
The stunning outdoor heated swimming pool 2.5hrs from Dublin with water slides, splash zones & free entry for toddlers
The Tropicana Outdoor Heated Fun Pool in Newcastle,
3
Tropicana Outdoor Heated Fun Pool is located in Newcastle, Co Down
Credit: Social Media Collect
3
It is one of the only outdoor pools in Ireland
Credit: Social Media Collect
This underrated spot is located on the Central Promenade in Newcastle and is one of the few heated outdoor pools on the island.
Situated right by the sea, It's open every
The pool includes a large heated swimming area and a toddler pool, along with the 'Nellie the Elephant' slide for young children.
And there are special 'Tropicanarama' sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings where swimmers can enjoy music and games in the water.
READ MORE IN TRAVEL
It reads on their website: "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.""
Operated by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, the pool is well-maintained and includes a range of amenities such as changing rooms, toilets and a play area for children.
There are also picnic tables and benches nearby, offering the perfect spot for families to enjoy a lunch between swims.
Most read in News Travel
There's even a miniature slide and splash zone in the toddler pool.
The views of the Mourne Mountains from the nearby promenade make the whole experience even more of a must-visit – the perfect spot for a walk along the shore.
'It's very important' - Ryanair's 'baggage sizers' warning to Irish passengers ahead of busy Easter break amid €75 fine
Admission is
What's more, children under 4 can enter for free and families can get a group ticket of 2 adults, 2 children for only £9.60.
The heated pool operates on weekdays from 12:00pm to 5:30pm, with extended hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 8:00pm.
Weekends have longer opening hours, with Saturdays from 10:00am to 5:30pm and Sundays from 2:00pm to 5:30pm.
Stunning beach nearby
After a
This beach stretches for 2.5 kilometres, and is located right next to the promenade which has shops, cafes and restaurants.
People have taken to
One person wrote: 'Two kids went and loved it!
"Didn't want to come out! Great splash pools for younger children, would recommend!'
Another said: 'A great day out! Once in, you can stay here as long as you like.'
3
It's open every day in July and August
Credit: Social Media Collect

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

The 42
2 hours ago
- The 42
Farrell's Ireland set to visit Australia and New Zealand next year
ANDY FARRELL'S IRELAND are set to visit Australia and New Zealand in the summer of 2026 for the opening window of the new Nations Cup. It's understood that Ireland are in line to face the Wallabies and the All Blacks in July 2026, as well as playing Japan. The game against Eddie Jones' Japan is expected to take place in either Australia or New Zealand, with Australia more likely given the huge Irish diaspora Down Under. Final details are still to be confirmed, with the IRFU and other unions having further discussed plans at World Rugby meetings in Sydney this week. This also means that Ireland are set to welcome South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina to Dublin in autumn 2026 for their other Nations Cup fixtures next year. Advertisement From 2026, the new biennial Nations Cup will take place across the July and November Test windows. At the end of the November window, there will be a Grand Final, along with other placing games. The 2026 play-offs will be hosted at Twickenham and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, with Qatar to host the 2028 deciders, and the 2030 finals set to take place in the US. It had been hoped that the likes of Japan and Fiji would host all their 'home' games in the Nations Cup on actual Japanese and Fijian soil next year, but the strong prospect of Ireland facing Japan in Australia shows that might not be the case. The travel schedules for nations like Ireland have been a concern since the competition was agreed upon, with worries for player welfare amid three July Tests in three different countries – several of which are long flights from each other – across three consecutive weekends, as opposed to the current status quo of three-Test series in one country. That seemingly means that the Nations Cup will involve clusters of games in one nation, as in the possible example of Ireland playing the Wallabies and Japan in Australia on consecutive weekends next summer. Ireland's 2026 visit to Australia means that Farrell and the large contingent of Irish players and staff who have been Down Under on the Lions tour will be returning swiftly next summer. There will be another big trip to Australia in 2027 for the World Cup. The rivalry with both the Wallabies and the All Blacks is set to grow this coming autumn as Farrell's men face both sides. Ireland open their 2025 November Tests campaign against New Zealand in Chicago on 2 November, while they host Joe Schmidt's men in Dublin on 16 November, with a game against Japan at the Aviva Stadium in between. They complete their campaign against the Springboks on 23 November. Former Ireland boss Schmidt will be in his final campaign with the Wallabies when Farrell and co. visit Australia in July 2026, before handing the reins over to ex-Ireland defence coach Les Kiss.


