Nestled at the foot of the Mourne Mountains and brushing shoulders with the Irish Sea, Newcastle is a vibrant seaside town bursting with things to do for all ages and interests. Whether you're chasing adrenaline, exploring creativity, or simply looking for scenic moments with your family—or your dog—this gem in the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion destination has something for everyone.
Top things to do and see in Newcastle
Get your day off to the right start with a coffee or a hearty Ulster Fry at one of the many welcoming cafés and coffee shops along Newcastle’s Main Street. Once you’re fuelled up, head out for a scenic adventure in Tollymore Forest Park. Whether you’re a Game of Thrones® fan keen to spot filming locations or simply someone who loves nature, Tollymore won’t disappoint. With its enchanting woodland paths, stone bridges, and a network of walking trails, this forest is as much a star as any of its on-screen moments—offering peaceful beauty and a sense of wonder in every direction.
Climb a Mountain
If you're ready to stretch your legs and take in some of the most breathtaking scenery in Northern Ireland, start with the Granite Trail. This well-marked route weaves through forest and hillside, offering a glimpse into the area's quarrying past while leading adventurous walkers toward higher ground. For the ultimate challenge, set your sights on Slieve Donard - the highest peak in the Mourne Mountains at 2,789 feet. The climb is no small feat and certainly more than a casual morning walk, but the effort is well worth it. On a clear day, the summit rewards you with sweeping views across the Mournes, down over Dundrum Bay, and even as far as the Isle of Man and Wicklow.
Family Fun
If it’s thrills you’re after, Newcastle Go-Karting in Castle Park delivers excitement with an outdoor track perfect for family-friendly racing and a great way to kick off your day with a little friendly competition.
For more traditional fun, Newcastle Amusements offer arcade classics, claw machines, and the kind of nostalgic entertainment that defines a day at the seaside. Bright lights, laughter, and candy floss—it’s all part of the experience.
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Don’t miss the seasonal Mourne Eye - Newcastle’s very own Ferris wheel. Soar above the promenade for breathtaking panoramic views of the town, coastline, and surrounding Mourne Mountains.
Seaside Stroll
Strolling along Newcastle Promenade offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and community charm. The modern footbridge over the Shimna River not only connects the promenade but also provides stunning views of the Mourne Mountains . Nearby, the recently refurbished Downs Road Play Park features inclusive equipment like the Newcastle Nautilus Play Galleon, wheelchair-accessible swings, and sensory areas, ensuring fun for children of all abilities . Public art installations along the promenade further enrich the experience, reflecting the area's rich heritage and creativity
Indoor Adventure
When the weather turns, head indoors to Coco's Indoor Adventure Playground, a bright, fun-filled soft play centre where little adventurers can climb, slide, and explore in a safe, high-energy environment.
Escape the ordinary at Cluerooms - Newcastle's ultimate adventure spot. Family-run and full of character, they offer escape rooms, axe throwing, and shuffleboard for big kids at heart. It’s a playful twist on a night out, packed with nostalgia, excitement, and a whole lot of banter. Your next great escape starts here.
Experience Cinema Newcastle Style
Newcastle Community Cinema (NCC), based in St Mary's Hall, Main Street, offers a monthly programme of quality films for all ages. From themed events to unique local screenings, NCC partners with schools, businesses, and community groups to celebrate the power of film. With a relaxed atmosphere, a well-stocked bar, and classic popcorn at every show, NCC brings back the magic of Saturday night at the movies - a charming alternative to the multiplex.
Go Swimming
For water-based adventure, head to Tropicana Sea Water Pools. This open-air, heated pool is a summer favourite for families, offering safe and splashy fun just steps from the beach.
Those looking for a wilder dip can join the local sea swimming community. Brave the refreshing waters of the Irish Sea year-round and enjoy an invigorating, health-boosting experience in nature or wander up into the hills for a dip in some amazing mountain pools.
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Playparks Galore
Newcastle is home to excellent playparks for kids of all ages.
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Downs Road Playpark offers climbing frames with sea views.
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Castle Park features a peaceful lake where you can hire a pedalow swan and glide across the water.
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Islands Park provides a quiet, shaded escape with plenty of space to play and explore.
Looking for a calm moment? Visit Castle Park and enjoy the graceful pedalo swans on the river. It’s an ideal place for a picnic, or just a bit of peace and quiet.
Play Golf
For something sporty, Newcasle Golf Centre offers a relaxed setting with driving ranges and mini golf. It’s a great place for a casual swing or a bit of light-hearted family competition—with stunning Mourne views, of course.
