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​Welcome to Widow's Row​

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Number 165 Widow's Row is a Northern Ireland Tourist Board approved, grade 2 listed property in a row of 12 delightful cottages. These were built following the fishing disaster of 1843, the worst that ever occurred around the shores of County Down .

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The row has since then remained one of the iconic images of Newcastle. With a backdrop of the Mourne Mountains and  uninterrupted panoramic views over the Harbour and the Dundrum Bay. It is conveniently situated at the Harbour end of the town. It is approximately a 15 minute leisurely walk to Newcastle town centre. However within a short walking distance (3 minutes) you will find The Harbour Inn, which serves food, Mackens Bar, and Olive Bizarre (coffee house) for your enjoyment. Access to the Mourne Mountains  is a 1 min walk from the cottage via Delarey Terrace or The Granite Trail.

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How Widow's Row Got It's Name

It was a clear wintry morning on Friday 13th January 1843 when the local fishing fleet, 10 Shiffs (boats) set out from Newcastle and 6 from Annalong. The weather, being unusually fine for the time of year, the fisherman decided to go a little farther beyond their normal fishing ground, some 7 or 8 miles out in the channel and according to reports they had “quite an uncommon take of fish”.  Weather conditions changed suddenly and dramatically  and the fleet was engulfed in gales and driving snow.

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46 fishermen from Newcastle perished in the disaster, leaving behind 27 widows , 118 children and 21 dependants. The cottages were built from the proceeds of a local collection which was set up to support the widows and children.​

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