
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**Veronica Quinn**
Gavin Mulligan Taxi and McCoy's Bar not forgetting, The Brass Monkey 🙊
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**Anthony Rafferty**
Bus to Belfast
---
**Raquel Rodrigues Keenan**
Shindig Arts & Events
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**Carla Maney**
Weekly Lunchtime classical concerts in the Cathedral/ Churches with monthly evening concerts could be great platforms for all, young and older people
---
**Caolan Travers**
Sinead Travers
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**Sinead Travers**
So many good suggestions here already. If there was a university, it would keep a lot of the young blood, scholars, artist's & musicians here in town, its maybe a part of it. Our talented youngsters head away for greener pastures. A university, & more housing that's affordable, would solve this exodus that happens 
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**Derick Doughty**
Other ideas would be trying to attract the likes of Airtastic to The Quays, Newry or an escape room or something like Prison Island. Definitely attract birthday parties or hens/stags at night.
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**Rory Murphy**
Turn either the old Dunnes Stores in town centre or Debenhams into a Climbing wall centre with bowling and arcades and experience venue, Excape rooms etc
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**Pauline Donnelly**
Also has the Quays not been earmarked for change of use to residential???
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**Francisco Messi**
Get public transport for late people to use.
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**Mary Keenan**
I think the great local bands like "Whiskey " and the Hilton n the like and big welcoming venues like The Talk of tbe Town , The Foresters The Indo, got so many of our generation out but even the local Cinema is now more than most of us can afford on a smaller income but I think the onset of cheap carry out offers on beers n wines and so many Tv channels have perhaps made us lazy?? plus the lack of atmosphere around our streets of an evening especially Hill St has impacted our decisions to make the effort to plan a good night out with friends,,the older you get the more of an effort it seems since our "crowd" we that perhaps hung about with in years past gets less year on year.
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**John Hughes**
You can't go out if you can't get back. Massive shortage of taxis and public transport.
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**Patsy Doyle**
Decent food. Went out twice in last fortnight, worst two meals I ever had.
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**John Smith**
Some great answers here so at least people do want to see a change.
Some of my thoughts:
- hear of places having a nighttime manager to help rejuvenate nightlife
- Newry too spread out for both nightlife and shopping. I'd love to see the mall developed. Cobblestones provide character, close it off at nighttime allow people wander around between bars and restaurants. It's west facing so a suntrap in summer and everyone could sit out
- allow artists come in and paint old run down buildings, like in waterford. Might build a trendy arty scene which in turn brings more people
- small boutique/spa hotel. Need more variety than canal court
- a nightclub (not the canal court) that 20 somethings can go to. All the college students are too old for the Bank and there's nowhere for them. Over 18s on a Fri and over 20s on Sat for eg
- drinks promotions nights to lure people back. Marine used to be buzzing when they ran them
- town is filthy dirty. Honestly don't think I've seen a dirtier town. Every single turn off from the dual carriageway is completely rubbish strewn. Looks 3rd world. Not a good first impression. Then drive down the camlough road ....
- build the park. Nothing for tourists to do in newry bar the now very limited shopping. Newry should be the gateway for mourne, gullion and cooley. Promote it
- joint irish ulster/scotch fleadh. Bring us all together
- International Festival celebrating polish, lt and other communities living here
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**Pauline Donnelly**
Newry council seem to have no interest in reigniting the social scene in Newry.. Canal Court used to be fantastic but some of its regular clientele at minute leave a lot to be desired.. also the lack of taxis is a huge issue as no one is prepared to organise a night out in Newry due to lack of taxis
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**Angela Mercieca**
The Country Music was a great success
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**Sabrina Mctaggart**
Angela Mercieca happening again ! Weekend of 4th July ☺️
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**Nikki Mc Alinden**
I love the idea of the cobbles being a feature in the summer evenings the path across the road lends itself to bistro seats etc.
Definately business taking pride in their shop fronts-run a competition?
My place is in WIN wish they would do something annually for tenants to take pride in where they are.
Now there's somewhere to look at….
What about a street with umbrellas in it like Belfast or places like temple bar
NMDDC to look at business spilling out into the street like in Dublin
Hill street is dead at night time
late night cafes centrally might attract younger folk. Yew Coffe John Mccartney best late night cafe I have found recently.
I often thought the deep recess of the stretch of footpath between the town hall all the way up to the bridge at sugar island (the side that has Pat Jennings statue on, would look lovely with the old farmers market tents as cafe / Oktoberfest fest style booths or beer tents for a festival
Rock around the town hall clock - rock festival. How many bars/ venues around the town hall could / would host all types of rock concerts played in all different types of genres to include church halls, parochial halls, town halls.
