Nestled between Co. Down on it’s northern shores and the Cooley Peninsula, Co. Louth on the South, the area around Carlingford Lough is one of outstanding natural beauty. Steeped in legend and history the area has something for everyone. We hope our website helps you to explore and fall in love with all it has to offer.

Our photo of the week is this beautiful winter scene at Narrow Water Keep. It was taken by Martin Hesketh. After working in the NHS in London for over 30 years, Martin and his wife Julie retired early to live life. They moved back from London to Fermanagh last Christmas and Martin decided to spend a few years photographing all of Ireland. He is enjoying this so much and communicating with lots of new people. You can follow Martin on Instagram @hesketh_martin and on Facebook Martin Hesketh Photography and see some more of his lovely shots on his journey photographying our beautiful country.

There has been a keep on the site of Narrow Water since 1212. It was originally built by Hugh de Lacy to help prevent attacks on Newry along the river as part of the areas Norman fortifications. The current building is a 16th century tower house and bawn (defensive wall) and it is regarded as one of the best preserved in Ireland. It was built by the Magennis family in the 1560’s who owned it until 1670. It was then sold to the Hall family who owned it until 1956 when it was given into state care. Narrow Water Keep was three stories high with an attic. The ground floor was used for storage, the first may have been used as a guardroom. The second floor would have been the main chamber. As the name suggests, Narrow water keep is near a relatively narrow stretch of the Clanrye (Newry) River which flows into Carlingford Lough.