Silent Valley Water Reservoir. A historic photograph, not evidence of current water level, access or conditions. Photo credit & licence
Silent Valley’s reservoir sits against a mountain backdrop. The park trails offer a way to explore the setting and discover the engineering that changed the valley.
Work on the reservoir began in 1923, and it opened in 1933. The visitor centre tells the story of the workforce, stone cutting and the temporary settlement called Watertown. The reservoir still supplies drinking water today.
- Visitor approach
- Head Road, near Kilkeel
- Reservoir history
- Work began in 1923; opened in 1933
What to look out for
- Reservoir and mountain landscape
- Water-supply engineering history
- Watertown and workers’ stories
Plan your visit
Check NI Water’s latest opening, entry and trail notices before travelling. Use designated visitor routes. Swimming and other water activities are prohibited; this is a working water-supply site.
Visitor information & access →
Sources & further reading
Checked 2026-10-08: NI Water · NI Water visitor-centre history · NI Water trail information · NI Water reservoir safety guidance.