This view is taken looking down at Newcastle Town from the mountains
that rise behind it. An Caisleán Nua, the New Castle, is a popular
seaside
resort with a 3 mile sandy beach. Its name comes from a castle that
was built in 1433 where the River Shimna flows into the sea at Dundrum Bay.
The Mourne Mountains include 10 peaks of more than 2000ft (610m).
Donard, the highest is 2796ft (852m) and as it is near the coast it
dominates the view from Newcastle. Walkers and hill climbers
can have a wonderful time here as there are easily followed well- marked
paths.
A tough trail runs up from Newcastle to the peak of Slieve Donard, for a
while it follows the Mourne Wall which was erected in 1904-1922 to
enclose the catchment area of the two reservoirs in the silent Valley.
Most of the mountains can be easily climbed and anpother point "The
Hare's Gap" is also worth visiting. Keep an eye out for the kestrels,
sparrowhawks, ravens, skylarks, meadow pipits and grouse that live here.
The Mournes have one road crossing them, it goes from Hilltown to Kilkeel.
Newcastle Beach |
