27/10/2026
Guided Shared Natural Heritage Peace Walk Two
Our second Guided Shared Heritage Peace Walk took us from Poyntzpass to the Sluicekeeper’s Cottage at Acton Lake, exploring the history, natural environment and habitats we share along the beautiful Newry Canal.
Along the way, we discovered how the canal connected places and communities through trade and transport. We learned about Moody’s Lock and the story of the Nora, a canal lighter that carried goods along the waterway. Her anchor now stands in Poyntzpass as a reminder of the people and boats that once worked on the canal.
At the Sluicekeeper’s Cottage, we learned about Acton Lake’s role in supplying water to the canal’s highest section and the work of the sluicekeeper in managing water levels.
As we walked, we enjoyed the wildlife, plants and natural habitats along the canal, sharing stories and making connections. Exploring the places, history and environment we have in common gave us an opportunity to learn from one another, discover shared interests and build friendships across communities.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our two-part Shared Heritage Peace Walks series. We would also like to thank Paul O’Neill and the volunteers from the Newry and Portadown branch of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) for their wonderful hospitality and for the informative guided walks along this beautiful section of our shared landscape.
We would also like to thank the Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund for its support in delivering REACT’s Pathway to Peace Project.
