the silent valley

In 1933 the successful damming of the Kilkeel River valley was the culmination of 30 years work initiated by Belfast City and District Water work initiated by Belfast City and District Water Commissioners ( responsible by an Act of parliament to supply water to the city of Belfast) This set in place first the Mourne Wall and then the immense reservoir in a renamed "silent valley". Built to gather waters from a mountain catchment extending over most of the High Mournes, the Silent Valley and Ben Crom reservoirs supply most of Co. Down and a large part of Belfast for domestic and industrial use. The 2 dams are ringed by dramatic mountain panoramas, whilst the reservoir grounds contain the parkland, lakes and ponds which were the part of the original landscape design part of the original landscape design envisaged by the Water Commissioners. Most of these areas are now open to the public. Today splendid mountain vistas, woodland walks, and a range of facilities (including an exhibition centre and restaurant) can all be enjoyed. The story of how the dam was built continues to fascinate visitors at this unique resource.