Northern Ireland Water has provided a number of visitor facilities at the site including an information centre, conference centre and education centre – all housed in two old colonial-style bungalows and enjoying delightful views over the parkland.

Three new walking routes within the Silent Valley were launched in 2014: the all-ability loop, the reservoir loop and the viewpoint loop. These demonstrate the history and heritage of the site, such as the Mourne Wall and the Binnian Tunnell.

Mourne Wall
The famous Mourne Wall was constructed to enclose the reservoir’s catchment area, built between 1904 and 1922 by the Belfast Water Commissioners.

The wall was crafted from natural granite stone using traditional dry stone walling techniques. On average the wall is about 1.5 metres high and 0.8 to 0.9 metres thick. It is 22 miles (35 km) long and passes over fifteen of the Mourne’s summits. Many walkers use the wall as a marker.

Facilities
Catering
Picnic Area Tea-room/Cafe onsite

Parking & Transport
On-site parking

Location

Silent Valley Mountain Park, Head Road, Ballymartin, Newry BT34 4PU