Newcastle

The Mourne Mountains rise like ancient guardians beyond this quietly appealing coastal town, their granite peaks creating a dramatic backdrop that makes even the most ordinary Tuesday feel special. Newcastle sits where the mountains meet the sea, blessed with one of Northern Ireland's finest beaches stretches and some proper walking country on its doorstep.

Murlough National Nature Reserve dominates the northern approach - a rare dune system that's been here since the last ice age. The beach itself runs for miles, backed by the Mournes and facing the Irish Sea with views across to the Isle of Man on clear days. It gets busy in summer but there's always space to spread out.

Clough Castle, just inland, offers a different perspective on the area's past. This Norman motte sits proud above the surrounding farmland, while the mysterious Slidderyford Dolmen reminds you that people have been drawn to these landscapes for thousands of years. The archaeological sites scattered around the countryside tell stories stretching back to Neolithic times.

Walking options are endless. Tollymore Forest Park lies just south of town, its mix of ancient woodland and mountain trails leading towards Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest peak. Alternatively, Murlough Nature Reserve provides gentler rambles through the dunes and along the shore.

The town itself is refreshingly unpretentious. Central Promenade runs parallel to the beach, lined with traditional seaside attractions and cafes serving proper fish and chips. Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks puts you perfectly positioned for both mountain adventures and lazy beach days - you can wake up to mountain views and be walking on sand within minutes.