TRIPEND Best Practice Visit to Kilkeel

On Thursday 26th August 28 people from the rural area of Newtownhamilton went on a bus trip to the Silent Valley where they visited the dam. This was the first time most of the people had been to the Silent Valley and most didn’t realise there were two dams.

From here they proceeded to the Nautilus Centre in Kilkeel where they listened intently to the history of the Harbour and the fishing industry. They then watched a seafood cookery demonstration and got to sample the produce.

After lunch they went to Reivers House, the home of the Schomberg Society in Kilkeel. Here they received a detailed presentation on the work of the Schomberg Society & the Thistle Club by Mr James Donaldson. A delightful display of Highland dancing was given by local young people from the Scottish Dancers.
One participant said ‘A great day that had to be enjoyed by everyone and I learnt something new today - that there are two dams in Silent Valley.’

This event was funded by DARD Rural Challenge Programme