The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I visited stunning estate near one of world's best golf courses with luxury rooms, afternoon tea, spa & art galleries
TEE TIME I visited stunning estate near one of world's best golf courses with luxury rooms, afternoon tea, spa & art galleries HOT on the heels of The Open in Portrush last month, golf fans can swap the greens for galleries, art, and a luxury hotel experience in Rory McIlroy's hometown of Holywood, on the outskirts of Belfast. The five-star Culloden Estate and Spa is ideally located as a base from which to visit Belfast with its many attractions. Advertisement 6 Ann Mooney with incredible sculpture at Culloden Estate 6 Culloden Estate is the perfect place to relax 6 Luxury hotel suite with king-size bed, sitting area, and dining table And if you are a golf enthusiast, you are perfectly situated to visit and play some of the best courses in the world, including, of course, Portrush. Alternatively, if you simply want to relax and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Culloden Estate, you can stay in the hotel, which was the official palace for the Bishops of Down in the 18th century. The property still retains some magnificent stained glass windows and many of its original features, such as ornate ceilings and fireplaces. Situated atop Holywood Hill overlooking Belfast Lough and the Co Antrim coastline, you can sip a glass of wine or a signature cocktail on the terrace, watching the ships, including ferries to Scotland, sail past. Advertisement With 12 acres of secluded gardens, a palatial spa, three restaurants, and my personal favourite - the Bollinger Garden - you can walk, relax, and enjoy the unique experience that is Culloden. This month, until August 31, there is even more on offer as Art and Soul has returned to the hotel, showcasing works from some of the most celebrated Irish and international artists, including Ian Pollock, Eamonn Ceannt, Giacinto Bosco, Bob Quinn, Paddy Campbell, Sandra Bell, and John Fitzgerald. Iconic names from the international art world include Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Julian Opie, Salvador Dalí, and even Banksy. Their works will be displayed at the Culloden Estate & Spa in Rory McIlroy's hometown of Holywood from July 27 to August 31. Advertisement Among this year's highlights is a playful nod to golf through Patrick O'Reilly's much-loved bronze bear sculptures, including Caddy Bear and Beyond the Rough. I must say Patrick's bears are simply gorgeous, my favourite being the well-worn and much-loved Teddy, similar to those many of us cherished during childhood. New to the exhibition this year are works by internationally acclaimed sculptors Philip Jackson, Sophie Ryder, Matteo Lo Greco, Michael Ayrton, and Lorenzo Quinn. I particularly loved artist Anna McKeever's wonderful paintings. Chatting to her, it is very clear she loves painting, so much so that she gave up her career as a psychiatrist to focus on her art. Advertisement Thankfully, her brave move paid off, as her work is highly sought after by collectors. OUTDOOR SCULPTURES Hosted by Gormley's Fine Art, the exhibition features over 250 pieces, with the larger outdoor sculptures displayed throughout the Culloden's gardens overlooking Belfast Lough. These consistently rank among the most popular attractions. Even if you are not staying at the Culloden, you are more than welcome to visit and wander around the exhibits. Advertisement Enjoy a meal in the fabulous restaurant or pop down to the Bollinger Garden, where you can sit in beautiful surroundings with a glass of Bolly. You can be sure that General Manager Cormac Fadden and his excellent team at the Culloden will do everything possible to make your visit a truly special experience. Oliver Gormley of Gormleys Fine Art said: 'Holywood is home to Rory McIlroy and one of Ireland's most iconic hotels — the perfect setting to showcase some of the most celebrated artists of our time. Art and Soul offers a unique opportunity to enjoy world-class art in an extraordinary setting, and with The Open taking place just up the road in Portrush, it's a fantastic time to visit Northern Ireland.' Advertisement This marks Gormleys' thirteenth major art and sculpture event, with the Culloden Estate & Spa hosting the exhibition for over a decade. 'TRULY SPECIAL' Howard Hastings, Chairman of the Culloden Estate & Spa, said: 'Art and Soul brings something truly special to the Culloden. 'We're thrilled to welcome guests to explore this exceptional celebration of creativity and culture in one of the most beautiful settings in Ireland.' As part of the experience, the Culloden is offering a specially curated Art and Soul Afternoon Tea, alongside daily guided tours of the exhibition. Advertisement Supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council, Art and Soul is free to attend and open to the public daily from 11am to 7pm. Luxury overnight stays with breakfast are available starting from £243 (approx. €285) per person sharing. More information about tour bookings and overnight stays can be found at and 6 Anna McKeever's wonderful paintings are on show 6 Patrick O'Reilly with one of his beautiful bear sculptures Advertisement


