Route

The Route

Stretching approximately 40 miles / 65km from Portadown to Carlingford, the North South
Way Peace Camino follows two connected walking and cycling routes: the Newry Canal
Towpath from Portadown to Newry, and the Carlingford Lough Greenway from Newry
towards Victoria Lock, Omeath and Carlingford.

Together, these routes create a continuous blue-green pathway linking canal paths, towns,
villages, shoreline and landscape across the island.

The journey follows the historic Newry Canal before transitioning through Newry City onto
the Carlingford Lough Greenway, continuing towards Victoria Lock, crossing the border,
and following the shoreline of Carlingford Lough through Omeath to the final destination in
Carlingford.

Key Locations Along the Route

Route Point	Approx. onward Distance
Portadown to Moneypenny’s Lock & Forge	approx. 2.9 miles / 3.2km
Moneypenny’s Lock to Terryhoogan Lock	approx. 5 miles / 6.5–8km
Terryhoogan Lock to Scarva	approx. 1 mile / 1.6km
Scarva to Poyntzpass	approx. 3 miles / 5km
Poyntzpass to Jerrettspass	approx. 4.5 miles / 7km
Jerrettspass to Newry	approx. 4.75 miles / 8km
Newry to Victoria Lock	approx. 3.5 miles / 5.6km
Victoria Lock to Omeath	approx. 3.7 miles / 6km
Omeath to St Jude’s Shrine/Greer’s Quay area	approx 1.4 miles / 2.42.km
Omeath to Carlingford Marina	approx. 4 miles / 8km total to Carlingford
Carlingford Marina to Carlingford village	approx. 0.6 miles / 1km

Starting Point: Portadown

The recommended starting point for the route is Bann Bridge on Bridge Street in
Portadown.
From here, the Newry Canal Towpath begins and leads south towards Newry. Walkers can
also access the towpath from nearby entry points, including behind the Tesco car park in
Portadown, making it easy to join the route at the beginning of the journey.

How to Get There

Portadown and Newry are both well served by train stations, allowing walkers to access
the route easily from either end of the Newry Canal section.

Walking the Newry Canal Towpath

From Portadown, walkers follow the Newry Canal Towpath along a mostly flat, waterside
route. The route passes Moneypenny’s Lock and Forge, Terryhoogan Lock, Scarva, Acton
Visitor Centre/Lough Shark, Poyntzpass, Jerrettspass and into Newry.
Features along this section include:
 restored and historic canal infrastructure
 locks, bridges and lock-keeper heritage
 rural canal landscape
 villages and local stopping points
 public art and interpretation pieces
 sections of the Ulster Way and National Cycle Network Route 9
The route is mainly off-road and shared use, so walkers should be aware of cyclists and
other users.

Transition Through Newry City

At Newry, the route moves from the Newry Canal Towpath onto the Carlingford Lough
Greenway. This is the main transition point along the Peace Camino.
On reaching Newry, walkers follow the signs for the city centre, arriving near the canal and
quayside area at Canal Quay. From here, the route continues through the city streets for a
short section before reconnecting with the greenway towards Victoria Lock.
From the canal, continue towards Canal Quay, passing close to Newry Bus Station. From
here, follow local signage towards the quayside and riverside path, continuing in the
direction of Victoria Lock and the Carlingford Lough Greenway. The route generally follows
the Newry Ship Canal and river corridor as it leaves the city.
If unsure, walkers are encouraged to check a map in advance or use a navigation app to
guide them through Newry before rejoining the off-road greenway.

Newry to Victoria Lock

From Newry, the route continues towards Victoria Lock, following the Newry Ship Canal
and river corridor.
This section forms part of the Carlingford Lough Greenway and is approximately ?miles /
6km in length, linking the city to the start of the loughshore route.
As you leave Newry, the landscape gradually opens out, transitioning from an urban canal
setting to wider views of the surrounding countryside and shoreline.

Crossing the border and walking the Carlingford Lough shoreline

From Victoria Lock, the route continues across the border towards Omeath and
Carlingford, following the Carlingford Lough Greenway.
This section forms part of a cross-border walking and cycling route linking Newry, Omeath
and Carlingford. It provides a safe and accessible pathway that supports active travel,
tourism and healthier lifestyles.
As the route continues, it moves between the Newry Ship Canal and Carlingford Lough.
The landscape opens out along the shoreline, offering views across the lough and
surrounding countryside.
The wider Carlingford Lough Greenway extends for approximately ? miles / 25km from
Newry through Omeath towards Carlingford, creating a continuous route along the
peninsula.

Omeath to Carlingford

From Omeath, the route follows the Carlingford Lough shoreline towards Carlingford,
covering approximately ? miles / 8km.
This final section brings walkers along the loughshore, with open views across Carlingford
Lough, the Cooley landscape and the Mourne Mountains beyond.
The journey finishes in Carlingford, a historic coastal village offering a range of
accommodation, places to eat, visitor services and opportunities to explore the area
further.

Practical Information for Walkers

Public Transport

 Portadown, Newry and Dundalk have train and bus stations.
 Carlingford offers a daily bus service between Dundalk and Newry from outside the
tourist office.
 Walkers should check Translink and Bus Éireann before travelling.

Refreshments

Refreshments and tiolet facilities are available in Portadown, Scarva, Sluice Keepers
Cottage at Acton Lake, Poyntzpass, Jerrettspass (check if any here) and Newry, Omeath,
Carlingford Marina and Carlingford.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available in towns and villages along or near the route, including
Portadown, the Banbridge and Scarva area, Newry, Omeath and Carlingford.
Walkers are advised to plan ahead and book accommodation in advance, particularly
during busy periods.
For the most up-to-date options, visitors can search using trusted accommodation and
tourism websites such as:
 Booking.com
 Airbnb
 Tripadvisor
For local and regional listings, the following tourism websites provide helpful information
and accommodation options:
 Tourism Northern Ireland
 Visit Carlingford (double check)
 Carlingford Tourist Office (double check)
These platforms offer a wide range of accommodation, including hotels, guesthouses,
B&Bs and self-catering options, helping walkers plan their journey in a way that suits their
needs.

The North South Way Peace Camino is a shared-use route. Please respect other walkers,
cyclists, local residents, wildlife, heritage sites and the natural environment. Take your
time, walk safely, and leave every place as you found it