オーナルーピー周辺のアトラクション＆必見スポット - トップ20

Starting from Carrick Little Car Park, the hiking path to Slieve Binnian offers a rewarding journey through the heart of the Mourne Mountains. This moderate to challenging loop, approximately 11.2 km in length, follows the Mourne Wall, a historic dry-stone structure built in the early 1900s, guiding hikers toward the summit of Slieve Binnian (747 m). The ascent is steady, with a mix of rocky terrain and scenic views. As you approach the summit, the path becomes more rugged, leading to the iconic South and North Tors. From the summit, panoramic vistas unfold, offering breathtaking views of the Silent Valley and the surrounding peaks.

The trail starts from Carrick Little car park and follows the historic Mourne Wall as it climbs steadily toward the rocky tors crowning the summit. The ascent invites you to pause and admire panoramic views of Silent Valley, Ben Crom Reservoir, and on clear days, even the distant Isle of Man. The final stretch asks a bit more, with a mix of rugged terrain and light scrambling over granite, but the reward is more than worth it. That open summit, with its scattered tors and distant sea shimmering, leaves a lasting impression. Hiking Slieve Binnian is grounding, quietly powerful, a trail that asks for presence and gives back pure mountain clarity.

The Mourne Wall is one of the most iconic landmarks of the Mourne Mountains, stretching for 35 kilometers across 15 summits. Built by hand in the early 20th century to enclose the Silent Valley Reservoir catchment area, it’s an impressive feat of craftsmanship and endurance. Today, hikers crossing its path are struck not only by its scale and history but also by the way it weaves naturally into the dramatic mountain landscape. Following the wall offers some of the best ridge walks in the Mournes, making it both a cultural treasure and a perfect guide for exploring these rugged peaks.

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.

The crossing takes around 20 minutes and allows you to experience the impressive scenery including the Mourne Mountains and the Cooley Peninsula from a new perspective. However, the ferry operates seasonally; the last crossing for 2024 was on October 31st, so it is advisable to check the current timetables in advance. The ferry carries both vehicles and pedestrians, giving you flexibility when planning your route. However, note that in high winds or bad weather, operations may be limited.

Beautiful area with a good kids play park

Great views all the way along this path