Murlough south end nature trail
Welcome to Murlough National Nature Reserve, a fragile 6000-year-old sand dune system cared for by the National Trust and managed as Ireland's first nature reserve since 1967. This trail will take you through Murlough's wide range of habitats, including heathland, species-rich grassland, gorse and bracken scrub, and woodland, plus points of historical interest along the way.
Total steps: 10
Total steps: 10
Start point
Murlough Car Park, grid ref: J394338
Step 1
Start at the main Murlough Car Park at The Cottage Café. Enter the Reserve through the pedestrian gate in the centre of the car park. Turn left and follow the boardwalk.
Step 2
Follow the boardwalk to spaghetti junction, where the boardwalks meet.
Step 3
Continue down the boardwalks until you reach a gap in the dunes to the south where you can take in a great view of the Mournes Mountains.
Step 4
This brings you out onto Murlough beach. To find Step 5 go onto the beach and turn left. Follow on past a black marker post until you reach the next yellow post.
Step 5
Turn left back onto the Reserve from the beach.
Step 6
You have found yourself on the aptly named Archaeology Path. Follow this path until you reach the next yellow post.
Step 7
This step brings you to the area that is home to colonies of the endangered marsh fritillary butterfly.
Step 8
When you reach the yellow post marked 8, you'll find 'Tomorrow's Heathland Heritage' site with its vast array of bell and ling heather.
Step 9
Turn left and follow the path to get good views of Dundrum Castle and the farmland that used to be a satellite landing ground for bombers during the Second World War.
Step 10
Continue on the path that curves to the right to bring you to the Exmoor Kraal. On reaching the gravel lane, turn left (south) and return to the car park – 0.75 miles (1.2 km).
End point
Murlough Car Park, grid ref: J394338
Trail map
More near here
Murlough North Point nature trail
Discover the beauty of Murlough with a walk through this National Nature Reserve, home to 22 species of butterfly.
Get in touch
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.