Murlough Beach is a Blue Flag beach which comprises a wide flat sandy beach with a 2 m wide pebble ridge above high water mark.
Murlough Beach is backed by an ancient sand dune system throughout its 6 km length. A large area of the dunes is designated as a National Nature Reserve. The Nature Reserve is a fragile 6,000 year old sand dune system. It is an excellent area for walking and bird watching due to its spectacular location at the edge of Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains.
The dune fields at Murlough are the best and most extensive example of dune heath within Ireland with over 600 species of butterflies and moths, one of which, the Marsh Fritillary butterfly, is of European importance. The site is internationally important for wintering wildfowl and waders.
The entire area of Murlough Beach lies within the Mournes and Slieve Croob Area of Outstanding Beauty and the Murlough Special Area for Conservation. It includes woodland and heath with an array of butterflies and wild flowers and is internationally important for wintering wildfowl and waders. It is also a haul-out site for Common and Grey seals.
Excellent water quality.
RNLI Lifeguard Service in Bathing Season as well as Life Saving equipment on Murlough Beach.
![]() | Accessible parking Disabled car parking and disabled access is available via board walk paths. |
![]() | Café |
![]() | Camping Caravan park available within the National Trust car park. |
![]() | Toilets |
Access all year round.
Facilities Open seasonally
Admission Charged when Facilities Open.
See: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/murlough-national-nature-reserve
See access charges.
By car
Murlough Beach is situated off the A2 Newcastle to Clough road 5 km from Newcastle and 5 km from Clough. The National Trust Car park sign posted from the A2.
By bus
A number of bus routes pass the entrance to Murlough Beachgiving access to the beach (stop 12 arches).
By cycle
A cycle route follows the A2.
Blokarting
Blokart World is Ireland's leading Blokart school. Providing Blokart sales & training across the country.
Horse Riding
No horses in the restricted areas between 1 April and 30 Sept when Award Flag is Flying.
No permit is needed for horse riding on Murlough Beach but all riders must have their own Public Liability Insurance.
+44 (0) 28 4375 1467
Keel Point
Dundrum
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