Curraghard Summit

Standing atop this modest peak in the Mourne Mountains, you'll understand why locals keep quiet about Curraghard Summit. The 360-degree views stretch from the Irish Sea across to Slieve Donard's imposing bulk, with Newcastle's seafront looking properly toy-like below.

Getting here involves a decent hike through Tollymore Forest Park - about an hour's steady climb through ancient oaks and Douglas firs. The path can get muddy after rain, so proper walking boots are essential. Once you break the treeline, it's a short scramble to the rocky outcrop that marks the summit.

Serious walkers will appreciate this as part of a longer Mourne ridge walk, while families with older children might find it a good introduction to proper mountain hiking. The younger ones will probably moan about the climb, but the views usually shut them up.

From your base at nearby parks like Tollymore Campsite or Windsor Holiday Park, this makes for a cracking half-day adventure. Early morning visits offer the clearest views before the afternoon haze rolls in from the coast. The summit itself is free - assuming you can find the unmarked path - though you'll need to pay for parking at Tollymore if you're driving up from Newcastle.