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Northern Ireland

Murlough National Nature Reserve

An extraordinarily beautiful dune landscape

Keel Point, Dundrum, County Down, BT33 0LW

View of the Mourne Mountains across Dundrum Bay from the beach at Murlough National Nature Reserve

Planning your visit

Children paddling in the sea at Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down
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Beach safety when visiting Murlough NNR 

When visiting Murlough NNR, it is important you are aware of some of the safety procedures to ensure a safe visit to the reserve. Here are a few tips on how to stay safe and ensure this landscape stays beautiful.

The beach with tall grasses in the foreground at Murlough National Nature Reserve, Co Down, Northern Ireland
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Barbecues and fires at Murlough NNR 

Please be aware that barbecues, cooking and fires are not permitted on the reserve, due to the fire risk. There are two designated barbecue areas at main car park and Dundrum car park. In case of a fire dial 999. Please contact 02843751467 to report BBQs to our staff at Murlough NNR.

A small dog on the lead standing at the beach
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Visiting Murlough NNR with your dog 

Find out about visiting Murlough NNR with your dog. From where you can and can't take them, to the facilities available to dog owners. Murlough NNR is a one pawprint rated place.

A long concrete building with a narrow horizontal slit for a window

Finding ammunition

Live World War Two ammunition or unexploded ordnance may occasionally be found. Murlough NNR was used as a live fire area in World War II. If you see anything, do not touch or remove it but note the location using what three words and report it immediately to a member of staff, call the police on 999.

A drone pilot flying a drone over the Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset, with countryside visible in the background and blue skies above.
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Metal detecting and drone use at Murlough NNR 

As a landowner, the National Trust does not permit drone operation or metal detecting from any of our land and properties.

Two visitors exploring the garden in spring at Quarry Bank, Cheshire

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