Northern Ireland

Murlough National Nature Reserve

An extraordinarily beautiful dune landscape

Keel Point, Dundrum, County Down, BT33 0LW

Opening times
Prices
See on map

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

Map
Directions via Google Maps
By road
Belfast is about 25 miles north on the A24. Newry is 25 miles west and Downpatrick is 10 miles to the east, both on the A25.
Parking: Limited parking available
On foot
1 mile from south side of Dundrum village (follow Keel Point Road). From Newcastle is a longer walk (but includes beautiful 2-mile stretch along beach)
By train
The nearest train stations are in Belfast city centre (Belfast Great Victoria Station and Belfast Central Station), about 25 miles away. For more information visit Translink website
By bus
Ulsterbus 20 Belfast to Newcastle, alight at Lazy BJ Caravan Park after Dundrum
By bicycle
NCN99 (Belfast to Newry) passes entrance

Opening times for 3 December 2023
Asset	Opening time
Nature reserve	08:00 - 17:00
Facilities	Closed

Car parking (September-December)
Ticket type	Gift aid	Standard
Per car		£5.00

Children paddling in the sea at Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down

Article

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.