Black Mountain is a large hill which overlooks the city of Belfast, Northern Ireland. With a height of 1,275 ft (389 m),[1] it towers over most of west Belfast and is part of the Belfast Hills. Its name is probably derived from the adjoining mountain called Divis (/ˈdɪvɪs/; from Irish Dubhais 'black ridge'), and they may have been seen as one mountain in the past.[2] On the summit is Black Mountain transmitting station.

Black Mountain
Sliabh Dubh/Cnoc Dubh
Triangulation pillar on Black Mountain
Highest point
Elevation	1,275 ft (389 m)
Coordinates	54°36′N 5°59′W
Geography
Location in Northern Ireland
Location	near Belfast, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
OSI/OSNI grid	J266741
Topo map	OSNI Discoverer 15
Geology
Mountain type	basalt

Black Mountain is composed of basalt with limestone underneath,[3] as is Cavehill further north. There have been flint finds in the area, which also contains raths, deserted farms and overgrown paths joining the fields and homesteads and trails scattered over the mountain.[4] On a clear day there are views of Lough Neagh, Strangford Lough, the Mournes and the Sperrins, as well as Scotland and County Donegal.[5]

For many years people have lobbied for the preservation of the Belfast Hills, hoping to bring an end to many years of quarrying.[6] The quarry is steep and deeply excavated and the basalt from it is used mostly for road stone.[3]

Awards

• Amazing Spaces award (8 November 2005)[7]

References

External links

• Virtual tour of Black Mountain - Virtual Visit Northern Ireland

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