Nestled between the Irish Sea and the majestic Mountains of Mourne, Royal County Down Golf Club is a masterpiece of natural beauty and golfing heritage. Established in 1889 and shaped by legendary architect Old Tom Morris, its Championship Links has earned the title of the world's number one golf course by Golf Digest, celebrated for its rugged terrain, iconic 'bearded' bunkers, and panoramic views of Dundrum Bay . This challenging yet exhilarating course has hosted prestigious tournaments like the Irish Open and continues to captivate golfers from around the globe. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic amateur, playing at Royal County Down offers an unforgettable experience in one of the world's most stunning natural settings.
Play Tennis
Newcastle’s public tennis courts are ideal for a spontaneous match or a morning rally. Bring your rackets and enjoy some exercise in the fresh sea air.
Local Galleries
Newcastle is alive with creativity, and its art galleries reflect the talent and passion of the region.
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The Ash Gallery features contemporary work from Mourne-based artists.
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Spy Pond Gallery surprises visitors with eclectic exhibitions and unique pieces.
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Painted Earth Gallery blends fine art and craft, showcasing handmade ceramics and artwork inspired by local landscapes.
The Clay Project
Feeling inspired? The Clay Project offers hands-on pottery workshops where you can create your own masterpiece to take home. It’s perfect for individuals, couples, or family groups.
Dog-Friendly Walks
Don’t leave your four-legged friend behind—Newcastle is incredibly dog-friendly! Stroll along the promenade, wander forest trails in Tollymore, enjoy peaceful paths through Donard Park, The Granite Trail or a stunning walk along the beach. There’s no shortage of great spots for dog walks with scenic views.
Time to wind down before dinner
Just before dinner, why not take a refreshing stroll along the sweeping four-mile stretch of Murlough Beach? The salty sea air and rhythmic sound of the waves are perfect for clearing the mind and working up an appetite. If you're feeling the effects of a busy day—or just prefer relaxation to exertion—indulge in some well-earned recovery at Soak Seaweed Baths. Sink into your own private steam cabinet before soaking in a mineral-rich seaweed and hot seawater bath that melts away tension. For a modern twist on wellness, head to Sauna Ice Balance, where hot-cold therapy using traditional saunas and invigorating ice plunges helps reset the body and boost circulation. It’s the perfect way to unwind and recharge before your evening plans.
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A menu of really great places to eat
You’ll no doubt be hungry at this stage so it’s good to hear that in and around Newcastle there is a great range of eateries to choose from for all tastes.
The Newcastle food and Drink Tour is a great way to discover the flavors of Newcastle. Join some like-minded foodies to walk through this seaside town uncovering the town’s rich history and enjoy tastings at some local gems.
If you prefer your dinner handed to you, Brunel’s in Newcastle is an award-winning restaurant that uses local ingredients to create stunning food.
Fans of afternoon tea shouldn’t miss the offering at Slieve Donard Resort & Spa. Their delicious sandwiches and dainty sweets are set out on crisp white tablecloths in the refined surroundings of the resort's dining room. They offer different varieties of afternoon tea, making it the perfect way to relax after a treatment in the resort spa or a paddle in the pool. Why not take the indulgence even further and spend the night in this landmark resort?
Burger enthusiasts must try The Hatch, now in a permanent location on Main Street, Newcastle. This multi-award-winning food provider started business in a truck and still continues to service many events from the truck. They make all of their burgers from the highest quality, locally reared beef and they insist on only using biodegradable packaging.
Newcastle is a haven for lovers of sweet treats and artisan brews, with a fantastic selection of ice cream parlours and cosy coffee shops lining its charming streets and seafront. Indulge in rich, handcrafted flavours at Lick Gelato, a stylish spot offering premium gelato with creative twists.
Stop by Maud’s Ice Cream for their iconic Pooh Bear flavour, or treat yourself to a chocolate treat from Nugelato, where artisan gelato meets indulgent toppings. For a classic seaside scoop, Café Mauds combines ice cream and light bites with a view.
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Coffee enthusiasts can sip freshly brewed perfection at Olive Bizarre, a local favourite known for its homemade bakes and quirky décor, or relax at Cafe Nero, a welcoming spot with excellent coffee, and dog friendly. Kin & Folk also offer tempting options for those looking to unwind with a hot drink and something sweet after exploring the nearby Mourne trails. Savoy Cafe, Nutty Chef, Niki's Kitchen, Railway Street, Shimna Diner, Cafe 67, and Base Coffee, are all worth a try. Whether you're strolling the promenade or taking a break from hiking, Newcastle’s cafés and ice cream shops are the perfect places to recharge.
Live music and local craic
Wrap up your evening with the charm of live traditional music at one of the town’s many welcoming spots. Macken’s is known for its regular music sessions — and even if you stumble in on a quieter night, it’s still a cozy, intimate place to enjoy a pint. O’Hare’s offers a warm, communal vibe, especially on Tuesday nights when the Anchor Ukulele group leads a lively singalong.
