St Macartan’s pupil is competition winner

St Macartan’s pupil is competition winner

1 January 2025

A PUPIL from St Macartan’s Primary School in Loughinisland was among the winners in this year’s NI Water Silent Valley Christmas colouring competition.

The competition was enjoyed by local schools from across the region helping to spread some Christmas cheer and remind everyone of peace and tranquility to be enjoyed at the reservoir park throughout the year.

School age children were invited to complete the specially designed colouring competition which showed Santa driving his magnificent sleigh with his magical reindeers high in the sky above the landmark reservoir. 

The overall winners, which included Emily from St Macartan’s PS, received Silent Valley passes giving them access for 2025.

NI Water education officer, Anna Killen, said there was a “fantastic response” from local schools to the competition, with 14 winners selected to receive Silent Valley passes to use throughout 2025.

Ringed by mountains, Silent Valley is located within the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with the site including beautiful parkland, lakes and a pond and a number of walking trails for all abilities.

“It’s a stunning site open for visitors to explore and enjoy, while also operating as a key strategic reservoir providing drinking water for a large part of Co Down and the Greater Belfast area,” said Anna.

“It attracts around 50,000 visitors every year, most of whom come to enjoy 

the peace and solitude of its unique mountain landscapes and the varied wildlife.”

Anna said there are a number of on-site visitor facilities for visitors to enjoy including a visitors centre and heritage ‘Water Town’ house, located within historic bungalows that overlook the parkland’s wonderful views.

She said a traditional tea room is also open daily throughout the year, exactly what you need after a walk through this beautiful part of the country.