The Showgrounds

The Showgrounds although located on an industrial estate, is still in a pleasant setting with a number of hills being visible beyond each end. The Showgrounds itself is a mixture of the new and the old. On one side is the modern looking Main Stand. Opened in 2001, this smart looking all seated covered stand, is free of any supporting pillars and has a capacity of 650 seats. It is raised above pitch level meaning that supporters need to climb a small set of steps to enter it. This stand runs half the length of the pitch and straddles the halfway line. It contains in its centre the players’ tunnel and has the team dugouts located out front. On one side of this stand, is a simple looking covered area, whilst the other side is unused for spectators as such apart from standing along the perimeter fence of the playing area. Opposite is a very old looking small covered stand, that I believe is now unused. To either side are large areas of open terrace that have a number of crush barriers installed on them.

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, whilst 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 £11
Concessions £7
Under 16’s Free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Matchday Programme £2.

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

Warrenpoint Town.

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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.