Murlough National Nature Reserve (NT)
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Overview
Murlough National Nature Reserve is a fragile 6,000 year-old sand dune system owned by the National Trust and managed as Ireland’s first Nature Reserve since 1967. It is an excellent area for walking and bird watching due to its spectacular location at the edge of Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains. There is a network of paths and boardwalks through the dunes, woodland and heath, from where you will see an array of butterflies and wild flowers, as well as be able to access one of the finest beaches in County Down. The dune fields at Murlough are the best and most extensive example of dune heath within Ireland with over 600 species of butterflies and moths, one of which, the Marsh Fritillary butterfly, is of European importance. The site is internationally important for wintering wildfowl and waders.
About the area
Geographically, County Down seems to put a long arm around Strangford Lough, over 70 square miles of water. The arm is the Ards Peninsula, the most easterly part of Ireland.
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Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
Windsor Holiday Park
Windsor Holiday Park is located in the coastal town of Newcastle, within sight of the breath-taking Mourne Mountains. This very well managed and presented site has a small reception ben...
The Lodge at Quarterland Bay
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Killeavy Castle Estate
Located in a 350 acre estate made up of woods and farm lands, Killeavy Castle was built in the 19th century, but only recently opened as a hotel after massive refurbishment and investme...
The Malone
The Malone is situated in the leafy suburbs of the university area of south Belfast, this stylish hotel forms the centrepiece of an attractive row of Victorian terraced properties. The ...
Dundonald Touring Caravan Park
A purpose-built site in a quiet corner of Dundonald Leisure Park on the outskirts of Belfast. This peaceful park provides excellent, well-spaced, fully serviced pitches and is ideally l...
Tara Lodge
Tara Lodge is ideally located for the Botanic Gardens as well as Belfast university. Friendly staff and comfortable bedrooms make Tara Lodge popular for both leisure or business guests....