Nashville festival was such a hit more events like this are definitely needed.
Look beyond the traditional….
Look at Dundalk and its take on St Bridget - what could Newry offer?!?!
And what feast/festival
Geocaching- treasure hunts specific to around Newry family event could this be tied into Easter
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**Raquel Rodrigues Keenan**
NEWRY BID Newry Indian Arts Club
---
**Rory Murphy**
Free parking
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**James McClelland**
need night buses and more taxis
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**Shea Mc Givern**
Yes indeed make newry into a big funfair yeoo he we go
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# Part Two Comments
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**Studio Twenty Three**
We've definitely tried our best to keep Newry nightlife going over the last 4 years at our studio.
Paint & Sip nights, ceramic
painting, paint your partner which comes up every valentines. 💌
We've noticed that our business has a knock on effect. People go for dinner first then come to us and out to the bars across the street for drinks after.
More people coming in and trying these things or more businesses opening up offering something a little different can have such a positive impact on surrounding businesses.
The more people can come along and support local business the more it pays forward
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**John Smith**
Studio Twenty Threesounds great craic. U should def get more promotion as never heard of u
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**Studio Twenty Three**
John Smith thanks!
I'll pop our website here for people to check out the stuff we do! And we're BYOB. So as one person wrote on this post it's cheaper to drink at home. Well it's better craic to drink at the studio. 🤣
https://www.artstudio23.co.uk/https/wwwartstudio23couk/events
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**Mark Shevlin**
We need to be realistic that night life as it was is probably gone. there are a lack of taxis and going out for a few drinks isnt cheap. people are more strategic about their time and money. its hard for promoters or the pub trade to do too much. credit where its due to those who are trying. the events in newry market last year are a good example of using an asset to its capabilities. (fair play to Ciaran) I hope people support the events which are planned in the park site this year. Maybe the council and licensees could work together for a summer of themed weekend events, country music, a fleadh, rock, metal, 80s and for the like of myself a big rave in newry market some saturday evening where im home by 11 😉
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**Louise Hanna McCrink**
Mark Shevlin a summer of different themed music events sounds great! I hope this can be made happen! 🤞🥳
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**Rosemary Mc G Deans**
We do a games night Seasons Coffee + Studio but its not a regular weekly event. Definitely be up for being a space to host or help others host. We have been trying over the years but definitely needs buy in from the community.
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**Seán Mca**
Rosemary Mc G Deans is that the one I am thinking about in above post Rosemary?????? Does Cornerstone gaming sound right????
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**Ashling Fitzmaurice**
Seán Mca thats a separate place at the street at the back of the market its on the corner as you head towards the warrenpoint road
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**Rosemary Mc G Deans**
Seán Mca no we're a coffee space on Hill Street but there is a space on end of mary street for gaming i think?
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**Seán Mca**
Rosemary Mc G Deans coffee and board games, a perfect mix.
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**Seán Mca**
Ashling I must check it out👍
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**Irene Sheridan**
Rosemary Mc G Deans when is the next one?
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**Mary Keenan**
Rosemary Mc G Deans was in cafe other day with my sis for first time lovely ! And great space yet quiet ambience .. have asked couple of my friends to come n have a Ciorcal Comhrá here occasionaly to practice our Irish over a coffee 😁
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**Seán Mca**
Apparently there is a board game group that have a shop unit (I think it's Mary Street???) They seem to meet most days/nights. Only got brief details about it, but like bookshops, board games are becoming very popular. Suitable for all ages. Wouldn't mind checking it out.
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**Emma McParland**
Seán Mca its hobby gaming - different to board games and they have a Facebook page
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**Seán Mca**
Emma McParland board games are part of the hobby gaming scene. Most people think of board games such as Cluedo, Monopoly etc, Board games are significantly more than that, with over 5000 new titles released every year. Waterstones has probably the best selection (very, very small numbers) of such games. Check out websites such as Gameslore or Zatu games to get a flavour of the extensive range of board, card, role playing games that are available. (Many at eye watering prices too). A games group is probably a great place to play/learn many of these games as some of the rules, you'd need a degree to understand them.
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**Emma McParland**
Seán Mca ok I understand but the cafe in banbridge has hobby games plus family board games
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**Seán Mca**
Emma McParland seen it many times in Banbridge, never been in, is it good Emma??? I would hope Newry would be same!!!!