Looking for more? You’ll find live music at The Avoca Hotel, Quinn’s, Harbour House, The Tap Room, and The Burrendale Hotel. For something more mellow, the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa features a pianist every weekend — perfect for a relaxed, elegant end to your day.
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With its blend of family fun, outdoor adventure, creative culture, and natural beauty, Newcastle offers something for every kind of visitor. Whether you're here for the weekend or just the day, you’ll leave with happy memories—and likely plans to come back for more.
Check out the What's On section to make sure you don't miss any great events when you are visiting.
Tollymore Forest Park has panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the sea at Newcastle and is open to the public all year. Tollymore Forest covers an area of almost 630 hectares at the foot of the Mourne Mountains.
Soak offers customers a unique experience, a place to be spoiled or to simply ease the body and soothe the mind. Relax in a silky hot seaweed bath in our award winning bathhouse or Revive with a sensual spa treatment in our bespoke treatment rooms.
Modern European Cuisine. Focusing on seasonal produce. A Creative menu that evolves constantly, showcasing when possible locally sourced ingredients.
A beloved destination for families, golfers, and holiday travellers, Slieve Donard is a local landmark that’s equal parts homey and breath-taking. The resort sits at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, on the edge of Royal County Down Golf Club, ranked no. 1 in the world by Golf Digest.
Lick Gelato is located on Central Promenade and specialise in handmade Gelato frozen yoghurt, ice cream, sweet waffles, sundaes, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, milkshakes and traybakes.
The Granite Trail covers a relatively short distance from coast to open moorland, the Granite Trail in Newcastle offers the opportunity to see artifacts from the once thriving granite industry of Mourne. Differing natural habitats can be enjoyed as you walk through coniferous forest and mature woodland beside mountain streams and rivers.
The Mourne Eye is located in Castle Park, Newcastle, County Down. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mourne Mountains, Dundrum Bay, and the town of Newcastle from the Big Wheel. A popular family-friendly attraction, it operates seasonally and is an ideal spot for both sightseeing and relaxation.
Those who enjoy the wet side of life can have fun in Tropicana, Newcastle's outdoor heated leisure pool. To ensure that the toddlers are not forgotten, they have their own paddling pools with the Nellie the Elephant slide. Remember you must book and pay for your outdoor swimming session in Tropicana in advance.
It’s all GO GO GO here at Coco’s. Why not join us for a FUN FILLED day out! The kids will love our variety of slides, ball pools and play areas, while the adults can relax in our Cafe stocked full of tasty meals & LOTS of Coffee. No booking necessary for a visit.
Newcastle Golf Centre is fun for all the family from the beginner to the professional with Adventure Golf, Driving Range with automatic power tees, and 18 hold adventure golf course. Disabled access and refreshments on site.
Our shop is a little ray of sunshine right in the heart of Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland. With the Mourne Mountains rolling in and the sea tickling our toes, there's no better place in the world. But that’s just our opinion… why not pop in and see if you agree?
Sauna and Coldplunge experience in the heart of Newcastle Town Centre, 45 minute session leaving you refreshed and revitalised.
Join local tour guide, Mairead Sweeney for this three hour Food & Drink Tour of Newcastle, County Down. This tour is designed for all those who are passionate about food and drink and enjoy getting to know the town's people and it's history.
Mauds Cafe, Newcastle is located on Main Street, and serves a wide selection of freshly made food for breakfast, lunch, coffee, tea and Mauds secialist ice cream.
Nugelato is an Award Winning Ice Cream Boutique located on Central Promenade, Newcastle Newcastle with a wide selection of hand made ice cream, gelato and sundaes.
Our menu has been carefully devised to tantalise your taste buds and offer the perfect accompaniment to our range of exceptional coffees and teas.
Savoy Café is a family run business in the heart of Newcastle County Down serving a wide range of top quality coffee, home made tray bakes, cakes, soup, sandwiches and so much more.
The Avoca has 20 exquisite, thoughtfully designed guest rooms with comfort in mind, including Superking Family suites, Kingsize and Superking Double rooms that can accommodate from 4-5 guests. Built in the 1800’s from Mourne granite and local stone, the Avoca, Newcastle, County Down, is situated at the base of the Mourne Mountains with undisturbed views of the Irish Sea.
A family run business, built on the sea wall at the foot of the mountains. Nineteenth century building overlooking Newcastle Harbour and Dundrum Bay with beer garden at waters edge. A panoramic view of Mourne Mountains.
Royal County Down is located in one of the world's most naturally beautiful links settings in the Murlough Nature Reserve. Against the magnificent backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne.
