Newcastle

The granite peaks of the Mourne Mountains rise like ancient guardians around this County Down town, their weathered faces catching the Atlantic light in ways that make photographers weep with joy. Newcastle sits where the mountains meet the Irish Sea, a proper seaside resort that's managed to keep its soul intact while the rest of the coast gets developed to within an inch of its life.

Slieve Donard looms behind the promenade, but the real walking starts when you head for peaks like Slieve Bearnagh with its distinctive granite tors, or tackle the gentler slopes of Luke's Mountain. The Silent Valley and Ben Crom Reservoir offer easier rambles through some of Northern Ireland's most dramatic scenery. Blue Lough catches the sky on clear days, while Lough Island Reavy provides a more secluded escape from the summer crowds.

Down at sea level, the town keeps things refreshingly unpretentious. The promenade stretches for miles, backed by the kind of Victorian guesthouses that still serve proper Ulster frys. Donard Park provides breathing space between the built-up seafront and the mountain foothills.

Getting here couldn't be simpler - the A2 coastal route from Belfast takes about an hour, while the train from Great Victoria Street drops you right in the town centre. From Dublin, it's a scenic two-hour drive through County Down's rolling countryside.

Staying at one of the nearby parks like Tollymore Campsite puts you right at the foot of the mountains, perfect for early morning starts before the car parks fill up. The glamping options at places like Enniskeen Estate offer a bit more comfort after a day scrambling over granite slabs, while still keeping you close enough to hear the curlews calling across the moors at dawn.