silent valley and ben crom reservoirs

Have to say I was very surprised at the £4.50 entrance fee but went in anyway. Amazing scenery, litter free and silent. A great place to relax, be at peace and enjoy our beautiful country. Apart from the natural beauty there wasn't anything else when we went. The coffee shop was closed which was a shame. Learnt a lot about the origins of the dam. Good afternoon out. Signage could be a little bit clearer.

We have been here many times but I have never thought to leave a review before now. I would love more people to visit this beautiful place and on a clear day you can see right into the south of Ireland. It is located in the Mourne Mountains which has been rightly designated an area of outstanding natural beauty.The route begins in the main car park reached through the gates on the Head Road on the south side of the Mournes. The Silent Valley is sign posted for drivers travelling south from Newcastle and north from Kilkeel. The Mourne Rambler bus departs from Newcastle bus depot on a regular basis during the summer months. Toilets and refreshments available during summer months and public holidays at Silent Valley restaurant and information centre or in nearby Kilkeel. The area immediately below the Silent Valley Dam has been landscaped to provide pleasant surroundings with a spectacular mountain backdrop, and a 2 1/2 km circular walk. Walk from the car park towards the dam, taking the higher road leading to the parapet.The restaurant and information centre are reached by paths leading to the left. At the parapet turn left to cross the width of the dam. Work on the dam began in 1932 and was finished ten years later. It is of earth and rock construction, and captures the waters of the Kilkeel River valley and the Annalong River valley to the east via a 3.6 km tunnel under Slieve Binnian, the rocky, crested mountain to the east.Well worth a visit if you are planning to visit lovely Newcastle and the Mourne mountains area.

Quite and peaceful. You can walk on the level or wander on the paths into the mountains,. Great for photography

It is amazing to read about the history of the Silent Valley dam, reservoir and the Mourne Wall, plus to remember the eight people who gave their lives so that the people of NI today could have water, particularly when you read about the working conditions and the 56-mile conduit pipe still serving all of Belfast. Lovely place to walk on trails, which are well planned and sign-posted, and provide a range of levels. 10/10!

Went a walk up here last Sunday, and it was just beautiful! Great scenery, nice walk, well sign posted, a must see if you are up this direction.

Well worth the £4.50 car charge in, my children enjoyed the walk and fed the ducks and played on the park.. Lovely and peaceful.. Enjoyable

I've been walking in the Mournes a few times before but had never been at Silent Vally itself. I wish I had. The walk up to Ben Crom reservoir is absolutely beautiful and is actually really flat until about half a mile from the end. No cars or noise. Stunning. All walks are clearly marked and I found the visitors centre really interesting. There was a small charge to park the car but I think it was worth it. We'll definitely return in the summer.If you're in the area make the effort to get here. You won't be disappointed.

if you come to the annalong area then you must make a trip to the silent valley it is truly a splendid space a real haven for walking and relaxing and family time

Well worth the £4-50 car admission charge to experience this beautiful and quiet valley and dam. There are a variety of trails to follow. It is especially lovely in the winter with snow on the mountains. Toilets are open but no cafes this time of year. On the bonus side less people, which makes for a quiet, reflective, and peaceful visit.

Amazing Sunday trip. Trials very good prepaired. There is couple for choice. Silence and landscapes cure a mind and soul:) Entrance fee 5€ per car. Instead you are gettig folder with maps and information. Playground, toilettes, car park, picnic area with tables for bbq ready spaces. Highly recommended

Have meant to go here for quite a while . The scenery is beautiful and the walks are great . We walked up to Ben Crom and got the bus back as it was getting late in the afternoon . It is one of those places that you just enjoy the screen and be amazed at the work that was taken to actually create the Dams. No bulldozers or high powered machinery . A Northern Irish jem.

If you like a good peaceful walk with good views etc then this is just the ticket. If you dont want alot of children then going off season is the best time to go but if thats the case you'll have to bring your own picnic & drinks since the facilities will be closed. Still a small price to pay for the peaceful surroundings.

Been here time and time again as a child and not one thing has changed. its beautifull, its quiet and just a nice place to be.

The entry charge was a little sore, but it was worth it. Don't go in October if you want all the facilities open eg info centre and cafe, but was beautifully peaceful, quiet and lovely to walk. Info on paths are great.

Wonderful scenery and very peaceful. Perfect place to distress and great play park and nature walk for kids.