Slidderyford Dolmen

Stone age builders picked this windswept spot near Newcastle well - the views across the Mourne countryside from Slidderyford Dolmen are properly spectacular. This 5,000-year-old portal tomb stands weathered but intact, its massive capstone balanced on three upright stones in that gravity-defying way that makes you wonder how they managed it without modern kit. The dolmen sits in open farmland, so you'll be sharing the space with sheep and the occasional curious cow. Getting there involves a bit of countryside navigation and possibly climbing a gate or two - wear decent boots and check with locals about access. History buffs will love the ancient atmosphere, while kids might need a good story about stone age people to keep them engaged beyond the initial 'wow' moment. The site works brilliantly as part of a wider Mournes exploration, especially if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Camping Tollymore Forest Park or Enniskeen Estate. Allow about half an hour unless you're planning a picnic with those views. Best visited on a clear day when the mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to this slice of prehistoric Ireland.