Season: autumn
Murlough is a popular County Down beach. Its setting is second to none, with views back to the mountains of Mourne and comprising part of the exquisite Murlough National Nature Reserve, Ireland’s first such reserve. The beach is long and sandy, with ancient sand dunes behind that attract many species of butterfly and other wildlife. The windy aspect makes this a popular spot for water sports and swimming. Seals can be seen from the beach, with occasional sightings of porpoises. Parking is in the nature reserve car park and there’s a fine walk down to the beach through the reserve and the dunes. If you’re feeling energetic, I recommend the beach walk down to Newcastle past the Royal County Down Golf Club.
What the beach means to Gill and Nigel.
Plenty of wide open space at Murlough beach.
