The Weir, Sion Mills, 26 Nov 2023 DSC_0921-2
The spectacular River Mourne with its immense water-power was the reason the Herdman brothers chose this site for the location of their flax spinning mill. This is still very much a feature of the old mill with its modern 2016 hydroelectric plant with 800 kw Kaplan turbines which are connected to the national grid. Mourneside walk is a landscaped river walk with picnic areas overlooking the huge 531 ft (162m) wide weir which diverts a portion of the river into the 35 ft (10.6m) wide mill lade which flows through a complicated system of sluice gates (with an overflow sluice returning water back into the main river). The river water flows quickly down the mill race and between the two main buildings of the old Herdman Flax Mill. Other featurs include the 203 ft (62m) span Bearney suspension footbridge, known locally as "the swinging bridge", the island, the beach and above all, the river itself which is reputed to have been one of the best salmon rivers in Europe. This is all set amongst lovely mature trees, all combine to provide a fascinating and beautiful spectacle. This is where Mrs Cecil Frances Alexander wrote her famous hymn "All Things Bright and Beautiful" when she lived in Camus-Juxta-Mourne Rectory, known as Sion House which overlooks the weir, a Georgian house later owned by the Herdman family.
The Weir, Sion Mills, 26 Nov 2023 DSC_0921-2
The spectacular River Mourne with its immense water-power was the reason the Herdman brothers chose this site for the location of their flax spinning mill. This is still very much a feature of the old mill with its modern 2016 hydroelectric plant with 800 kw Kaplan turbines which are connected to the national grid. Mourneside walk is a landscaped river walk with picnic areas overlooking the huge 531 ft (162m) wide weir which diverts a portion of the river into the 35 ft (10.6m) wide mill lade which flows through a complicated system of sluice gates (with an overflow sluice returning water back into the main river). The river water flows quickly down the mill race and between the two main buildings of the old Herdman Flax Mill. Other featurs include the 203 ft (62m) span Bearney suspension footbridge, known locally as "the swinging bridge", the island, the beach and above all, the river itself which is reputed to have been one of the best salmon rivers in Europe. This is all set amongst lovely mature trees, all combine to provide a fascinating and beautiful spectacle. This is where Mrs Cecil Frances Alexander wrote her famous hymn "All Things Bright and Beautiful" when she lived in Camus-Juxta-Mourne Rectory, known as Sion House which overlooks the weir, a Georgian house later owned by the Herdman family.