Murlough dunes and beach
Boardwalks through Ireland's first nature reserve to a long sandy beach below the Mournes.
- Distance
- 4.4 km
- Ascent
- 30 m
- Time
- 1–1.5 h
- Grade
- Easy
- Route
- Circular
- High point
- 21 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Murlough dunes and beach is an easy 4.4 km circular walk with 30 m of ascent, taking 1 to 1.5 hours. It starts at Murlough National Nature Reserve (grid reference SB 499 893).
Murlough is a 6,000-year-old sand dune system and Ireland's first nature reserve, cared for by the National Trust. Boardwalks lead through the dunes, rich with wildflowers and butterflies in summer, to the beach of Dundrum Bay.
The walk returns along the sand with the Mournes rising across the bay. Seals are often seen offshore.
Route
-
1
Through the dunes
Follow the boardwalk through the dunes to the beach.
-
2
Along the beach
Return on the path along the top of the beach (or on the sand at low tide), then back through the dunes.
Summit
Questions about this walk
- How long does Murlough dunes and beach take?
- Most walkers take 1–1.5 hours for the 4.4 km route, which has 30 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Murlough National Nature Reserve (grid reference SB 499 893). National Trust car park at Murlough (charge in summer).
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Not easily: there's no regular bus or train to the start, so you'll need a car, a lift or a long walk in.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded easy. Boardwalks and sandy paths; beach.
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: National Nature Reserve: please stay on the boardwalks to protect the dunes.
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