McKee's Lough

The water at McKee's Lough sits perfectly still on calm mornings, and that's when you understand why locals bother making the trip out from Hillsborough. It's a modest lake by most standards - nothing dramatic, no towering cliffs or rare wildlife that'll make you feel obliged to stay for hours. But there's something about the way the shoreline curves that draws you back.

Walking the perimeter takes a good hour or so depending on your pace and how many times you stop to just look at the water. The path isn't always obvious, and you'll catch yourself scrambling over the odd bit of rough ground, but it's nothing that'll defeat anyone with reasonable fitness. Birdwatchers seem genuinely interested in what's here - wildfowl in particular - though I'd suggest coming early if that's your thing, before the dog walkers arrive.

Family groups with younger kids might find an hour quite enough. It's pleasant enough but not the sort of place that holds attention endlessly. The real value is if you're staying at Lakeside View Caravan Park nearby and want something to do without driving - the walk to the lough takes only a few minutes from there. Pair it with a mooch around Hillsborough village and you've got a perfectly decent afternoon.

Free to visit, naturally. Come in spring or early autumn when the light's better and you're not battling midges or summer crowds. Don't expect facilities - no café, no toilet blocks. Take a flask.