Lough Doo

A quiet stretch of water between Newtownards and the Mourne foothills, Lough Doo doesn't announce itself with fanfare. There's no visitor centre, no car park with ice cream vans, just a lake that sits there doing its thing while most tourists barrel past toward more famous spots. That's precisely why it's worth stopping for.

The water is genuinely lovely - clear enough on a decent day to see down a fair distance, ringed with reeds and rough grassland. It's the kind of place where you'll spot herons if you're patient, and the light gets properly golden in late afternoon. Walkers use it as a turn-around point on longer circuits through the Mourne area, and locals fish here regularly. You can walk most of the shoreline without major obstacles, though there's no official path - just pick your way around.

This works best for people who like their natural spaces unmanicured. If you're after facilities or a defined visitor experience, head elsewhere. But if you're staying at Silverbay or Castle Ward - both within easy driving distance - and you want an hour of proper quiet without crowds, Lough Doo delivers. The Mourne Mountains themselves dominate the view to the south, which doesn't hurt. Spring and autumn are best; summer weekends can see a bit of activity, but nothing like the tourist hotspots.

Free, naturally. Allow an hour for a gentle walk and some sitting about. Don't expect signage or facilities.