Newry and Mourne Museum

Established in 1986, Newry and Mourne Museum aims to provide a dynamic and inclusive recreational and educational resource reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the local area. The Museum is located at Bagenal's Castle an early example of a defended residence. The castle was built in the 16th century in the environs of the site of a 12th century Cistercian abbey. Due to constant adaptation over the centuries, the building's exact location was concealed especially when purchased by Arthur McCann Ltd in 1894 and converted into a bakery. The castle has now been sympathetically restored with many original features interpreted for the visitor.

The permanent exhibitions highlight the museum's diverse collection which include material relating to prehistory; Newry's Cistercian foundations; Ulster's Gaelic Order and its relationship with the English Crown; the building of a merchant town and the first summit level canal in the British Isles; the working life and folk traditions of rural and mountain areas; and modern experiences of a Border area.

The two temporary exhibition areas allow the Museum to stage exhibitions that offer a more in depth look at aspects of local history and provide an opportunity to showcase the breadth of artefacts and documents that local people have donated.