Murlough National Nature Reserve

Important notice -

Our car parks are open daily for pay and display. Please note the main Car Park gate is locked at 5pm.

An extraordinarily beautiful dune landscape

More about this place

Adults and two children taking an autumn walk amongst the trees

Which places are open and what you need to know before you visit 

More than 100 gardens and parks and hundreds of coast and countryside places are open in England and Northern Ireland. Many historic houses are open in England. To avoid disappointment please book in advance, especially at weekends and school holidays. In line with Welsh Government legislation, all places in Wales will close from 24 October to 9 November. Please check the property webpage of the place you wish to visit before you travel. Read this article to find out how to book and what to expect from your visit.

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Murlough National Nature Reserve

Our work 

A view of Murlough National Nature Reserce

Murlough Boardwalk Appeal 

We're restoring the boardwalk at Murlough and we need your help

Help us look after Murlough
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Murlough National Nature Reserve

Things to see and do

Experience the changing seasons at Murlough National Nature Reserve

Autumn at Murlough 

The summer season has definitely let go and the autumn falls rapidly upon us. As you get to know a place like Murlough and observe its many natural features you realise there is no distinct division between its seasons.

A couple walks their dogs at Murlough National Nature Reserve

Walks and Trails 

Discover the trails we love on site, as well as new walks at some of the other amazing conservation sites we look after in Co. Down.

Murlough Beach and dunes with Mournes in the distance

Murlough through the seasons 

Visit us throughout the year to see how this stunning site evolves as the seasons change.

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Murlough National Nature Reserve

Wildlife

Murlough National Nature Reserve bumblebee feeding

Wonderful wildlife 

We're home to more that 600 species of butterfly and moths, rare birds and mammals and an array of stunning flora.

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Murlough National Nature Reserve

History

View to the Mourne Mountains from Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down, Northern Ireland

Human occupation and influence at Murlough 

Discover how humans have influenced the landscape of our 6,000 year old dune system.

Murlough National Nature Reserve, woodland, trees, nature

The history of Murlough's trees and woodland 

Most of the trees at Murlough date from the acquisition of the Dundrum estate (including Murlough) by the Downshire Estate in 1783.

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