Newcastle

The Mourne Mountains rise dramatically from the Irish Sea, and Newcastle sits perfectly positioned where these granite peaks meet golden sand. This County Down resort town has been drawing visitors since Victorian times, though it retains a proper seaside feel without the commercial overdevelopment that plagues other coastal spots.

Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest peak, looms directly behind the town centre - you can practically walk from your B&B to the summit trail. Tollymore Forest Park sits just inland, its ancient oaks and riverside paths offering gentler walking than the mountain climbs. The park entrance leads to some of the most accessible woodland in Ulster, with Foley's Bridge marking one of the prettier crossing points.

Newcastle's beach stretches for miles. Proper sand, not shingle, and surprisingly clean considering how busy it gets during summer weekends. The promenade runs the full length, dotted with the usual seaside amenities, though midweek in autumn you'll often have long stretches to yourself.

From here, you're ideally placed for exploring the wider Mournes. Rocky Mountain and Shan Slieve offer challenging hikes with cracking views, while Bunkers Hill provides a more manageable climb. The area around Curraghard gives excellent vantage points across the range without the full mountain commitment.

The town sits roughly 30 miles south of Belfast via the A24, making it easily accessible by car. Public transport runs regularly from the capital, though having your own wheels opens up the mountain access roads properly. Several holiday parks dot the surrounding countryside, particularly useful for families wanting to combine beach days with mountain adventures. The proximity to Tollymore Forest Park means you can be hiking ancient woodlands one morning and building sandcastles the next - not many places offer that combination within walking distance.