Newry Maritime Association

07/07/2026

07/07/2026

A Tribute to Boyds Stores — Newry’s Oldest Independent Traders

We are proud to share this beautifully compiled booklet celebrating the remarkable history of Boyds Stores, a name that has been part of Newry’s commercial life since 1879.

From the early Boyd family roots on Church Street, through generations of resilience, rebuilding, innovation and service, this booklet tells the story of a family business that has stood the test of time and remained deeply woven into the fabric of Newry.

Compiled by James McArevey for the Newry Maritime Association, it is a fitting tribute to one of Newry’s most recognised and respected independent traders.

A story of family, enterprise, faith, hardship and legacy and a reminder of the people and businesses that helped shape the town we know today.

Boyds Stores a true Newry institution.

On Sunday 28th June, NMA, hosted a very successful event to acknowledge Boyds Stores as Newry's oldest independent traders. Established by Patrick Russell Boyd in 1879, the firm is now in the 4th generation of family ownership with Andrew Maguire Boyd at the helm.

NMA published a leaflet charting the development of the business over 147 years and we are pleased to print it below in full.

03/07/2026

Newry Maritime Association was delighted to make a presentation to the Captain of The Waverly Paddle Steam Ship on our recent trip on the vessel.
The Waverly had another very successful trip to Warrenpoint and hope to return next year.

03/07/2026

BOYDS STORES CIVIC TRIBUTE

NEWRYS OLDEST INDEPENDENT TRADERS

On Sunday 28the June NMA hosted a well-attended tribute at Boyds' premises at 14 John Mitchel Place when the Chairperson of Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, Councillor Glynn Hanna, unveiled a bespoke commemorative plaque.
The Boyd family from Church Street were a wealthy mercantile family, and their commercial activities can be traced back over 200 years. Andrew Boyd had a portfolio of diverse business interests. He owned an extensive brick works, a cornmill, a hardware and farm supplies business, publican and grocer, landowner and landlord.

25/06/2026

A Town Built on Trade
By the mid-1800s, Newry had become a thriving port town.

Goods arrived and departed daily through the Port of Newry, while passenger services connected local people to Liverpool and Glasgow.

The canal extensions to Victoria Lock and the Albert Basin helped establish Newry as a centre of global trade and ambition.

Many local businesses were built during this period and some still stand today.

On 28th June, we honour one of those enduring family names.

Join us on:

🗓️ Sunday 28th June

⏰ 1pm

📍 Boyd's Stores Hill Street

Everyone is welcome!

25/06/2026

Generations of Commitment
Long before online shopping and supermarkets, local family businesses were the heartbeat of communities.

Through changing times, economic challenges, and the closure of the commercial port in 1974, some businesses continued to serve the people of Newry generation after generation.

The Boyd family is one of those stories.

Now in their 4th generation of family ownership, their contribution to Newry’s commercial history deserves to be recognised and celebrated.

Join us on Sunday 28th June for this special tribute event hosted by NMA.

24/06/2026

⏰. CHANGE OF TIME. ⏰

OUR CIVIC HERITAGE TRIBUTE TO BOYD'S STORES WILL NOW TAKE PLACE AT 1pm.

18/06/2026

Join us to recognise and celebrate BOYDS STORES

EVERYONE WELCOME