St Laurence's Church

St Laurence's Church sits at the heart of Newry, a solid Georgian structure that's been watching over the town since 1578. The interior's where it gets interesting - if you manage to get in during open hours, you'll find yourself looking at some genuinely fine woodwork and a feel that's properly lived-in rather than museumified.

This isn't the sort of place where you'll spend hours. Twenty minutes, maybe thirty if you're into church architecture and want to read the memorials. It's best suited to history buffs or anyone doing a walking tour of Newry's town centre - you'll pass it naturally enough if you're exploring the streets around the canal.

The practical side: opening times aren't entirely reliable, so ringing ahead makes sense if you've got your heart set on seeing it. Entry is free, assuming you can get someone to let you in. Don't expect a visitor centre or facilities.

For a caravan holiday in the area, base yourself at Kilbroney Park just outside town and use Newry as a jumping-off point for exploring the Mourne Mountains. The church is a worthwhile ten-minute stop while you're picking up supplies or grabbing lunch, but it's not a reason to choose the region on its own. Pair it with walks around Newry's waterfront and a proper mooch around the town, and it slots into a decent day out.