Newcastle, County Down
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| Newcastle An Caislean Nua |
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| Province: | Ulster | |
| County: | County Down | |
| District: | Down | |
| Population (2001) | 7,444 | |
Newcastle (in Irish: An Caisleán Nua, ie The New Castle) is a small town in County Down, Northern Ireland. It had a population of 7,444 people in the 2001 Census. The seaside resort lies on the Irish Sea coast at the base of Slieve Donard, one of the Mountains of Mourne, and is known for its sandy beach and the Royal County Down Golf Club. The town lies within the Down District Council area.
The town has all the usual seaside attractions - amusements, restaurants and takeaways, caravan parks, a boating lake, a bowling green and golf course, harbour, parkland and promenade. It also has many pubs. It is twinned with New Ross, county wexford. The local Scouting Ireland scout troup is 'St Donards, 15th Down'.
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[edit] History
The name of the town derives from a castle (demolished in the 18th century) belonging to the Magennis family which stood at the mouth of the Shimna River.
[edit] The Troubles
For more information see The Troubles in Newcastle (Down), which includes a list of incidents in Newcastle during the Troubles resulting in two or more fatalities.
[edit] Places of interest
- The Mountains of Mourne lie south of the town and the local area includes the Tollymore Forest Park and Donard Park. The Shimna River flows through Tollymore Park and enters the sea at Newcastle.
- The Murlough nature reserve is situated between Dundrum and Newcastle. The rugged sand dunes and beach are National Trust property.
[edit] 2001 Census
Newcastle is classified as a Small Town by the NI Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) (ie with population between 4,500 and 10,000 people). On Census day (29 April 2001) there were 7,444 people living in Newcastle. Of these:
- 23.5% were aged under 16 years and 21.7% were aged 60 and over
- 47.4% of the population were male and 52.6% were female
- 69.3% were from a Catholic background and 28.4% were from a Protestant background
- 4.1% of people aged 16-74 were unemployed.
For more details see: NI Neighbourhood Information Service
[edit] Tourism
Newcastle was once one of Northern Ireland's top seaside towns. A factor in the town's decline has been pollution, mainly caused by a sewage outlet near the harbour end of the town's promenade. In the summer of 2006, a small section of the beach had to be cordoned off because of an accidental discharge into the Shimna River. The promenade in the town is undergoing redevelopment due to be completed in June 2007. The bulk of tourist visitors to the town come from Belfast and the surrounding area and many come in order to hike in the famous Mourne Mountains. The town is also famous for:
- Percy French - a songwriter
- slieve Donard Hotel - a four star hotel in the area, which has held host to many famous people
- Royal County Down Golf Course - The golf course in the town is one of the ten best in the world, and is said to be one of tiger woods favourite golf courses.
- Mourne Granite was quaried here for many years and shipped all round the world. It was used to make paving stones in many cities including London and New York. Mourne granite is also being used to make the base of the 9/11 memorial in New York.
[edit] Nightlife
Newcastle is currently a popular spot for going out for people from the surrounding areas. Popular local bars include Quinns, Donard, The Anchor and O'Hares/Coast(previously known as Central Park)being the main nightclub attraction
[edit] Local Schools
- Shimna Integrated College
- St Mary's Primary School - Formerly 'St Mary's Boys Primary School' and 'St Mary's Girls Primary School.' The School is currently split over two sites, one for younger children and one for older children.
- Newcastle Primary School
- All Children's Integrated Primary
- Newcastle Technical College