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**Emma McParland**
Seán Mca yes v good tho it's a year or two since u went. They have a page too. Do nice cakes and stuff
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**Seán Mca**
Emma brilliant. Thanks. Will check it out. I think there is similar board gamers group in Castlewellan in parish centre. I've never put any effort into finding out about all these 'local' groups, but must do it. Its a relatively new concept in Ireland. They've been doing it for decades in England, in pubs, board game shops, public halls, etc.
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**Emma McParland**
Seán Mca
https://www.roastandroll.com/
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**Oisin Groom**
Yew Tree Promotions have been hosting gigs in the town for a long time now and giving young people the opportunity to play live music. They host an open mic night every friday in nan rices
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**Yew Tree Promotions**
Oisin Groom thank you! We welcome any performer from a soloist to a full band, bit of everything for everyone to enjoy
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**James Treanor**
The problem is that nights out in Newry aren't really competing with staying at home. Home is cheaper, more comfortable, and you know exactly what you're getting. Going out now costs more, and there's often no guarantee of a good atmosphere when you arrive. A pint on its own isn't enough of a draw anymore. People need a reason to leave the house, whether that's an event, live music, etc, or even just a night where they know a crowd they like with similar interests will be there. At the moment, nights feel unpredictable and quiet, so it's easy to stay in. Responsibility can't just fall on the public, for people to take that leap, there has to be something worth showing up for. Until going out offers an experience you can't get at home, it's unrealistic to expect people to just go out more and hope for the night to be good.
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**Alicia Lennon**
James Treanor not enough taxis either most bars are calling last orders by 11:30 or 12 .id rather stay at home myself. Before I stopped drinking .I would of enjoyed a night in or going out when you could walk into any bar abit late but covid ruin everything 🤔 including actually talking to people as most people are either too busy into selfies or stuck on their phones.
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**Derick Doughty**
Set up a facebook group for cinema goers to all go see a movie in Newry together and then go for coffee or a pint after to chat about movies. Great way of meeting new people and good for mental health whilst bring business to pubs or coffee shops.
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**Dave Larkin**
Have something like Marketplace in Armagh look at the acts they get
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**Author - Newry.ie**
Dave Larkin this post is about what you can/will do
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**Dave Larkin**
Newry.ie I be there as much as I could
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**Tom McAllister**
Yes 🙌 has anyone acknowledged the extortionate rates/vats lapped onto bars/venues over the past while. Rumour has it they have tripled in recent times. This needs to be scrapped and reverted back to a more manageable bill.
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**Mary Keenan**
Could we have one specific page on fce bk to check all thats going on every week …just in Newry ?? Yes o know maybe each venue does its own advertising but one single Entertainment page would help ,All kinds of posts from cinema listings to live music to open mic nights comedy nights plays bands etc .. could some cafes or coffee places open later than 5om for maybe solo artists to play or sing ?? I know that might be difficult given their own restraints like heating lighting bills n staff etc but council could start looking at rate reductions ,, allowing outdoor seatings in summer etc ,, I like what Studio 23 posted ( something different plus encouraging us to go out for a meal as well as entertainment but not necessarily sitting in the pub if it's not your thing 😁) and yourselves Newry.ie. about making the effort ..plan ahead even if only once a month treat 😁👍
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**Davey OHare**
Theres very few taxis left in the town and people can't get home at the end of a night out. It's deterring people from going out.
Get uber operating locally.
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**Joanne Grey**
I must agree with Davey OHare As someone recently returned here having lived in Toronto for many many years . Commute infrastructure is lacking , and that is a definite no go to even go out
I Was in Dublin during this week , I used Uber and in city centre Dublin it connected into Taxi system. #ways to make it work
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**Colette Ruddy**
Or maybe people could take turns to have a designated driver? Not always necessary to drink alcohol to have a good time...just a thought
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**Greg McParland**
Re open squires.
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**Lyndsay Ohagan**
Greg McParland wouldn't that be the craic!
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**Tir Na Nog Celtic Culture news**
So many beautiful old empty buildings , why not turn one of them into a Foodhall, where several small businesses can go under the one roof therefore splitting the costs. Food, drinks live music, people can wander from place to place without setting foot outside. A commune area in the center with space for gathering or to put on a live music concert
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**Chloe Magill**
debenhams in the Quays is the perfect spot for an Indoor crazy golf/ bowling/ arcade / darts room, its such a wasted amount of space which has so much potential, could also have a bar also
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**Karl Toner**
We need a strip in the town maybe Sugar Island nice ring to it. More bars cocktail bars whiskey bars and wine bars. Outside dinning. More culture. Dundalk is doing a great job. We need culture
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**Stephen Toner**
Karl Toner a strip club!
