List of Northern Ireland counties by highest point facts for kids
Northern Ireland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It is located on the northeast part of the island of Ireland. This land is famous for its beautiful green landscapes, ancient castles, and friendly people.
Northern Ireland is divided into six traditional areas called counties. These counties are Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry, and Tyrone. Each of these counties has its own unique features and history.
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Understanding Highest Points
Every county has a "highest point." This is simply the tallest natural spot within that county's borders. It's like finding the very top of a hill or mountain in each area. These highest points are often popular places for hiking and enjoying amazing views.
What is Topographic Prominence?
When we talk about mountains, you might hear the term "topographic prominence." This sounds complicated, but it's actually quite simple. Prominence tells us how much a mountain stands out from the land around it. Imagine a mountain rising from a valley. Its prominence is the height difference between its peak and the lowest point you would have to go down to reach a higher peak. It helps us understand how truly independent a mountain is.
The Six Counties and Their Tallest Peaks
Here is a list of the highest points in each of Northern Ireland's six counties. You can see how tall they are and where they are located.
| Rank | County | Height (meters) | Prominence (meters) | Name of Peak | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Down | 850 | 822 | Slieve Donard | J357277 | |
| 2–3 | Londonderry and Tyrone | 678 | 657 | Sawel | H618973 | |
| 4 | Fermanagh | 665 | 570 | Cuilcagh | H123281 | |
| 5 | Armagh | 573 | 478 | Slieve Gullion | J025203 | |
| 6 | Antrim | 550 | 515 | Trostan | D179236 | |
County Down: Slieve Donard
Slieve Donard is the tallest mountain in all of Northern Ireland. It stands proudly in County Down, reaching a height of 850 meters (about 2,789 feet). This mountain is part of the beautiful Mourne Mountains range. Many people enjoy hiking to its summit for incredible views of the surrounding countryside and the sea.
Counties Londonderry and Tyrone: Sawel Mountain
Sawel Mountain is the highest point for two counties: County Londonderry and County Tyrone. It stands at 678 meters (about 2,224 feet) tall. Sawel is part of the Sperrin Mountains, which are known for their wild and rugged beauty. The Sperrins are a great place for exploring nature.
County Fermanagh: Cuilcagh
In County Fermanagh, the highest point is Cuilcagh, standing at 665 meters (about 2,182 feet). This mountain is special because it's part of a geopark. A geopark is an area with unique geological features, like caves and interesting rock formations. Cuilcagh is also known for its boardwalk, which makes it easier for hikers to reach the top.
County Armagh: Slieve Gullion
Slieve Gullion is the highest point in County Armagh, reaching 573 meters (about 1,880 feet). This mountain is actually an ancient volcano! It's a very important place for local history and legends. There's even a burial cairn, which is a pile of stones marking a burial site, near its summit.
County Antrim: Trostan
The highest point in County Antrim is Trostan, at 550 meters (about 1,804 feet). County Antrim is famous for its stunning coastline, including the Giant's Causeway. Trostan is part of the Antrim Hills and offers a different kind of natural beauty, with wide open spaces and views of the green landscape.
Why are Mountains Important?
Mountains and high points are more than just tall places. They are important for many reasons:
- Nature and Wildlife: They provide homes for many different plants and animals.
- Water Sources: Rain and snow that fall on mountains often become rivers and streams. These are important sources of drinking water.
- Recreation: People love to hike, climb, and explore mountains. It's a great way to stay active and enjoy nature.
- History and Culture: Many mountains have important stories, legends, and historical sites connected to them.
Exploring the highest points of Northern Ireland's counties is a fantastic way to learn about the country's geography and enjoy its natural beauty.
See also
- List of Irish counties by highest point
- List of counties of England and Wales in 1964 by highest point
- List of ceremonial counties of England by highest point
- List of mountains and hills of the United Kingdom
- List of Scottish council areas by highest point
- List of Scottish counties by highest point
- List of Welsh principal areas by highest point
- List of Northern Ireland districts by highest point
