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The Quays Shopping Centre

A bright, modern shopping centre in Newry’s historic Albert Basin, offering major brands, a large supermarket and canal-side convenience for everyday and leisure shopping.

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The Quays Shopping Centre is a modern retail and leisure hub in the heart of Newry, County Down, overlooking the historic Albert Basin. Anchored by a large Sainsbury’s supermarket, it features a strong mix of well-known UK and Irish brands including Marks & Spencer, Next, River Island, H&M, Lush, Waterstones and Søstrene Grene. With over 1,300 parking spaces, a canal-side setting and convenient opening hours, it’s a popular destination for everyday shopping, family visits and casual dining in a bright, accessible environment.

A brief summary to The Quays Shopping Centre

  • 26 Bridge St, Newry, BT35 8QS, GB
  • +442830256000
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 9 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-9 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-9 pm
  • Friday 9 am-9 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday evenings if you prefer a quieter experience; the centre stays open until 21:00 and is less crowded than weekend afternoons.
  • Use the Shop Mobility service if you have difficulty walking long distances; electric scooters and wheelchairs are available for hire within the centre.
  • Bring both sterling and euros if you’re crossing the border; many retailers and parking machines accept both currencies, but having the local currency can speed up transactions.
  • Combine your shopping trip with a short walk along the Newry Canal; the quayside paths offer pleasant views and a peaceful contrast to the busy centre.
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Getting There

  • Train

    From Newry Train Station, the centre is a short, level walk of about 5 minutes along Bridge Street; the route is well signposted and suitable for luggage and mobility aids.

  • Bus

    From Newry Bus Station, it’s a 5–10 minute walk along Francis Street and Bridge Street; the path is mostly flat and well lit, with frequent services from Belfast, Dublin and surrounding towns.

  • Car

    From the M1 motorway, exit at Newry and follow signs to the city centre; the centre has over 1,300 parking spaces in multi-storey and surface car parks, with rates around £1–£2 per hour and longer stays available for a daily maximum.

  • Walking

    From Newry city centre, it’s a 5–10 minute walk along Bridge Street; the route is flat, well lit and busy, making it safe and convenient for pedestrians.

The Quays Shopping Centre location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
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Discover more about The Quays Shopping Centre

A Modern Retail Hub in Historic Newry

Nestled along the banks of the Newry Canal in the Albert Basin area, The Quays Shopping Centre blends contemporary retail with the city’s industrial heritage. Opened as a major redevelopment of the former quayside, the centre capitalises on Newry’s strategic position on the Belfast–Dublin corridor, drawing shoppers from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Its design incorporates large glass facades and open walkways, creating a bright, airy interior that feels more like a lifestyle destination than a traditional mall. The centre is anchored by a spacious Sainsbury’s supermarket, making it a practical stop for groceries and household essentials, while the surrounding retail units host a carefully curated mix of fashion, beauty, books and lifestyle brands. Stores such as Marks & Spencer, Next, River Island, H&M, Lush, Waterstones and Søstrene Grene offer a familiar, reliable shopping experience, appealing to a broad cross-section of visitors from students and families to professionals and tourists.

Shopping, Dining and Everyday Convenience

Beyond the big-name retailers, The Quays includes a range of smaller units offering accessories, mobile phones, health and beauty products, and specialty goods. The food court and café zone provide quick bites, coffee breaks and casual meals, with options ranging from sandwiches and salads to hot dishes and desserts. These spaces are particularly busy during lunchtimes and late evenings on midweek and Friday nights, when the centre stays open until 21:00. The layout is straightforward and accessible, with clear signage, wide corridors and level access throughout. Facilities include multiple cash machines, information points, public toilets (including accessible and family-friendly options), and a dedicated Shop Mobility service offering electric scooters and wheelchairs for those who need them. A courtesy phone and taxi rank near the main entrance add to the convenience, especially for visitors arriving by public transport or those with heavy shopping bags.

Canal-Side Setting and Practical Amenities

One of the centre’s distinctive features is its location on the historic Albert Basin, where the Newry Canal meets the city. While the shopping experience is largely indoors, the canal-side setting adds a subtle sense of place, with views of the water and surrounding quayside architecture visible from certain entrances and outdoor areas. This waterside context, combined with Newry’s role as a border town, gives The Quays a slightly different character from purely suburban malls, blending local commerce with regional retail appeal. Parking is a major advantage: over 1,300 spaces are available, including multi-storey and surface-level options, with designated spots for disabled visitors and parent-and-child bays. Payment is accepted in both sterling and euros, reflecting the cross-border trade, and the car parks are well-lit and monitored. The centre is also well served by Newry’s bus and train stations, making it easy to reach without a car, especially for day trips from nearby towns and cities.

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