Beach safety when visiting Murlough NNR

Children paddling in the sea at Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down — Children paddling at Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down | © National Trust Images/Christopher Heaney

Enjoy spending time outside at coastal places? You can help to keep them safe and enjoyable by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

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

Beach Safety:

Choose the lifeguarded section of the Blue Flag beach when available (seasonal July & August)
Know your flags - If you visit a lifeguarded beach, there will be flags on the beach to show you where it’s safe to swim. If you’re planning to swim or bodyboard, stay between the red and yellow flags. For surfboards, stand-up paddleboards or other non-powered craft, go between the black and white chequered flag. You should not swim there.
If a red flag is flying, the water is dangerous. Do not enter the water under any circumstances...
Be aware of the incoming tide. Parts of the beach at Murlough consist of sand bars which can become cut off by the incoming tide.
Remember that the sand on the beach and within the dunes is constantly shifting. Please avoid digging excessively deep holes, or tunnelling in to the side of the dunes as there is a risk of sand collapsing on top of you. Also be aware of eroding dune cliffs and overhangs as these could collapse at any time and without warning.
Murlough neighbours the MOD firing range at Ballykinlar and ammunition both live and spent is occasionally washed up on the beach. 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 02843751467 and the police on 999.

The coastal sand dunes at Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down — The coastal sand dunes at Murlough National Nature Reserve | © National Trust Images/John Miller

Care for the coast and countryside

Issues such as littering, wildfires and fly-camping can all cause significant harm to landscapes and wildlife. With your help, these problems can be avoided so that these places can be protected for generations to come.

When you visit the coast and countryside, we ask that you please follow the Countryside Code