Historic Building Details

HB Ref No:
HB16/01/031

Address :
Tower Slieve Donard (summit) Mourne Mountains Newcastle Co Down

Townland:
Mullartown Upper

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Survey 2:
B1

Date of Listing:
15/03/1996 00:00:00

Date of De-listing:

Current Use:
Tower

Former Use
Tower

Conservation Area:
No

Industrial Archaeology:
Yes

Vernacular:
No

Thatched:
No

Monument:
No

Derelict:
No

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OS Map No:
269

IG Ref:
J3575 2760

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Owner Category

Central Govt

Exterior Description And Setting

Granite tower erected by Belfast Water Commissioners on summit of Slieve Donard, the highest mountain in N. Ireland (852m). One of three such towers on the Mourne Wall which marks the boundary of the catchment to the Silent Valley reservoir (the others are on Meelmore, HB 18/13/095, and Commedagh, HB16/02/029). A tapered granite tower, the outside face of which is of squared rubble brought to courses and inside face of random rubble. Quoins have tooled edges. Joints are strap pointed cement. Measures 3.05m square at base and rises 3.65m from a projecting foundation course to top of an oversailing coping of finely dressed granite blocks. Capped with a thin layer of concrete on which is a concrete Ordnance Survey triangulation post. Abutted at west and south by the Mourne Wall. On south elevation is a 0.60m wide by 1.70m high opening to internal chamber; jambs are of coarsely dressed granite blocks and lintel of finely dressed granite inscribed '1910'. At top right of north elevation and top left of east elevation are cast-iron plaques reading 'Belfast Water Works Trespassers Prosecuted'.

Architects

Not Known

Historical Information

Erected in 1910 as part of the Mourne Wall; the latter was completed in 1922. Originally the top of this tower was identical to the other two. However, about 1950 the Ordnance Survey erected the present triangulation point and in so doing removed the projecting coping and pyramidal cap. Primary Sources: 1. DOE Water Service, Westland House, Old Westland Rd, Belfast: drawing no.2D59 dated 3 Mar 1950 relating to application to erect trig. point.

Criteria for Listing

Architectural Interest

H-. Alterations detracting from building J. Setting K. Group value

Historic Interest

V. Authorship W. Northern Ireland/International Interest Z. Rarity

Evaluation

This unusual structure has definite architectural quality, enhanced by the barrenness of the surrounding landscape, but somewhat marred by the triangulation pillar. It is also of historical and group value as part of the Mournes Scheme, and the Mourne Wall in particular. It still fulfils a useful purpose as a shelter for mountain walkers.

General Comments

Date of Survey

21 July 1997