Slieve Meelbeg

Standing at 704 metres, this granite dome offers one of the finest viewpoints in the Mourne Mountains without requiring the lung-busting effort of tackling Slieve Donard. The ascent from the Trassey Track car park takes about two hours up a well-defined path that's manageable for reasonably fit families with older children.

What makes Slieve Meelbeg special is the 360-degree panorama from its rocky summit. On clear days you'll spot the Isle of Man, Scotland's coast, and the entire sweep of the Mournes laid out below. The views back towards Newcastle and Dundrum Bay are particularly spectacular.

Serious hikers often use this as a stepping stone to tackle the higher peaks, but it's perfectly satisfying as a day out in its own right. The granite tors near the summit provide natural windbreaks for lunch stops, though come prepared for sudden weather changes - this is the Mournes after all.

Families staying at nearby parks like Tollymore Campsite or The Rock Caravan and Camping will find it a proper mountain experience without the commitment of the bigger peaks. Allow four to five hours for the round trip, and start early to avoid the afternoon crowds. Worth noting that the final approach involves some scrambling over granite slabs, so proper walking boots are essential.