The Misty Mournes

The Mourne Mountains are a range of granite mountains in County Down, and home of Northern Ireland’s tallest mountain, Slieve Donard. Slieve Donard is a mountain located near the town of Newcastle and stands at 2,790 ft. It is a tough climb to the peek of Slieve Donard but you are promised to have a breath-taking view of Northern Ireland and the Irish Sea. The bespoke mountain range is also home to the beyond tranquil Silent Valley Reservoir. Silent Valley is a reservoir used as the supply source for most of County Down and the majority of Belfast. The Valley, located in the Ring of Gullion is the most peaceful place in Northern Ireland, with the only sound being the odd dog bark in the distance and the calm sound of water falling down the reservoir. If you walk far enough you will come to Ben Crom Resevior, just two miles from Silent Valley, in the lows of Slieve Binnian. The walk is quite long, but you will find yourself walking for hours, with all distractions many miles away. Just outside the town of Newcastle, you will find Tollymore Forest Park. You could find anything in the forest, from a stoned path crossing a river, gothic style gate arches, tepees and a tiny medieval coned shaped building overlooking the river trail. You will not be disappointed by Tollymore Forest Park and if you crave to get back to reality, you can do some shopping in the of Newcastle, or maybe visit the Railway St. Coffee Shop for a bite to eat.

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