Among the many attractions in the immediate locality are forest parks, miles of sandy beaches, the lively seaside resort of Newcastle and the historic town of Downpatrick; the resting place of St Patrick.  

Newcastle lies at the foot of Slieve Donard 'where the mountains sweep down to the sea'.  The barren peak of Slieve Donard, climbing steeply to 2,796 ft, dominates the mysterious blue distance of the landscape.  It's an afternoon climb from the car park at Bloody Bridge near the holiday resort of Newcastle, or from Donard Park in Newcastle itself.  From the top you can see the Isle of Man and the full length of Strangford Lough.  To the north-west lies the pale line of Lough Neagh (the largest fresh water lake in the British Isles), a vast inland sea covering 153 square miles, famous for its eels - an Ulster delicacy.

The Mournes host 3 reservoirs including Silent Valley which supplies Belfast's water. The scenery is truly spectacular and the visitor has several options for hill walking, including a path that follows the Mourne wall; a dry stone wall which is over 22 miles long.

Murlough Bay is close to Newcastle and offers a beautiful area for walking and 6 miles of golden beaches