"Making Waves: Newry's rise as a global trade centre"

Making Waves: Newry’s Rise as a Global Trade Centre
Discover how Newry became an important centre of international trade at Making Waves: Newry’s Rise as a Global Trade Centre, a new temporary exhibition at Newry and Mourne Museum.

Opening to the public on Friday 16 October 2026 from 2pm, the exhibition explores how goods arriving from around the world transformed everyday life in and around the Port of Newry.

Newry’s Maritime and Trading History
The exhibition tells the story of Newry’s development as a busy trading port and examines the impact maritime commerce had on the town and surrounding area.

Visitors can discover how imported goods influenced local life and how the growth of international trade created employment for generations of people.

The exhibition explores the experiences of:

Merchants
Sailors
Dock workers
Customs officers
Other workers connected with Newry’s port and trading economy
From Local Port to Global Marketplace
As maritime trade expanded, Newry became increasingly connected with ports and markets around the world.

Making Waves traces this transformation through museum artefacts, historical information and interpretation displays, helping visitors understand how international trade influenced Newry’s economy, workforce and communities.

The exhibition offers an accessible introduction to the people and industries that helped establish Newry as a significant commercial and maritime centre.

Exhibition Information
Opening date: Friday 16 October 2026
Opening time: From 2pm
Venue: Newry and Mourne Museum
Admission: Free

Museum Opening Hours
Tuesday to Saturday: 10am to 4.30pm

Visitors can explore the exhibition during normal museum opening hours after its launch.

Whether you are interested in Newry history, maritime heritage, the Port of Newry or Northern Ireland’s trading past, Making Waves: Newry’s Rise as a Global Trade Centre offers a fascinating look at the global connections that helped shape the city.