Upper Lake

The water here sits proper still on most days, reflecting the Mourne Mountains like a mirror someone's just polished. Upper Lake is essentially two things: a reservoir that's been feeding the area since the 1920s, and a walking destination that punches above its weight. The walk around it takes you past dense woodland, across open moorland, and through sections where the mountains feel close enough to touch. Walkers will find this genuinely rewarding - the circuit is manageable without being tedious, and the views shift constantly as you move around the shoreline. Families with older kids can manage it fine; younger ones might flag on the longer stretch if the wind picks up. There's no cafe or visitor centre, so bring what you need. Free to access, obviously. Come on a clear day if you can. The mist rolls in here something fierce and ruins everything. Allow three to four hours if you're not rushing. It pairs brilliantly with the other lakes in the area - you're only a short drive from Shimna River walks and the broader Mourne country. If you're based at one of the nearby parks like Mourneview or Slieve Croob, this becomes a natural half-day adventure that doesn't require a car journey to the honeypot attractions. The thing is, Upper Lake rewards actual effort. It's not a quick photo stop. But that's precisely why it stays relatively quiet compared to other Mourne spots.