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About
The trail begins in the small National Trust carpark to the north of Dundrum village, located just off a grassy trail. From the car park head towards the waters of Dundrum Inner Bay and turn left onto the grassy track, part of an old railway line. Continue along the trail following the waymarkers if necessary. Approximately 1mile/1.7km from the start point, the route goes along an artificial embankment that carries the track across the Inner Bay. To the west of the trail the stone built Ardilea Bridge is visible. Continue along the path until reaching a junction with a set of stone steps where you will have reached the end of the trail -retrace your steps back to the start point. Cyclists can return to the carpark by the same route.
Getting to the start of Dundrum Coastal Path
Turn right off the main A2 from Belfast to Newcastle, just a few hundred yards before entering Dundrum village to reach the small National Trust car park.
Traffic
The path forms part of the Lecale Way and is popular with walkers. Also be respectful of birdwatchers.
Start Point:
J409373
Finish Point:
J422394
Distance (one way):
1.6 miles/2.5km
Terrain:
Grassy track
Points of interest
To the east of the trail are the waters of Dundrum Inner Bay or at low tide its estuarine sands and muds. The area is of very high interest for its marine life and is part of the Murlough Special Area of Conservation. It is important for wildfowl and waders in the winter such as oystercatcher, lapwing, redshank, curlew, black-tailed godwit, turnstone and grey plover due to the relatively mild climate and abundance of food found on the mudflats.
The gentle shelving shoreline of Dundrum Inner Bay merges with the shingle and dunes of Murlough. Across the Bay lie the fertile plains of Lecale while behind the village on the summit of a rocky hill, stands one of Northern Ireland's most evocative medieval ruins - Dundrum Castle.
Facilities
In Dundrum village there are carparks, bike racks, picnic tables and National Trust holiday cottage and places to eat. The National Trust coffee shop is available at the nearby Murlough main carpark.
Publications
Lecale Way leaflet-available to download from here.
Publication availability:
Walk NI
Nearest town/village:
Dundrum
OS map:
Sheet 29
Map of Dundrum Coastal Path
Facilities
Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
