Sherby Beach

The beach at Sherby isn't flashy - just a proper stretch of shingle and sand tucked away near Newry that most daytrippers miss entirely. You get good views across the water and it's the kind of spot where you can actually hear yourself think, which after a day navigating the busier County Down coastline feels like a genuine win.

It's decent enough for a walk and a breather, though I'll be honest - don't expect dramatic cliffs or golden sands. The appeal is in the quietness and the fact that parking is straightforward. Families might find an hour here sufficient, especially if the kids are at that age where any beach means happiness. Walkers heading between Newry and the Mournes sometimes use it as a waypoint rather than a destination.

Free to access and worth knowing about if you're staying at one of the nearby glamping spots - Willowtree is only a mile or so away, making this an easy evening stroll from your accommodation. Same goes for Annalong Holiday Park if you're basing yourself there. The beach works best as part of a larger loop rather than a standalone trip. On a clear day you get decent light for photographs, though the foreground is fairly unremarkable.

Time your visit for late afternoon if you want to avoid the handful of other visitors. It's the sort of place that earns its keep through being exactly what it is - unpretentious and accessible - rather than through spectacular views.