murlough national nature reserve

The beach towards Murlough is not crowded. Long stretch of sand with great views on the return trip to Newcastle

The stunning sand dunes of Murlough are well worth a visit, and you can take a peaceful walk along the Newcastle Beach at the same time. Great parking and well-kept and preserved.

Take a walk along the board walk to the beach at Murlough and drink in the sights, sounds and smells, behold the excellent work put in by the volunteers of the National Trust keeping the area clean and well maintained. Murlough is a place to escape too. Favourite spot for walkers, families to come to for the day or a stroll along the board walk winding its way to the beach. Excellent views to the Mournes and an unspoilt beach can be enjoyed all year round. A real treasure. It's free to walk in and has a beautiful car park at the twelve arches complete with picnic tables also. Public bus operated by Ulsterbus, service 20 passes Murlough with a stop at the twelve arches car park. If you are visiting the area, this is a must do.

Absolutely stunning beach, a lovely walk through sand dunes before you set foot onto the actual beach provides a perfect atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.

Beautiful natural wonder with stunning views of the Mourne Mountains, amazing shells to collect and fresh air. Paths are not way marked enough and signage, interpretation panels are missing. Also, local dog walkers...pick up your dog poo...you're ruining a lovely experience

My mother was born and grew up in the small cottage (the cut) in Murlough, the cottage still stands as a store for farm machinery.There is a modern bungalow next door to my Mothers cottage so think it must belong to them.The views from the cottage are simply stunning and I would love to visit it at different times of year to see how it appears in different seasons.my mother also worked at Murlough House and tells me that there was a Summer Fair held there each year, I doubt that still happens these days though.Mum will be 93 yrs old later this year and is hoping to visit again next Summer so looking forward to accompanying her.Great boardwalks, helped with pushing her wheelchair.

My favourite beach is at Murlough, when the tide is out. I always look over to Saint John's Point and watch out for \brent geese in autumn and winter. Peaceful and other walkers are always friendly. I access it from Newcastle and at times struggle to cross the very stony patches.

Regarding the touring section, this surely is a wonderful place for a pleasant break. Slightly tight pitches (except awning pitches) but fully serviced and above all, FLAT. Wash block is kept remarkably clean and the entire site, statics and touring, is amazingly tidy. Facilities for children would be the envy of many other sites and care has been taken to ensure safety, at great expense no doubt. There's a gentle dignity about the whole place which is really near Newcastle, just a nice flat bike ride away. Overall, a superb location.

A wonderful walk along the sand from Newcastle and round the corner to Dundrum, taking in the Nature Reserve as an extra; this was spectacular scenery and across the bay, seals could be seen and heard singing to each other. Another outstanding activity for families and all ages to enjoy.

Still love this tranquil spot and enjoying a 'seal spotting walk' but why oh why do other visitors still seem to think this beautiful area is actually one big dog toilet - TAKE YOUR POOH WITH YOU (we don't all love your dogs).

The miles of empty beach and towering sand-dunes of Murlough gave my kids some of their happiest childhood experiences on visits to their granny's house in Newcastle. She passed away last year, so coming back to Murlough with my son was a special experience. He's grown up and some of the dunes have changed, but our walk here with no-one but the seabirds was great. Whatever happens in life, we'll always come back to Murlough.

During the summer months if you get a good spell of weather the beach is beautiful, it will be full of people and you will really enjoy going for a swim. In the winter/colder months when swimming isn't on the cards the place still makes for a nice place to go for a walk. Personnally I like to take my dogs for walks here.

This was a great day out for us, just 1 and half hours from county monaghan. Great long stretch of a beach, interesting stones and shells for kids to collect, amazing views of the Mourne mountains. Then into John Mac's on the promenade for fish and chips. We didn't do the granite trail as we forgot our walking boots but it was recommended to us by staff at the very helpful information centre on the promenade.

There is nothing to dislike: the views are amazing, the beach is clean and beautiful, the boardwalks and paths are kept tidy, the 6000 year old dune system is stunning. There is an abundance of wildlife, from free-grazing cattle to keep the vegetation in check, to thousands of species of butterflies, insects, and birds, not to forget the wild horses too.The views provided of the Mourne Mountains are beautiful and you can walk from Keel Point, near Dundrum, all the way in to Newcastle.It's a must-see for all visitors to Northern Ireland.

Quite a hike from the car park but well worth it and the boardwalk makes the walk easier. The beach is fabulous and you'll just want to dip your toes in the water.