Newcastle Beach — Attraction in Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

Lovely place , so romantic. The name of the town is thought to derive from the castle built by Felix Magennis of the Magennis clan in 1588, which stood at the mouth of the Shimna River. This castle was demolished in 1830.4 The town is referred to as New Castle in the Annals of the Four Masters in 1433, so it is likely that he built on the site of an existing structure.68]

The Montgomery Manuscripts record that Newcastle was besieged and later captured by Sir James Montgomery of the Ards in April 1642 in the aftermath of the 1641 Rebellion (pp. 128–134). Prior to 1641 the Castle belonged to the Magennis', but after the rebellion the property was confiscated and granted to Robert Hawkins, great grandfather to Robert Hawkins who assumed the surname of Magill. The date 1588 was inscribed on a stone placed over the front entrance of the Castle, built by Felix Magenis. Newcastle passed from the Magills to the Mathews, and subsequently to the Annesleys. In the late 1700s the Castle was modernised by the Matthews and then the Annesleys, and rented by the Board of Customs for the accommodation of revenue officers. Around 1830 the castle was demolished and the 'Annesley Arms Hotel' was constructed within the original castle compound. The 3rd Earl Annesley built a new 'marine residence', called 'Donard Lodge' on the lower mountain slope above the town (it was demolished in 1966). St. John's Church was also opened on 'The Rock' in 1832 to accommodate the visitors and growing population in Earl Annesley's developing seaside resort.

The Newcastle fishing disaster occurred on 13 January 1843 when boats from Newcastle and Annalong set out for the usual fishing stations, and were caught in a gale. 14 boats were lost in the heavy seas including a boat which had gone to the rescue. Only two boats survived, the Victoria and the Brothers.[9] 73 men perished, 46 of whom were from Newcastle. They left twenty-seven widows, one hundred and eighteen children, and twenty-one dependents. A Public Subscription was raised and the cottages, known as Widows Row, were built for the widows and dependents.[10 A local song about the disaster says "Newcastle town is one long street entirely stripped of men"[12]

In 1910 Harry Ferguson flew a small plane across Newcastle beach in one of the first engine powered flights by aircraft in Ireland. He completed the flight in an attempt to win a £100 prize offered by the town for the first powered flight along the strand. His first take off ended badly, but according to a modern newspaper report 'He flew a distance of almost three miles along the foreshore at a low altitude varying between fifty and five hundred feet'. This event is recorded by a plaque on...

Newcastle Beach is a jewel in Northern Ireland's crown. This sprawling beach offers something for everyone, whether you're a family seeking seaside fun, an adventurer craving stunning scenery, or a nature lover wanting a tranquil escape.

The star of the show is the beach itself. With soft, golden sand stretching for miles, it's perfect for building sandcastles, lounging with a book, or taking a refreshing dip in the Irish Sea. The water is clean and clear, and lifeguards patrol during summer, making it a safe haven for splashing around.

For the active crowd, the options are endless. Hike or bike along the scenic Newcastle Beach Walk, taking in the breathtaking views of the Mourne Mountains. Kite flying is a popular activity here – the wide-open space and steady breezes make it ideal for sending your colorful creations soaring. And for something truly unique, explore the Murlough National Nature Reserve, a haven for wildlife and home to over 600 species of butterflies!

After a day of fun, one can grab some delicious fish and chips from one of the many cafes or...

Newcastle Beach in Northern Ireland is a beautiful and popular coastal destination located in the town of Newcastle, County Down. It lies at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, with Slieve Donard, the highest peak in Northern Ireland, providing a stunning backdrop.

The beach itself features a mix of sand and pebbles, stretching for several miles along the Irish Sea. It's a great spot for walking, especially along the promenade, which offers lovely views of the sea and mountains. The area is known for its natural beauty and is popular for activities like swimming, beachcombing, and picnicking. The nearby Murlough National Nature Reserve, a protected sand dune system, is a great place for nature walks and birdwatching.

Newcastle town is a charming seaside resort with plenty of amenities, including cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it a great destination for a day trip or a longer stay. The combination of the beach, the Mourne Mountains, and the friendly town atmosphere makes Newcastle Beach a must-visit location in...