Kirkistown Castle

Down a quiet lane near Newtownards, this squat stone tower rises from farmland like something from a forgotten corner of Ulster's past. Kirkistown Castle is genuine medieval stuff - a 16th-century tower house that's weathered centuries remarkably well, though it's not the sort of place with gift shops or guided tours. What you get is the real deal: a chance to wander around the outside, peer through windows if you're lucky, and imagine what life was like when this was a proper stronghold rather than a curiosity.

It's small enough that you won't spend more than half an hour here, which means it works best as part of a broader afternoon - perhaps combined with a walk around nearby Newtownards or another site in the area. The castle itself sits in working countryside, so there's a lovely sense of stepping back in time without the crowds. Families with older kids who fancy a bit of exploring will get something out of it; younger children might find it a touch underwhelming, to be honest.

Access appears to be free and fairly open, though you'll want to check locally before making the trip since opening details aren't fixed. It pairs well with a base at Silverbay Caravan Park, just over two miles away, or Springvale if you're looking for slightly more facilities. Neither site is far enough that Kirkistown becomes a major expedition - more of a pleasant diversion when you're in the mood for a bit of history and don't mind roughing it slightly.