Rossglass Beach

The strand at Rossglass stretches out proper wide when the tide's out, giving you that satisfying expanse of sand and shale that makes you want to walk for hours. It's the kind of beach that doesn't rely on theme parks or fancy facilities - just raw coastline facing the Irish Sea, with the Mourne Mountains rising up behind you if you squint inland. You'll find it a few minutes outside Downpatrick, making it an easy detour if you're staying at one of the holiday parks nearby.

It's genuinely brilliant for a long walk, especially if you're the type who likes scanning the shoreline for shells and bits of driftwood without crowds getting in the way. Kids will do fine here - plenty of space to run about and hunt for rockpools when the tide permits. The beach itself is free, naturally, though there's no formal car park or facilities that I'm aware of, so come prepared.

Stay at Edgewater or Coneyisland if you want a base nearby - both are well-rated and close enough that Rossglass becomes a quick morning venture rather than a full day trip. The beach works best on a clearer day when you can actually see across the water; grey, windswept visits are moody but less rewarding for the effort. Worth the walk, this one.