Murlough Nature Reserve, Nature reserve on Dundrum Bay, Northern Ireland
The reserve spreads across 697 acres of dune heathland with paths and boardwalks traversing through different landscapes alongside a four-mile golden sand beach.
The National Trust established this area as Ireland's first nature reserve in 1967, protecting a sand dune system that formed 6000 years ago.
The reserve plays an essential role in wildlife conservation, providing a habitat for 720 butterfly and moth species, including the European Marsh Fritillary butterfly.
Visitors can access designated walking paths, toilets, and parking facilities, while a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk offers partial exploration of the dune system.
The dune fields at Murlough constitute the largest and most complete example of dune heath in Ireland, supporting diverse plant and animal populations.
Location: County Down
Inception: 1967
GPS coordinates: 54.23417,-5.85278
Latest update: March 3, 2025 21:39
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