the mourne mountains

The Mourne Mountains

Newcastle
Down
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The Mountains of Mourne are a product of the Ice Age and even though they were formed over 50 million years ago, they are comparatively 'young' mountains. Few areas of similar extent can show such a variety of topography, landforms, coast forms and human history or such bold contrasts of mountain, lowland and sea; yes, the Mountains of Mourne really do 'sweep down to the sea'.
Within a 25-mile circle 12 summits rise to over 2,000 feet, and includes Northern Ireland's highest mountain, Slieve Donard. The Mournes are unusual in that their summits are grouped together in a compact area only 7 miles in breadth, so that the motorist sees a changed panorama almost every mile.
No road traverses the central area (called 'the wilderness'), making the mournes perfect for the walker along tracks through heather, by lakes and streams and with birdsong and tumbling water as the only sounds. This is also Northern Ireland's favourite area for rock-climbing. <

Description
The Mourne Wall
Access - Important Information

Description

Apart from the wild and beautiful scenery, the walker can look for: the Diamond Rocks, where glittering crystals can be seen in the veined rock; the Silent Valley and Ben Crom reservoirs; the great cave of Cove Mountain; high-up little Lough Shannagh with a sandy beach; the colourful Red Moss above Rostrevor, and any other natural features of interest.

The Mourne Wall

Description1 Picture of The Mourne Mountains

The Mourne Wall

It took over 18 years to complete this granite masterpiece. Between 1904-1922 many skilled people were employed seasonally to build the wall which stands up to 8 ft. high and 3 ft. wide. It is 22 miles in length and connects the summits of no less than 15 mountains including Slieve Donard (850 m). The wall is still intact and often used as a marker for walkers. For the non hill-walker the beginning and end of the wall can be seen at the Silent Valley Reservoir.

Access - Important Information

Most upland areas of the Mournes are open to the public, not by right, but by traditional let. Below approximately 600 feet (180 m) most of the land is privately owned, and is farmed or grazed. The traditional access routes which lead into the Mournes cross land owned by the farming community and pass along farm lanes and quarry tracks to reach the high ground. In most cases these routes DO NOT have the statues of a public right of way.
Naturally it is of major concern that good relations are maintained with local people. Observing this Simple 'Mourne Sense' code will help enormously but walkers - and others who use the hills for recreation - should also be aware of the following facts.
Throughout the Mournes access is permitted on foot only.
Dogs must be kept on a lead or under utmost close control.
A farmer has the right to shoot a dog which is worrying sheep.
Local councils are responsible for the maintenance and recording of rights of way.