Mourne Mountains: Sightseeing

Newcastle & Slieve Donard

The town of Newcastle is approximately 4 miles from the holiday cottage and provides a wide range of eating, drinking and sightseeing options. Most famous for its location at the foot of Slieve Donard, which at 852m is the highest of the Mourne Mountain range and the 4th highest mountain in Ireland. Newcastle is also home to a world class golf course, the royal County Down - anyone wishing to play on the course must contact the club secretary in advance.

The Mourne Wall

The Mourne Wall was built to enclose the catchment area of the Silent Valley Reservoir. It took almost 18 years to complete due to its 22 mile length and route through the rough terrain of the Mourne Mountains - it traverses 15 different mountains overs its entire length. Built using granite from the Mourne Mountains themselves it stands 1.5metres high and approximately 0.9 metres wide.Top of Page

Tollymore & Castlewellan Forest Parks

The main entrance to Tollymore Forest Park is located approximately 1mile from Newcastle. The park covers over 630 Hectres and offers miles of walking trails - including the "long haul" a daunting 8 mile trek through the forest and mountains.

Castlewellan Forest Park, slightly smaller at 450 Hectres, has a large lake as its focal point. It is also home to the "Peace Maze" - the largest maze in the world! Top of Page

The Silent Valley

The Silent Valley is a Mountain Park located high in the Mourne Mountains - it is contained by the Mourne Wall (see above). The area is the main source of water to County Down and a large part of Belfast - the Silent Valley & Ben Crom Reservoirs provide 30 million Gallons daily.

An estimated 50,000 visitors a year visit the park to enjoy the breathtaking landscape, varied wildlife and the peace and solitude of the mountains. Top of Page

Murlough Nature Reserve

Located just outside the town of Newcastle (5 miles from the holiday cottage), the Murlough Nature Reserve covers 697 acres. A large portion of this area is made up of an extensive dune system which can be explored via a series of pathways and boardwalks between the dunes.

Murlough is home to a wide variety of wildlife including Grey Seals and 22 different species of butterfly - some extremely rare. Top of Page