Play Park

The Play Park in Newry is a straightforward affair - the kind of place you'd bring kids for an afternoon's energy burn without expecting anything fancy. It's got the standard kit: slides, swings, climbing frames, and enough space for them to run about without constantly worrying they'll careen into the road. Nothing elaborate, nothing Instagram-worthy, but it does the job.

Families with young children will get the most mileage here, particularly if the weather's decent and you need a couple of hours' respite. There's genuine grass rather than rubber matting everywhere, which is refreshing, and it's free - always a bonus when you're juggling a family budget. The park sits conveniently within Newry itself, so it works well as a quick stop if you're exploring the town's shops or heading toward the Mourne Mountains.

If you're basing yourselves at Kilbroney Caravan Park just 2.6 miles away, this could slot in nicely on a rainy afternoon or as a break between countryside walks. It's not the sort of place you'll linger for hours, mind you - forty minutes to an hour is realistic - but for what it offers at no cost, it's worth knowing about. Don't come expecting adventure park levels of excitement; come because your children need to climb something and you need five minutes' peace.