Newry, Mourne and Down district covers the southern part of County Down and the city of Newry, with coastline on the Irish Sea and Carlingford Lough. The Mourne Mountains occupy a large central area, culminating in Slieve Donard, the highest peak in Northern Ireland. The Mourne Wall runs along the range and crosses fifteen summits, enclosing the Silent Valley Reservoir which supplies water to nearby towns. Newry sits where the Carlingford Lough approach meets the River Clanrye and the Newry Canal, opened in 1742, runs from the town toward the lough.
Downpatrick, Newcastle, Kilkeel and Warrenpoint are principal towns within the district, each linked to the landscape by fishing, maritime access or upland routes. Walking paths, reservoir tracks and coastal lanes connect small settlements and agricultural land. Local services include ferries, fish landings at Kilkeel and visitor facilities in mountain car parks. Administrative functions for the area are centred on the council in the city of Newry and offices in Downpatrick.