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**Annie Britton Nice**
Karl Toner kinda,why i suggested a Foodhall. Not meaning retail though just an array of small cocktail bars, and eateries all under the one roof with a common area for live music, a venue with a vibe that feeds off each other
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**Karl Toner**
Annie Britton Nice yes we need a buzz. Newry needs to be a place that people what ti go to
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**Annie Britton Nice**
Karl Toner 100% Karl. I'D love to see some of the old buildings in Newry getting used, like mini malls for entertainment, good selection of independent cafes, bars for local brewed beers and house cocktails and wines, wee Mexican and Tapas, all local produce on food etc. Realy showcase Newry and Mourn ,but if it doesn't happen we can definitely create our own buzz #southarmagh. !!!!
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**Noreen Doran**
So true
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**Joanne Murphy**
Younger generation don't go out as much as the millennials did.. newry needs better places for dinner and drinks, wine bars, cocktails bars… every bar in newry went from something new to same old thing as everyone else… newry needs activities bars,pool/snooker, darts, bowling, tapas and wine, paint and sip, bottomless brunch, themed nights, comedy nights, escape rooms, turn the market in to a food market , tasting menus in bars, wine tours etc.
Newry is dead because there's no where to go that's different or interesting… we need uber to get taxis home.
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**Naomi Kathryn**
Joanne Murphy bring back the Millers suite with a FT after 😋
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**Joanne Murphy**
Naomi Kathryn awww they were the best nights.. cocktail bar first few laps of the cc, and then to the millers
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**Briege Nì Hamhraín**
Going out has become so expensive, from the price of taxis to, drinks etc , so when people do go out there has to be something to draw us in. I've noticed themed events will draw people in, the back to the 00s and 80s events in the market did well, so do things like bingo loco and over 30s, bottomless brunch etc. You can't expect people to want to pledge to go out to sit in a pub etc to buy £12 drinks without being entertained while doing it.
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**Author - Newry.ie**
Briege Nì Hamhraín you can't expect venues to run this type of event without people coming through their door. Chicken and egg. This post is about what YOU can do. I got two great pints of Guinness last night in Nans for under a tenner with music and comedy thrown in
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**Briege Nì Hamhraín**
Newry.ie venues who run these types of events do get people through their door, that's the point, the bank run the over 30s event regularly enough and it's always sold out. When cobbles were doing the bottomless brunches they also sold out. Bingo loco always sells out. With the cost of living already hitting families hard, it's difficult to justify a night out unless it's an event. Newry was always the place to go to, because of entertainment and drinks promotions, now people would rather travel to Dundalk or Belfast because Newry venues aren't offering this anymore. It wasn't locals out drinking in the pubs/clubs etc on the weekends that had bus loads of people coming into the town to go out, it was the venues putting on great events and promotions that pulled in the punters. I'd happily go out more if the venues in Newry put on great events and drinks promotions like they did in the past.
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**Joanne Quigley McParland**
https://newrychambermusic.org/piano-fest/
Come to this next weekend!
PM me for a discount code if you are interested.
We have the Queen of Jazz joining us on the middle night for a caberet style concert in the town hall. Full bar available. Grab a bite, hear the resident trio from Ronnie Scotts in London and Georgia Cécile
support your local Professional Arts organisation.
We really appreciate all you do Newry.ie to promote us!
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**Dominika Wojciechowska**
Lack of transport is the biggest issue, waiting 2 hours for taxi 🚕 is a joke, no buses from Warrenpoint or Camlough, even 2 buses at late evening will make a big difference, then teenagers could get home at 11/12 o'clock, they could go to cinema then for late play, or late coffee with friends
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**Brendan Curran**
Never mind the Taxi service…what about an effective bus service…example…the bus service from Bessbrook to Newry is exactly the same as it was 50 yrs ago…warrenpoint to Newry much the same..unless Newry gets translink to up its game…people cannot enjoy what Newry has to offer
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**Stephen Toner**
Bulldoze it all into the canal
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**Kirsti Elizabeth**
Lack of taxis is the biggest issue for us. Would go every month to something good but can't get home. It's not even easy getting one in cause only when company allows you to book. Back in the 90s Newry was a great night out.
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**Stephanie Tyreman**
https://urbact.eu/whats-new/stories/revitalise-small-town-centres
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**Elmer Kerr**
Joe Public doesn't plan or organise nite life, they "support" it
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**Author - Newry.ie**
Elmer Kerr that's the point of the question. What will you do to support it more than you're doing at present ?
