Season: autumn
Accessed via a car park set back from the beach, Tyrella beach is long and sandy, with extensive sand dunes behind. It’s a haven for wildlife, birds in particular and water sports are popular here too. This is a Blue Flag beach with excellent water quality and regular beach cleans, so swimming is a fine option for any visitor. Tyrella is one of County Down’s most popular and least spoilt beaches.
Michael’s affinity to this beach.
The scene at Tyrella beach.
Season: autumn
Set within the Murlough National Nature Reserve, this is arguably the most beautiful place in County Down. Sheltered from the Irish Sea in a secluded bay, the village of Dundrum sits behind the beach area. There is abundant wildlife to enjoy, with trails and 6,000 year old dunes to explore nearby. You can cycle along a stretch of abandoned railway track on the western edge of the bay. For those interested in history, the evocative ruins of Dundrum Castle stand on a summit behind the village.
What the beach means to Emma.
A view across to Dundrum Inner Bay.
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.
