Black Mountain (Belfast) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black Mountain |
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| Sliabh Dubh/Cnoc Dubh | |
Triangulation pillar on Black Mountain
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,275 ft (389 m) |
| Geography | |
 Location in Northern Ireland
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| Location | near Belfast, County Antrim, Northern Ireland |
| OSI/OSNI grid | J266741 |
| Topo map | OSNI Discoverer 15 |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | basalt |
Black Mountain is a big hill that stands tall over the city of Belfast in Northern Ireland. It's 1,275 feet (389 meters) high! This makes it one of the highest points in west Belfast. It's also part of a group of hills called the Belfast Hills.
The name Black Mountain might come from a nearby mountain called Divis. Divis means "black ridge" in Irish. Maybe people used to think of Black Mountain and Divis as one big mountain. At the very top of Black Mountain, you can find the Black Mountain transmitting station. This station helps send TV and radio signals!
Contents
What is Black Mountain Made Of?
Black Mountain is mostly made of a type of rock called basalt. Underneath the basalt, there's another rock called limestone. Another famous hill, Cavehill, which is further north, is also made of these same rocks.
Long ago, people lived on Black Mountain. Scientists have found old flint tools there. You can also find old raths (ancient circular forts), farms that are no longer used, and old paths. These paths once connected fields and homes all over the mountain.
Amazing Views from Black Mountain
When the weather is clear, the views from Black Mountain are incredible! You can see far across Strangford Lough, which is a large sea inlet. You can also spot the tall Mournes and the rolling Sperrins. On a really clear day, you might even see parts of Scotland and County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland. It's a great place to see how big the world is!
Protecting Black Mountain
For many years, people have worked hard to protect the Belfast Hills, including Black Mountain. They want to stop quarrying in the area. Quarrying is when rocks are dug out of the ground. The quarry on Black Mountain is very deep. The basalt rock dug from it is mostly used to build roads. Protecting the mountain helps keep its natural beauty for everyone to enjoy.
Awards
Black Mountain has even won an award!
- It received an Amazing Spaces award on November 8, 2005.
