On the Way to the Fair

Contemporary art meets the Mournes at this small gallery space that feels refreshingly unpretentious. The exhibitions change regularly, showcasing local artists alongside touring collections that often surprise with their quality and ambition. Don't expect vast halls - this is an intimate venue where you'll spend perhaps an hour at most, but it's the sort of place that might introduce you to an artist you've never heard of but won't forget.

Art enthusiasts will find genuine discoveries here, while families might struggle to keep restless children engaged unless there's a particularly interactive exhibition on. The gallery tends to favour contemporary work over traditional landscapes, which some visitors find jarring in such a scenic location near Newcastle.

Practical information proves elusive - opening times and admission costs aren't widely advertised, so it's worth phoning ahead if you're making a special trip. The location makes it an easy addition to a Mourne Mountains break, particularly if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Edgewater or Tollymore Forest Park. After a day tramping the hills, the quiet contemplation of art can feel like proper luxury.

Whether it's worth the detour depends entirely on your appetite for contemporary art. Skip it if you're after crowd-pleasers.