Newcastle

Ancient stones and mountain views define this County Down gateway to the Mournes. Newcastle sits where the Shimna River meets the Irish Sea, with the dramatic peaks of Slieve Donard rising directly behind the town like a granite backdrop. It's proper dramatic stuff - one minute you're strolling along a sandy beach, the next you're craning your neck at Northern Ireland's highest mountain.

The town itself has that relaxed seaside feel without the tourist tat. A decent promenade runs along Dundrum Bay, and while it gets busy at weekends, midweek you'll often have stretches of golden sand to yourself. Saint Cillan's Fort offers a glimpse into the area's ancient past, though honestly it's the mountain walking that draws most folk here.

Tollymore Forest Park spreads out just inland - think red squirrels, stone bridges, and woodland trails that wouldn't look out of place in a fantasy film. The Mournes themselves are a walker's paradise, with well-marked paths leading up from the town centre. Slieve Donard is a proper challenge at 850 metres, but the views across to Scotland on a clear day make the slog worthwhile.

Getting here is straightforward enough. The A2 coastal road connects Newcastle to Belfast in about an hour, while the Dublin road runs south through Newry. Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense - you're close enough to nip into town for supplies or a pint, but far enough out to wake up to mountain views and forest air. Tollymore's campsites put you right in the heart of walking country.