Drumnakelly Lough

The water at Drumnakelly Lough sits still and grey more often than not, reflecting whatever sky is happening that day. It's a proper lake - not huge, not dramatic - but the kind of place that rewards you for finding it rather than stumbling upon it by accident.

You'll come here to fish, mainly. The lough holds pike and perch, and locals know their spots. Walkers pass through too, following the quiet roads and tracks that circle the water. There's a tranquility to it that beats fighting crowds at the more famous Mourne spots. On a decent day, the views toward the mountains aren't bad at all.

Unless you're an angler or genuinely keen on a low-key lakeside wander, an hour's enough. Kids might manage that long before asking what's next. It's free to access, though if you want to fish properly you'll need to sort a permit through whoever manages the rights - worth checking locally.

Newcastle is the nearest town, about a stone's throw away, which makes this easy to tack onto a broader Mourne exploring day. If you're based at one of the caravan parks - Slieve Croob Camping or Murlough Cottage are both within six miles - it's a useful quiet escape between bigger activities. Not essential, but if you're staying nearby and want somewhere authentic and unpretentious rather than tourist-heavy, this delivers.