Bagenal's Castle Project

Rediscovery and Restoration

Remarkably, the Castle was not indicated on any OS map suggesting that it was largely forgotten by the 1830s. The celebrated Archaeological Survey of County Down, published in 1966, states that the Castle had long been destroyed even though knowledge of the building's historical significance had passed down several generations of staff at McCann's Bakery. It wasn't until the bakery had been sold that it was rediscovered by the Curator of Newry and Mourne Museum. The Environment and Heritage Service then scheduled the castle and entered into negotiations with the new owners to see how it could be accommodated in a new development.

Information gathered from excavations and surveys of the building have informed its restoration. We have been able to restore three of the original floor levels and many of the surviving features are highlighted throughout the exhibitions. One gallery is decorated in the style of a 16th century banqueting hall. This exciting development, which will have benefits for all of Newry and Mourne, is now open to the public.

We look forward to welcoming you here!