The Showgrounds

The Showgrounds, although situated on an industrial estate, still enjoys a pleasant setting, with a number of hills visible beyond each end. The ground itself is a mixture of old and new features. On one side sits the modern Main Stand, which opened in 2001. This smart, all-seated covered stand is free from supporting pillars and has a capacity of 650 seats. It is elevated above pitch level, meaning supporters must climb a short set of steps to access it. The stand runs for around half the length of the pitch and is centred on the halfway line. It houses the players’ tunnel in the middle, with the team dugouts positioned directly in front.

At one end of the stand is a simple covered area, while the other side is not used for spectators, aside from standing along the perimeter fence of the pitch. Opposite is a small, very old-looking covered stand, which is believed to be unused. At either end of the ground are large open terraces fitted with a number of crush barriers.

At the Canal End is another modern covered all-seated stand that was constructed in 2011. It has a capacity of 600 seats located in six rows. Oddly towards the old stand side of the ground, there is an empty block, which looks as it if should have had seats installed but was never completed. The Clubhouse End opposite is a strange mix of a covered standing area on one side, while the other side is unused for spectators. In-between is a large two storey building that looks out of place at a football ground, being more reminiscent of a residential house. The Showgrounds has a set of four modern looking floodlights.

Away fans are housed in the Canal End Stand. This stand is an all-seated one which is six rows high. It is covered with a roof and is cantilevered, meaning that it is free of any supporting pillars that could impede your view. It has a capacity of 600 seats.

Fans can normally make a good amount of noise from this end. In addition, if demand requires it, then the open terraces on the side of the ground that houses the old unused stand can also be allocated to visiting supporters.

There is a clubhouse at the Showgrounds which normally admits visiting fans unless it is a high-profile match.

From the A1 take the A2 exit, signposted Newry, Warrenpoint and Mourne Coastal Route. Then take the A2 towards Newry. On reaching the edge of the town centre you will cross two small bridges, after which you turn right towards Warrenpoint (Kilmorey Street A2). At the next roundabout take the second exit into the Greenbank Industrial Estate. The take the first left just before the Newry Shamrocks Gaelic Football Ground. You will reach the entrance to the Showgrounds further along on the right. There is a fair sized car park at the ground which is free, otherwise, there is plenty of street parking available nearby.

Newry Train Station is around two-and-a-half miles away from the Showgrounds and is probably too far to walk. Best to take a taxi from the station to the ground and to book one back for after the match. Newry Railway Station is served by trains from Belfast Central and Dublin Connolly.

Adults – £9
Concessions – £6
Aged between 12-16 – £4

Matchday Programme – £2

Newry City AFC Fixture List (takes you to the Newry City AFC website)

Warrenpoint Town are viewed as the biggest rivals of AFC Newry City.

If you require hotel accommodation in Newry then first try a hotel booking service provided by Booking.com. They offer all types of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets from; Budget Hotels, Traditional Bed & Breakfast establishments to Five Star Hotels and Serviced Apartments. Plus their booking system is straightforward and easy to use. Yes this site will earn a small commission if you book through them, but it will help towards the running costs of keeping this Guide going.

Official Website: www.newrycityafc.co.uk

If there is anything that needs to be updated or if you have something to add to the Guide to the Showgrounds Newry City then please email me at: [email protected].

Special thanks to Owen Pavey for providing the photos of the Showgrounds Newry City.