Today we had no plan whatsoever, except to take the day as it comes. We started the day with a swim and chill in the hotel pool area and then had breakfast.

We then decided that we would go out for a drive and do some sightseeing by car. I had heard that the the High Mourne Scenic Loop was worth touring around, so we did just that.

We saw so much breathtaking scenery whilst driving through High Mourne. Most of the roads were single track so sometimes it was hard to stop to take photos due to traffic coming in the other direction. We saw Slieve Donard from the other side, along with Fofanny Dam, Spelga Dam and Slieve Binnian, another stunning mountain. It was fantastic.

When we returned to Newcastle, we dropped the car back at the hotel and walked to Avoca for lunch. Rain appeared again even though the forecast was good. Nevertheless, it didn’t stop us from enjoying our day.

Back at the hotel, an apology from the duty manager about last night’s bar service meant that we could have a complimentary drink in Chaplin’s Bar. We sat and watched more rain through the windows of the front of the hotel and decided to change our plans so that we would eat in the hotel instead of venturing out.

We didn’t have much time to get ready before we went to the Oak Restaurant. It is a beautiful room, with views of both the sea and Slieve Donard. The staff were lovely and very attentive and, apart from an over cooked steak which was returned, food was good.

The final part of our evening was spent on our room with a bottle of Prosecco, watching travel programmes on TV (rock and roll!!). Today was our final day in Newcastle before returning to Belfast tomorrow for the journey back to England.