キルキールの天然記念物・トップ5

Silent Valley Reservoir, nestled in the Mourne Mountains, is a peaceful retreat surrounded by sweeping granite peaks and heathered slopes. Built in the early 20th century to supply water to Belfast and much of County Down, the reservoir combines striking engineering with natural beauty. Visitors can stroll along well-kept paths, admire the Victorian-style dam and impressive Mourne Wall, or simply enjoy the quiet atmosphere by the lakeshore.

The well-maintained trails take you through impressive scenery, surrounded by the striking peaks of the Mournes. The view of the Mourne Wall, which stretches for 35 kilometers and connects 15 peaks, is particularly impressive. However, some sections can become slippery in wet weather, so caution is advised. A highlight is a visit to Ben Crom Reservoir, which can be reached via an extension of the route. Note that there is a fee to enter the park.

This portal tomb, which is over 5,000 years old, impresses with a huge capstone that weighs around 35 to 40 tons and rests on several supporting stones. Access is via a narrow country road; there is a small car park, but it is not always well signposted. The dolmen is on private farmland, but access is usually permitted. However, the paths to the dolmen are sometimes muddy in wet weather, so sturdy shoes are recommended.

Suddenly this ancient monolith rises before you, a silent witness to times gone by and myths. It stands alone on the green meadow, surrounded by a peaceful, almost mysterious silence.

With views of the beautiful Carlingford Lough, this portal tomb is at the north end of a long cairn, once much larger than is now visible, originally extending south downhill for 80–90ft (24.5–27.5m). The gigantic granite capstone is estimated to weigh some 35 tons, propped up with portal and side stones to form this spectacular dolmen. Excavation early in the 20th century discovered bone and pottery.

This stone is probably a remnant of a larger chambered grave site which was destroyed. There is a spoken tradition from the area that there was once at least three other stones at the site. Regardless, the views are spectacular. It is however known that the stone was annually white washed and played a part in the ritual of seasonal mountain assemblies.

Beautiful area with a good kids play park

At only 350m Knockshee is certainly not one of the tallest mountains in the Mournes however, it has some of the best views out across Carlingford Lough. Spin around and on a clear day you can see Slieve Binnian and even Donard in the distance.