Newry

The mountains rise like sleeping giants around this border town, where ancient peaks and modern history collide in unexpected ways. Newry sits in a dramatic bowl of hills, with Slieve Gullion dominating the southern skyline and the Mourne Mountains stretching towards the coast. It's proper walking country - the kind of place where you'll find yourself planning your next hike before you've finished your morning coffee.

Slieve Gullion is the star attraction here, an extinct volcano that offers cracking views across the ring dyke when the weather's clear. The summit takes a good couple of hours to reach, but it's well worth the effort. For those wanting something less challenging, Sky Hill and Tievecrom provide gentler options without sacrificing the panoramic rewards.

History buffs will find Corliss Fort fascinating - this archaeological site tells stories from much earlier times, while the Irish Hunger Strikers memorial adds a more recent, poignant layer to the area's complex past. The surrounding peaks of Carewamean, Slievenabolea, and the Aughanduff mountains create a natural amphitheatre that's particularly striking at sunset.

Getting here is straightforward enough - Newry's well-connected by road from Belfast and Dublin, making it a convenient base for exploring both sides of the border. The town itself has a good selection of shops and restaurants, though it can feel a bit quiet midweek.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense if you're here for the outdoors. You'll be on the doorstep of some of Northern Ireland's finest walking territory, with multiple peaks within easy reach and the coast just a short drive away through the Mournes.