Newcastle

The granite shoulders of Slieve Donard rise directly behind this seaside town, creating one of the most dramatic backdrops in County Down. Newcastle sits where the Mourne Mountains meet the Irish Sea, and the contrast is properly striking - you can walk from beach to mountain base in twenty minutes.

Slieve Donard dominates everything here. At 850 metres, it's Northern Ireland's highest peak, and the view from the summit takes in the Isle of Man on clear days. The climb's a proper workout though - allow four hours return. Thomas's Mountain offers an easier alternative, while Curraghard Summit provides cracking views without the full mountain commitment.

Down in town, the seafront promenade runs for miles along Dundrum Bay. The beach stretches endlessly, backed by dunes and the Royal County Down Golf Course. Saint John's Newcastle anchors the town centre, though frankly there's not masses to detain you indoors when the mountains are calling.

Cathal Park gives families somewhere to let kids loose, while the Newcastle Bowling Club keeps things sedate for those who prefer their outdoor pursuits gentler. Art lovers will find several galleries clustered in town - Cone of Light, Starita, and the intriguingly named Midnight Tentacles all showcase local work.

Getting here's straightforward enough - it's an hour south of Belfast by car, or catch the bus from the city. The surrounding countryside is pure Mourne territory: stone walls, sheep-dotted hills, and that special light that photographers love.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense. You're within walking distance of both beach and mountain trails, plus there's Tollymore Forest Park just inland - famous as a Game of Thrones filming location. Several touring parks dot the area, from Bonnys Caravan Park right in town to Murlough Cottage Caravan Park closer to the nature reserve.