The sand dune system is estimated to be approximately 6,000 years old.
It was the first National Nature Reserve to be designated in Northern Ireland.
The reserve is an internationally important site for the Marsh Fritillary butterfly.
The area is home to over 20 species of butterfly, including the Dark Green Fritillary.
The dunes sit on a foundation of glacial moraine left behind by the last ice age.
The reserve protects a rare 'dune slack' environment, which is a damp area between dunes that supports specific moisture-loving plants.
It provides crucial nesting grounds for common terns and other coastal bird species.
The vegetation includes rare plants like the pyramidal orchid and bird’s-foot trefoil.
Murlough National Nature Reserve is a 6,000-year-old sand dune system located on the edge of Dundrum Bay in County Down. It is Ireland's first established nature reserve, designated in 1967. The site spans 270 hectares and serves as a critical habitat for a diverse range of plant and animal species. Visitors can access a four-mile stretch of sandy beach via a network of boardwalks that protect the fragile dune ecosystem. The landscape is dominated by marram grass and shifting dunes that provide shelter for butterfly populations and various migratory birds. The reserve sits adjacent to the Dundrum Inner Bay, which is a protected salt marsh habitat. It is managed by the National Trust to conserve its unique geological and biological features. The site features a range of habitats including heath, woodland, and scrub.
The raised boardwalk viewpoint looking out toward the Mourne Mountains across the dunes.
Use the wooden boardwalks exclusively to traverse the dunes to prevent soil erosion and habitat destruction.
Bring binoculars as the Dundrum Bay area is highly active for birdwatching during migration periods.
Check the local tidal charts before visiting, as high tides can significantly restrict the available beach walking area.
Do not climb on the dunes outside of marked paths, as the sand is extremely fragile and prone to wind erosion.
Keep dogs on a short lead at all times to protect ground-nesting birds; remove all waste; stay on marked paths.
