Overlooking the Irish Sea in County Down in Northern Ireland, the long-established seaside resort of Newcastle sits along the Shimna River beneath Slieve Donard, the tallest peak in the Mourne Mountain range. Sandwiched between the brooding Mourne peaks and miles of beaches that run north to nearby Dundrum Bay, it’s a great base for a relaxing break, nature lovers and sports fans alike.Newcastle has plenty for visitors, not least the famous Royal County Down Golf Club, a links course founded in 1889 that’s regularly voted one of the best in the world. Other attractions include the neighbouring Murlough Nature Reserve with its pristine sand dunes and, in the town itself, two beachfront swimming pools, enticing shops, restaurants and inns, and a newly revamped seafront lined with sculptures, cafes and other entertainments.
Best of Newcastle
There’s something for all in Newcastle. Golfers will love the Royal County Down Golf Club, with its legendary fairways and greens backed with spectacular sea and mountain views, while non-golfers will find plenty to occupy them, too. You can walk along or relax on the long sand-and-pebble beach admiring the views of the Mourne peaks and Irish Sea, follow the Granite Trail up Bogie Hill to discover more about the granite industry that once thrived here, or visit Bloody Bridge: a stone bridge named after a brutal 1641 massacre.
Otherwise you could simply stroll the smart seafront, stopping off at the cafes, amusements and other attractions facing the sea. Shopping for souvenirs in the town’s friendly shops always unearths something interesting, or there’s fine coffee, wine or a meal to enjoy at one of the welcoming cafes, bars and pubs.
A little further out of town lies the Murlough National Nature Reserve on Newcastle’s outskirts. Lining Murlough Beach, this gorgeous reserve boasts walking trails and boardwalks through sand dunes rich with birds and other wildlife.
Family attractions in Newcastle
Family fun abounds in Newcastle. Take an invigorating summertime dip in the beachfront Rock Pool lido, or let the kids loose at The Tropicana, a beachside open-air pool with a waterslide. Newcastle has boating ponds to explore and a cute pitch and putt golf course to challenge each other at.
Legends of Newcastle
Historic Newcastle was mentioned in Ireland’s medieval Annals of the Four Masters chronicles, and many historic buildings still stand today. It is known for its local legends, many associated with the Mourne Mountains, including the grim tale of Maggie’s Leap: a clifftop chasm where a local girl is said to have met her death while fleeing from soldiers.
Outdoor pursuits around Newcastle
Newcastle fringes some of Northern Ireland’s finest landscapes. After roaming the Murlough Nature Reserve, you can make your way to nearby Tollymore Forest Park, a woodland haven of footpaths, streams, grottos and caves.
The awe-inspiring Mourne Mountains are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Here, you can follow marked hiking trails, taking in the panoramic views from tor-topped peaks, or cast your line for a spot of angling.
