Tollymore National Outdoor Centre

Rock climbing walls tower inside this purpose-built centre on the edge of Newcastle, where the Mourne Mountains meet the Irish Sea. Tollymore National Outdoor Centre specialises in adventure sports training and courses, from basic climbing instruction to advanced mountaineering skills. The indoor facilities include climbing walls of varying difficulty, plus kit hire and changing rooms.

Adventure seekers will find their calling here, particularly those wanting proper instruction rather than just a casual go. The centre runs multi-day courses covering everything from rock climbing to winter mountaineering, with qualified instructors who know the local terrain inside out. Day courses work well for beginners, though you'll need to book ahead.

Families with older kids (say 12 plus) might enjoy a taster session, but this isn't really a casual drop-in sort of place. It's serious about outdoor education and the courses reflect that - brilliant if you want to learn properly, less suitable for a quick holiday activity.

Location-wise, you couldn't ask for better. The centre sits virtually on the doorstep of Tollymore Forest Park, with the Mournes rising dramatically behind. Several holiday parks lie within easy reach, including Tollymore Campsite just over a mile away and Windsor Holiday Park a bit further out at Newcastle. Perfect for combining a few days' camping with some proper adventure skills training.