Katesbridge Mound

The mound itself rises unexpectedly from the countryside near Newry - a steep, grass-covered bump that doesn't immediately announce what it is. Walk up it though and you're standing on what archaeologists reckon was a Norman motte, built sometime after the 1170s when the English were tightening their grip on Ulster. The views across the surrounding landscape are genuinely worth the climb, especially on a clear day when you can pick out the Mourne Mountains in the distance.

Katesbridge Mound appeals most to history buffs and archaeology enthusiasts - casual visitors might find themselves asking "now what?" after ten minutes. There's no visitor centre, no interpretation boards, nothing fancy. It's just you, the mound, and whatever your imagination does with the Norman conquest. That said, if you're already walking in the area or based at Pine Tree Hollow Glamping down the road, it's worth the detour. The walk up takes five minutes, tops.

Timing-wise, allow half an hour all in - less if you're not keen on panoramic photos. It's free to visit and accessible year-round, though winter mud can make the ascent a bit treacherous. Go when you've got decent weather; there's no shelter up top and the appeal drops considerably in driving rain. It works well as a short stop if you're exploring the Newry area more broadly, though it won't sustain a full afternoon. Walkers and history types will get more from it than families with young children.