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**Elmer Kerr**
I will do nothing until Newry is a city worth spending time in, like no traffic queues no parking attendants giving you £60 tickets because there is nowhere to park, poor shopping compared to Banbridge & boulevard (free parking) no dilapidated buildings, great cafes & restaurants, and Newcastle is a great town too!
And both these locations are dog friendly! Sorry haven't any more time to keep adding to this pist
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**Gavan Quigley**
When I started playing in bands there were gigs in so many venues and not just the weekends, Monday nights were always great and I think it worked because it was a night out for those in hospitality industry. You would have residencies and they would build, I played Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights in different resident bands in the 2000s, that's hard to believe as there's tumbleweeds through the town mid week. Maybe one or two of the young bands should try get a mid week thing up and running with one of the bars and see does it grow?
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**Tom McAllister**
More full live bands (not 1 or 2 piece bands) have it in a proper venue I.e good stage , good sound system etc.. Could host bands on a Sunday late afternoon early evening.. good music I.e blues , funk, rock , soul. Cobbles used to do this on a Sunday and it was great. If they don't want to do it ask the new Bellini's bar.
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**Sandra Cranney**
Tom McAllister no where wants more than 2 piece band ! Would love more live music in the town ! 4/5 piece bands need the chance to get out and play too !
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**Paul Duggan**
Yes agree... Newry needs a place/venue dedicated for live music look at the skylite room in warrenpoint or in Dundalk the spirit store these places draw in great live bands great live DJs regularly. Build it and they will come!
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**Marty Patterson**
Tom McAllister run for mayor🙏👌🤘
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**SusieSue Can**
Tom McAllister , I suggested to Cobbles to at least try something on a Sunday, there is no music on anywhere until the evening. Four or five would be a great time as there is nothing on anywhere and they could then hold their crowd
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**Tom McAllister**
SusieSue Can yep… we have all the contacts to put something like this on … loads of towns in the north and south have their own wee music venues operating and they draw a good crowd of live music lovers. We have the talent in newry to put on a good show plus we know great players further afield who would love to come down and dazzle us with their brilliance 🤩
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**Adrian Curran Guitar Tutor**
Tom McAllister I like 2 pieces with a top sound system 🤓🤓🤓🎸🎸
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**Brigid Downes**
Open mic nights for under 18's to give them an alcohol free space to play. Restaurants could run themed nights with food from around the world with wines to match with set menu's to suit the wines. Loved these ones in my hometown. Sailing on Albert Basin..don't understand why there is so little watersports there. Fantastic amenity wasted. Pride of place competitions to encourage keeping Newry looking attractive..sadly council let us down big time there. Dereliction everywhere. Bring back May Day traditions https://www.ulsterfolkmuseum.org/pictures/may-day-traditions. So many of our traditional celebrations have gone replaced by alcohol based celebrations..all over Europe tourists travel to experience these ie Fallas in Valencia, Fasching in Germany..those tourists could be coming here if only we could bring back our traditional celebrations.
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**Mary Keenan**
What we do in our friendship circle is when one of us spots a play anywhere between Belfast and Dublin or a specific artist playing somewhere we send out a group txt .. " anyone up for this ?" Sometimes it could be Months ahead and usually one in our group ,,, ( one of my friends is super at this 😁👍 ) books all the tickets and often takes responsibility to pay all and we pay as and when we can ( meaning we all can budget in advance and in the run up to the event then we also plan to go early and enjoy a nice meal out at hotel or restaurant along the route ,, hence giving more bussiness to more than just the one thing.. we also to car share and designated driver so rest of us can have a wee glass with our meal or at the concert or play 😁
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**Karl Toner**
Too much negative talk about how bad it is. " Sugar Island" the night life strip of Newry. bar hopping, all bars work together,
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**Stephen Toner**
Karl Toner its like hal ketchup, past thr point of rescue
---
**Fiona Campbell Ballance**
F
---
**Joseph McLean**
The Conal Morgan Band 😜
---
**Phelim Carragher**
Joseph McLean pure rock star there. That photo was us in the Bridge 🤘
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**John Smith**
Just wondering if anything will be done with all the suggestions from previous post?
We going to make an effort to go out for dinner every 2 months
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**Mary Keenan**
John Smith exactly what I said to hubby ..think us Newry ones who miss the good old days of Talk or the Town etc and live bands knowing you would know nearly everyone there have slipped into the idea Newry isn't the place we once knew attitude so need to start somewhere and embrace what we've got n try change our attitude of " let someone else fix it " maybe each of us needs to give ourselves a kick up the ….n just plan even one night out in Town even once in the month be it wherever ! N stick to it ! 😁 we can live in hope


