All details provided here must be checked in relevant Nautical Almanacs and Newry Canal regulations.
The author of this page accepts no responsibility for errors or decisions based on data shown here.
Victoria Lock looking west |
| Read the excellent article on a visit to Newry by Derek Harris, who runs the cruising section of Poolbeg Yacht Club and is also a senior member of Howth Yacht Club. Derek is also on the Committee of the Cruising Association of Ireland. |
The most recent information on Newry Canal Access Procedures is available online or from Newry Tourist Information Centre, Bagenal's Castle, Newry, Co Down (Tel: 048 3031 3170/Fax: 048 302 68833). This essential document includes information, a form and a chart. It is important to check with the Tourist Information Centre that the online document is the latest. There is now a charge per boat to enter the canal. Normally you are required to send the completed form together with proof of adequate insurance to Newry Tourism at least 48 hours before your use of the canal. Hopefully this process will become simpler in order to entice more boaters from far and wide to enjoy this wonderful stretch of water and to bring boating life back to the heart of Newry.
Access to the canal is via Victoria Lock and this can be opened one hour either side of high water. The approaches are well buoyed and lit. During dry spells the canal can experience a shortage of water and, at such times, is closed to traffic. There is a speed limit of 4 knots on the canal.
At the eastern end of the canal is the Albert Basin in Newry City. This provides a deep-water quay (3.3 metres) and is also a wildlife sanctuary. Electricity and water are available on the quay subject to prior approval. There is a charge for this. There is no berthing charge (max 3 nights). Note that the quay has unrestricted public access at all times. The canal is not navegable beyond the Albert Basin but walkers or cyclists may be interested in the Newry Canal Way. See the map.
Although Euros are accepted in many places in the Newry area, change will be given in Sterling. It is advisable to bring Sterling. Be careful with mobile phones in Carlingford Lough and Newry. If the phone selects a UK network you may be charged for international calls. Flags! Although there is a new atmosphere in the six counties national flags can be an irritant to one side or the other.
| Skerries Sailing Club |
| Carlingford Marina |
| Carlingford Home Page |
| Discover Carlingford Lough |
| Carlingford Sailing Club |
| Newry Canal Access Procedures |
| The Albert Basin |
| Newry City |
| Territorial Waters |
| LEG | N. MILES | @ 4kn | @ 5kn | @ 6kn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skerries – Hellyhunter |
25 |
6.25 hrs | 5 hrs | 4 hrs |
| Hellyhunter- Marina |
6.25 |
94 mins | 75 mins | 63 mins |
| Marina – Victoria Lock |
5.8 |
87 mins | 70 mins | 58 mins |
| Victoria Lock - Newry |
3.1 |
47 mins |
| General Information | Afloat Irish Almanac (with Reeds Almanac Data) East & North Coasts of Ireland edited by Norman Kean |
| Irish Sea/Skerries/Carlingford | Admiralty Leisure Folio SC 5621 |
| Irish Sea | Imray C62 or British Admiralty 044 |
| Skerries | British Admiralty 633 |
| Carlingford Lough | British Admiralty 2800 |
| Newry Canal | A chart of the approaches is included in the Canal Access Procedures Document but a better version is in the "East & North Coasts of Ireland" book edited by Norman Kean. |
| Sat | Skerries | Depart Skerries at a time that allows you to enter Carlingford with the tide. The flood commences in Carlingford entrance around Dover HW minus 5 hours. For a 5 kn cruising speed, leaving Skerries at Dover HW+2h will get you to the Hellyhunter at the start of a fair tide. |
| Carlingford Marina | Keep visual and radio watch (VHF Ch 12) for traffic associated with the lough. Note that access to the Marina is from a buoy almost north of the entrance (No.18). Note too that a gap beside the marina entrance can easily be confused with the entrance. | |
| Visit beautiful Carlingford town and enjoy a social evening with club members later! | ||
| Sun | Carlingford Marina | Depart about one hour ahead of lock availability (HW plus or minus one hour) |
| Warrenpoint Harbour | All vessels should call Warrenpoint Harbour Radio Ch 12 on reaching the No 23 buoy. Vessels must use motor power when in the channel west of buoy No. 25. Do not proceed to the lock without pre-booking. If early for the lock moor in Warrenpoint pontoon. Do not tie up at the lock gates around low water as there are underwater obstructions. | |
| Victoria Lock | Ideally fender both sides and be ready to raft up. HW is approximately 10 minutes before Dublin HW. | |
| Newry | Three quarters of an hour in the canal takes you right into Newry. | |
| Enjoy a day moored right in the heart of Newry City (eighth largest city in Ireland) adjacent to shops, cafeterias and even a cinema. | ||
| Mon | Newry | Leave the Albert Basin 45 minutes before lock availability. (HW plus or minus one hour) |
| Victoria Lock | All vessels should call Warrenpoint Harbour Radio Ch 12 on exiting the lock and entering the Newry river. | |
| Skerries | Exiting the lock around HW should give a fair tide for exit from Carlingford Lough. |
SKERRIES SAILING CLUB CRUISING SECTION