Ballyquintin Point Nature Reserve

The shoreline at Ballyquintin Point opens up suddenly as you round the final bend - a sweep of shingle beach backed by low cliffs and rough grassland that feels genuinely remote for somewhere just outside Downpatrick. This is a proper nature reserve, managed by the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, and it shows. You're here for the birds, mainly: waders and wildfowl in autumn and winter, breeding terns and other seabirds come spring. The walking is straightforward, nothing technical, and you can cover the reserve in an hour or so depending on how much time you spend scanning the water or watching what's nesting.

Birdwatchers will find this absolutely worth the drive. If you're not fussed about feathered friends, honestly, there's less to it - the landscape itself is fairly austere, which some folk find peaceful and others find a bit bleak. Bring binoculars and a field guide if you know your stuff. Early morning is better than midday when the light gets flat.

Staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Castle Ward is the closest at 3.4 miles away - gives you easy access. The reserve slots in nicely with other walking in the Mourne area, though it's coastal rather than mountain. There's no charge to visit as far as we can tell, and facilities are minimal. This isn't somewhere to spend a whole day, but if you're in the area and the conditions are right for spotting, it's definitely worth the detour.