Spinkanee

Clear skies are everything here. This modest viewpoint in the Mourne Mountains delivers proper panoramic views across County Down when the weather plays ball, but on a cloudy day you'll see nothing but grey mist. The walk up takes about 20 minutes from the nearest parking spot near Castlewellan, following a well-marked but fairly steep path that'll get your heart pumping.

Families with older children will manage the climb just fine, though toddlers might struggle with the rocky sections near the top. Dog walkers love this spot - there's plenty of room to roam once you reach the summit.

What makes Spinkanee worth the effort is the 360-degree sweep taking in Slieve Donard, the Irish Sea, and on exceptionally clear days, the coast of Scotland. Photography enthusiasts should time their visit for golden hour, either early morning or late afternoon. The light can be absolutely spectacular.

Practically speaking, it's free to visit and accessible year-round, though winter weather can make the path treacherous. Allow two hours return if you want to linger at the top. The viewpoint works brilliantly as a half-day excursion from any of the nearby holiday parks like Tollymore Campsite or Slieve Croob Camping, especially if you're exploring the wider Mournes area.