The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I visited one of world's best golf courses on stunning estate with luxury rooms, afternoon tea, spa & art galleries
HOT on the heels of The Open in Portrush last month, golf fans can swap the greens for galleries, art, and a luxury hotel experience in Rory McIlroy's hometown of Holywood, on the outskirts of Belfast. The five-star Culloden Estate and Spa is ideally located as a base from which to visit 4 Ann Mooney with incredible artwork at Culloden Estate 4 Culloden Estate is the perfect place to relax 4 Luxury hotel suite with king-size bed, sitting area, and dining table And if you are a golf enthusiast, you are perfectly situated to visit and play some of the best courses in the world, including, of course, Portrush. Alternatively, if you simply want to relax and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Culloden Estate, you can stay in the hotel, which was the official palace for the Bishops of Down in the 18th century. The property still retains some magnificent stained glass windows and many of its original features, such as ornate ceilings and fireplaces. Situated atop Holywood Hill overlooking Belfast Lough and the Co READ MORE IN TRAVEL With 12 acres of secluded gardens, a palatial spa, three restaurants, and my personal favourite - the Bollinger Garden - you can walk, relax, and enjoy the unique experience that is Culloden. This month, until August 31, there is even more on offer as Art and Soul has returned to the hotel, showcasing works from some of the most celebrated Irish and international artists, including Ian Pollock, Eamonn Ceannt, Giacinto Bosco, Bob Quinn, Paddy Campbell, Sandra Bell, and John Fitzgerald. Iconic names from the international art world include Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Julian Opie, Salvador Dalí, and even Banksy. Their works will be displayed at the Culloden Estate & Spa in Most read in News Travel Among this year's highlights is a playful nod to golf through Patrick O'Reilly's much-loved bronze bear sculptures, including Caddy Bear and Beyond the Rough. I must say Patrick's bears are simply gorgeous, my favourite being the well-worn and much-loved Teddy, similar to those many of us cherished during childhood. New to the exhibition this year are works by internationally acclaimed sculptors Philip Jackson, Sophie Ryder, Matteo Lo Greco, Michael Ayrton, and Lorenzo Quinn. I particularly loved artist Anna McKeever's wonderful paintings. Chatting to her, it is very clear she loves painting, so much so that she gave up her career as a psychiatrist to focus on her art. Thankfully, her brave move paid off, as her work is highly sought after by collectors. OUTDOOR SCULPTURES Hosted by Gormley's Fine Art, the exhibition features over 250 pieces, with the larger outdoor sculptures displayed throughout the Culloden's gardens overlooking Belfast Lough. These consistently rank among the most popular attractions. Even if you are not staying at the Culloden, you are more than welcome to visit and wander around the exhibits. Enjoy a meal in the fabulous restaurant or pop down to the Bollinger Garden, where you can sit in beautiful surroundings with a glass of Bolly. You can be sure that General Manager Cormac Fadden and his excellent team at the Culloden will do everything possible to make your visit a truly special experience. Oliver Gormley of Gormleys Fine Art said: 'Holywood is home to Rory McIlroy and one of Ireland's most iconic hotels — the perfect setting to showcase some of the most celebrated artists of our time. Art and Soul offers a unique opportunity to enjoy world-class art in an extraordinary setting, and with The Open taking place just up the road in Portrush, it's a fantastic time to visit Northern Ireland.' This marks Gormleys' thirteenth major art and sculpture event, with the Culloden Estate & Spa hosting the exhibition for over a decade. 'TRULY SPECIAL' Howard Hastings, Chairman of the Culloden Estate & Spa, said: 'Art and Soul brings something truly special to the Culloden. 'We're thrilled to welcome guests to explore this exceptional celebration of creativity and culture in one of the most beautiful settings in Ireland.' As part of the experience, the Culloden is offering a specially curated Art and Soul Afternoon Tea, alongside daily guided tours of the exhibition. Supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council, Art and Soul is free to attend and open to the public daily from 11am to 7pm. Luxury overnight stays with breakfast are available starting from £243 (approx. €285) per person sharing. More information about tour bookings and overnight stays can be found at and 4 Anna McKeever's wonderful paintings are on show