The Eagles Rock

The walk up Eagles Rock takes about forty minutes from the car park near Newry, and on a clear day it's genuinely worth the effort. You're rewarded with views across County Down that stretch for miles - the Mourne Mountains dominate to the south, and when visibility is decent you can pick out the coast. The peak itself isn't massive, but the panorama from the top makes it feel far more substantial than the height suggests.

It's proper terrain, mind you. The path is well-trodden but can get boggy in places, so decent boots are essential rather than optional. Families with young children might find the scramble at the end a bit much, though older kids who've done a few hill walks will manage fine. It's the kind of spot where walkers actually want to linger for lunch rather than turning straight round.

The whole expedition from Newry takes a couple of hours including the walk itself, which makes it a decent half-day activity. Pair it with Kilbroney Caravan Park if you're staying in the area - the park's only three and a half miles away, so there's no faffing about with a long drive before breakfast.

Go early if you can. The path gets busy at weekends, and the light's better in the morning anyway. Avoid it straight after heavy rain unless you fancy a proper mud bath.