because it formed an important pass into the province of Ulster. In the rebellion in 1641, it was almost reduced to ruins. After the restoration, it was rebuilt, and soon resumed its former splendour. But in 1689, it was again reduced to ashes by the Duke of Berwick, in his retreat from the Duke of Schomberig. The local situation of Newry however surmounted this second destruction, and during later periods it rapidly arose into distinction.

But

The growing attention of the country to every source of natural wealth, gave birth to an inland trade. the Newry Canal was the principal cause of its population, trade, and opulence. The access was thereby rendered safe and commodious for vessels of sixty tons burthen. An extensive trade, both with interior and foreign markets was begun, numerous manufactures were established, the produce of a fertile country flowed to the markets of Newry, and she became the first town of the county.

every where celebrated.

The extensive butter trade is

The prices are very encour

aging, and it has been supplied even from the county of Sligo. The linen market is the second in Ulster, producing near five thousand of weekly sales; and the annual export in this trade is valued at about two hundred thousand pounds.

The town is also adorned with several elegant buildings. The new barracks is a splendid edifice, and one of the best in his Majesty's dominion. It was originally built by the linen merchants for a hall, but the purpose was abandoned, and it was sold to government. The old barrack house on the other hand was convert

The theatre is celebrated

ed into the custom house. for its elegance. Two handsome stone bridges have been thrown over the river, one of six arches on the road to Dublin, and another of ten on that to Armagh.

The Newry Canal, which runs along the southern boundary, is perhaps one of the first in the kingdom. The advancement of the agriculture, and the convey. ance of coals from, the Tyrone coalieries, suggested this communication. The canal is cut from Carlingford Bay, and joining the Newry Water embraces the Upper Bann at Portadown, which continues the navigation to Lough Neagh, and a ramification extends to the Tyrone coalieries. This canal carries vessels from fifty to sixty tons burthen, but from the deficiency of capital to work the mines, from selfish interest, and from the imposition of some concerned, it has not prodaced the expected advantages. But although the original object has been greatly perverted, yet the manufactures and the country in general have received essential benefit, displayed in the busy manufactures, the thriving towns and villages which appear along this line.

The town of Newry, together with the adjoining lands form a lordship, singularly remarkable for civil and ecclesiastical privileges. This barony was enjoyed by a series of descendants, from Sir Nicholas Bagnall, until vested in two ladies, between whom it was divided at their marriage. The Earl of Uxbridge and Mr Needham are the present possessors. The manor of Mourne appertains to the former, and the Lordship of Newry to the latter. Mr Needham retains the immunities of the old cathedral, as well as the civil privileges of the

ancient lords of the barony. He is the rector of the parish, receives the tythes, and appoints a vicar under him, and his ecclesiastical jurisdiction has hitherto been independent of the bishop. He is also empowered to marry, grant probates to wills, to hold courts, baron and leet, and neither Sheriff nor the judge of assize bas jurisdiction in his territory, and he can retain any fine and recognisances to the crown. Some of these extraordinary privileges Mr Needham has conceded to the crown, under a power of reversion. It is however pleasing to remark, that although invested with such power, his character as a superior is generous and indulgent.

Two miles north of Newry, on the banks of the cas nal, there is a celebrated pagan relique, supposed to be one of the earliest monuments of antiquity, and the ruins of a Druidical temple; situated on a gentle eminence, encircled with huge upright stones, which are again surrounded by a sloping bank, the whole covering near a rood of ground. At Crown Bridge, over the river above Newry, is the celebrated Crown Rath, where, according to tradition, was fought a single combat between two Princes competitors for a royal territory. The name of the bridge and rath, as well as the appearance of the structure, give probability to this legendary tale. It is situated on the summit of a pleasant island on Newry water, and the adjacent country exhibits many beautiful scenes, Towards the confines the country is bold and woody, and these scenes are rendered interesting to the traveller by the long con

tested wars, of the Earl of Tyrone with the English.

This elevated and woody country, formed a strong natural barrier between the counties of Down and Armagh, passable only at four places, which were alternately in the hands of the English and the rebels. Newry was the first of these passes; Tuscans Pass was the next; the position was strong, and protected by a castle, some faint traces of which still remain. A little farther on, is Poyntz Pass, so called from the position being forced by Lieutenant Poyntz, with a few English troops against a superior number of the rebels. This bravery was rewarded with a considerable grant of land in the county of Armagh. The last of these formidable positions is Scarragh Pass, anciently called Glan Flush, strongly secured by a large bog.

Not far north of Scarragh Pass, lies the market town of Lough Brickland, flourishing by the manufacture of linen. Rathfryland, a handsome village, is situated to the north east on the main post road. The ruins of a castle formerly one of the strong holds of the Magennesis Lords of Iveach, are beheld on a hill above the town. Lissize is a pleasant seat of the Clan William family. This neighbourhood abounds with granite of a close texture, and fit for building. The Bann glides through this part of the country, and adds to its beauty. Bann Bridge is a neat market town, seated on its banks, where two large horse fairs are held, and an extensive manufacture of brown linen is carried on. The vale which expands from Bann Bridge by Gilford along the banks of this river, crowded with bleach

greens, and the receding heights, adorned with waving woods, unite to form a most delightful scene.

Gilford is a handsome market post town, inhabited by a number of wealthy linen drapers. In the adjoining villages, the linen as well as cambric manufacture is very extensive. Near Garvoghy we trace a ramification of the Laggan, and at a short distance from Dromore it is joined by another from the barony of Kinilarty. Dromore is a bishop see of more ancient dignity than modern importance. The bishopric is worth above two thousand pounds per annum. Flowing onward, the Laggan washes the pleasant villages of Marelin and Moira, supported by the linen manufacture. At the latter is situated the domain of the Earl of Moira, the much respected commander in chief of Scotland. The mansion is surrounded with elegant pleasure grounds, well wooded and decorated with several artificial sheets of water. The village is beautifully situated and inhabited by several opulent merch

ants.

Here are good

every

Some miles to the north-east, lies the neat market town of Ballynahinch. In its vicinity there are two excellent spa wells, the one a chalybeate, and the other of a sulphurated hydrogenous quality. baths, and an elegant ball room, and accomodation to the numerous visitors. Montalto, the elegant seat of the Earl of Moira, is in the vicinity. Saintfield is also a well built village, chiefly inhabited by linen weavers. Towards Killy'eagh, the country is adorned with several elegant family seats.

The country in this vicinity,

G