Newcastle & Slieve Donnard
The Mourne Mountains
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It is only when actually viewed that one can fully
appreciate the words of the Percy French song which includes the lines "Where
the Mountains of Mournes sweep down to the sea". Found in the south
of the county these impressive heather clad mountains of granite are a
gentle and graceful reminder of the power of nature. Newcastle & Slieve Donnard |
| Slieve Donnard standing at 2,796 Ft is the highest mountain in the Mournes range and also the highest mountain in Northern Ireland. It offers spectacular views from the summit towards England Scotland and Ireland yet the ascent to the top from the coastal town of Newcastle is on average only a 2 hour ramble. The views from here easily exceed the effort required to react the top. | |
| The Mourne Mountains are also home to the Silent Valley reservoir. The Silent Valley is surrounded by the Mourne Wall a 22 mile stone boundary wall. Built in the 1900s to enclose the silent valley which was dammed to create the reservoir which supplies most of Northern Ireland's water. This is an excellent walk for the more ambitious walker linking the main peaks in the area. |
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| Tullymore Forest Park offers nature trails and walks along the River Shimmna for those looking for a quiter relaxed pace as do several other Forest Parks in the area. Only one hours drive from Belfast the Mournes offers an exciting get away that leaves the city hustle and bustle seem much further away. |