Nature & gardens · 10:00–12:30 (2h30m)
Tollymore Forest Park
Follow the Shimna River path to the stepping stones; bring a picnic.
An outdoor nature reserve in Newcastle.
Check pricesOutdoors
- Baby changing
- Toilets
- Parking
Photo: Ardfern
A low-cost day in the shadow of the Mournes: stepping stones and follies in Tollymore, a climb up the free Norman castle at Dundrum, then boardwalks through Murlough's dunes to the beach.
One dayAges 3–7Sunny dayCost £10:00–15:453 stops
The plan
- 10:001
- 13:002
Castle · 13:00–13:45 (45m)
Dundrum Castle
Free entry; climb the keep for views across the bay.
The ruins of a Norman castle begun around 1177 by John de Courcy, on a wooded hill above Dundrum village with views across the bay to the Mournes. Entry is free and the keep can be climbed when staffed.
FreeOutdoors- Toilets
- Accessibility
Photo: Eschadew
- 14:003
Wildlife · 14:00–15:45 (1h45m)
Murlough National Nature Reserve
Boardwalks through the dunes lead to a long sandy beach.
An outdoor wildlife park in Dundrum.
Check pricesOutdoorsPhoto: Eric Jones
More days out in Northern Ireland
Northern IrelandFree museum and park day in south Belfast
Belfast
A no-cost day in Belfast's university quarter: dinosaurs and a mummy at the Ulster Museum, a wander through the glasshouses and lawns of the Botanic Gardens, then a playground stop across the river.
Ulster Museum at Botanic Gardens → Botanic Gardens and Palm House → Ormeau Park
One dayAges 3–7Free
Northern IrelandStrangford Lough: castle, ferry and aquarium
Strangford
A lough-side day with a little boat trip in the middle. Explore the grounds, farmyard and play area at Castle Ward, cross the Narrows on the car ferry, then meet sea creatures and rescued seals at Exploris.
Castle Ward → Strangford Lough Ferry → Exploris Aquarium
One dayAges 3–7Cost ££
Northern IrelandTitanic Quarter on a wet day
Belfast
Spend a rainy day under cover in Belfast's shipbuilding quarter. Start with the story of Titanic, grab lunch from the food stalls at a Victorian market hall, then climb aboard a real First World War warship.
Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic → St George's Market → HMS Caroline
One dayAges 8–12Rainy dayCost ££