Saint Cillan's Fort

Climbing the grassy slopes above Newcastle, you'll find the earthwork remains of what locals call Saint Cillan's Fort - though precious little survives to suggest its original purpose. The site consists mainly of raised banks and shallow ditches that form rough circular patterns across the hillside, more intriguing to archaeologists than immediately impressive to casual visitors.

History buffs will appreciate the mystery surrounding this ancient settlement. Nobody's quite sure whether it was an Iron Age hillfort, early Christian monastery site, or something else entirely. The views down towards the Mournes and across to the Irish Sea are the real draw here - on a clear day, you can see right across to the Isle of Man.

Families with young children might find it a bit underwhelming after the initial scramble up the hill. There are no information boards or facilities, so you're left to use your imagination about what once stood here. Allow about an hour for the walk up and a good poke around.

If you're staying at one of the holiday parks clustered around Newcastle - Tollymore Campsite or Windsor Holiday Park are both within easy reach - this makes for a decent morning's exercise before hitting the beaches. Just don't expect Hadrian's Wall levels of drama. It's more of a pleasant detour for those already exploring the area rather than a destination in its own right.