Activities at Murlough National Nature Reserve

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

Murlough Nature Reserve North Point Trail

Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down

Discover the beauty of Murlough with a walk through the National Nature Reserve. With the majestic Mourne Mountains as a beautiful backdrop, follow this self-guided trail to discover one of the best and most extensive dune heath in Ireland.

  • Moderate
  • 1 hour 15 mins
  • 3.0 miles (4.8km)
Dundrum Coastal Path
Activity feature
Dog walking, Walking

Discover new walks

Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down

Discover new walks at the places we look after in Co. Down

Snow capped Mournes from Murlough National Nature Reserve
Activity feature
Walking

5 things to look out for in late winter at Murlough

Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down

See our slection of 5 things to do and look out for in late winter

Woodland at Murlough National Nature Reserve
Walking trail

Murlough Woodland Walk

Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down

A self-guided walk to celebrate what is so special about Murlough.

  • Easy
  • 1 hour
  • 1.0 mile (1.6km)
Murlough National Nature Reserve, woodland, trees, nature
Activity feature
Walking

The history of Murlough's trees and woodland

Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down

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

Murlough National Nature Reserve Woodland
Walking feature

Jo's Woodland Walk

Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down

This first walk is an introduction to the woodland which grows around Murlough House and on the North point. There is a wide range of trees to be seen, most of which were planted in the late 1800s following the building of Murlough House by the Downshire estate. Most tree species have established well, but few have spread, sycamore being the major exception, which has, in the last 50 years, progressively spread to form extensive woodland around the house, and out over the dune land. It is a highly competitive tree which shades out other species to form a near single species of woodland. As the woodland is maturing an interesting ground flora is developing, which will be the focus of a spring time walk. Closer to the North Point a more natural woodland of hazel , blackthorn and spindle will be visited before the walk returns looking at the heathland trees.

Woodland at Murlough National Nature Reserve
Activity feature
Walking

Jo Whatmough Walk

Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down

Join us for some very special insight into 6,000 years of Murlough history.

Ponies on Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down, Northern Ireland
Walking trail

Murlough south end nature trail

Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down

Enjoy a walk through the varying habitats of the Nature Reserve, via the beach, and see what wildlife you can spot.

  • Moderate
  • 1 hour 15 mins
  • 3.0 miles (4.8km)