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Murlough National Nature Reserve

An extraordinarily beautiful dune landscape; designated ASSI & SAC.

Keel Point, Dundrum, County Down, BT33 0LW

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

Important notice

Due to the anticipated severe weather from Storm Darragh, Murlough National Nature Reserve will be closed on Saturday, 7 December. This decision has been made to prioritise the safety of our visitors, staff, and volunteers.

Planning your visit

Mourne Mountains from the Beach of Murlough Nature Reserve

What's on at Murlough Nature Reserve? 

Check out what great events we're hosting!

Herd of Wild Ponies beneath the Mourne Mountains, seen from Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down, Northern Ireland
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Safety with Livestock at Murlough Nature Reserve 

The Murlough Nature Reserve in the UK uses livestock grazing for biodiversity, sustainability, cultural preservation, scenic value, and economic impact. Visitors are advised to respect the freely roaming animals for safety. Key tips include keeping dogs on leads, leaving gates as found, not startling livestock, supervising children, and not feeding or petting the animals. It’s also important to avoid getting cornered by cattle, respect maternal bonds, and prepare for photos without startling the animals. For more safety information, visitors can refer to the Countryside Access website and the National Trust byelaws.

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

A drone pilot flying a drone over the Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset, with countryside visible in the background and blue skies above.
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Metal detecting and drone use at Murlough NNR 

As a landowner, the National Trust does not permit drone operation or metal detecting from any of our land and properties.

Two adults with a young child, all smiling together and admiring the festive window art in Newton House at Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire

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