Tyrella Beach

About

Award winning Tyrella beach and dune conservation area is a small, enclosed complex within Dundrum Bay near Downpatrick, County Down. It is a wide, flat, sandy beach two kilometres long and backed by 25 hectares of mature dunes in a conservation area offering scenic walks and an insight into the habitat of local flora and fauna.

Tyrella Beach Blue Flag Award

Tyrella Beach has proudly received the prestigious Blue Flag Award every year since 1997, highlighting its exceptional standards in cleanliness, safety, water quality, and environmental management. In addition, the beach and surrounding dunes are recognised as an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) due to their rich biodiversity and ecological significance.

Conservation at Tyrella Beach

Ongoing conservation efforts at Tyrella beach aim to protect and enhance the dune habitat. These include winter conservation cattle grazing and a 3-year survey of the Common Lizard population. Click here for further information

In partnership with the Lecale Conservation Association, works have also recently taken place to reduce erosion by fencing and replanting the dune frontage. Click here for further information.

Can you Picnic at Tyrella Beach?

Absolutely! Tyrella Beach is an ideal destination for locals and visitors alike offering clean waters for water sport enthusiasts, picturesque surroundings ideal for picnics, outings, or just relaxing by the sea. 

What activities can you do at Tyrella Beach?

Tyrella Beach offers a variety of outdoor activities: 

• Swimming (with seasonal lifeguards on duty)
• Walking and nature spotting
• Canoeing and kayaking
• Horse Riding (restrictions apply during the summer months)
• Off beach parking and car-free sand for safer enjoyment

View the full programme of Summer Beach Activities at Tyrella Beach and Cranfield Beach here

​​​​​The nearby Newcastle Visitor Information Centre provides details advice to visitors on local attractions and things to do throughout Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion.

Where can I stay near Tyrella Beach?

Close to Tyrella beachfront accommodation can be found, ranging from caravans, bed and breakfasts and self catering accommodation. For assistance with short breaks or holidays to the area, please visit our accommodation section.

What facilities are at Tyrella Beach?

Facilities include visitor information and toilets on site, wheelchair access and lifeguards on duty during the summer season. Dedicated disabled parking on the beach can be arranged (on request).

Are Dogs allowed on Tyrella Beach?

Yes. Dogs are allowed at Tyrella beach however restrictions apply during the bathing season.

• From 1 June to 15 September dogs are not permitted in the designated bathing area between 10am and 6pm.

As you approach the beach from the car park, the bathing area is located on the left hand side (eastern side) and is clearly marked at both ends by signage and a line of wooden telegraph poles. During the restricted period, dogs are still permitted on the western side of the beach (right hand side from the car park) as well as beyond the bathing area on the eastern side (accessible via the paths in the eastern sand dunes).

• Please note that dogs are required to be under control at all times and must not disturb local wildlife.
• Both the beach and dunes at Tyrella are designated as Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and are home to common seals and many species of sea bird so dogs must be kept under control at all times.
• Staff are on duty daily throughout July and August to advise and assist the public visiting the beach.

Are horses allowed on Tyrella Beach?

Yes. Horses are allowed however restrictions apply during the summer months.

• From 1 May to 30 September horses are not permitted in a restricted area on the eastern side of the beach (left hand side as you approach from the car park) between 10am and 6pm.

The restricted area is clearly marked at both ends by a line of wooden telegraph poles. During this period, horses are still permitted on the Western side of the beach (right hand side from the car park).

• Staff are on duty daily throughout July and August to advise and assist the public visiting the beach.

Is there a charge to visit Tyrella Beach?

Parking charges apply during the following times:

• Weekends (only) from Easter to September
• Daily in July and August from 10am - 6pm

 Click here to find out more about parking at Tyrella Beach.

Tyrella Beach is a car-free zone. There is off-beach parking including accessible parking. 

What are the Opening Hours of Tyrella Beach? 

Tyrella Beach is open all year round.

However onsite facilities operate:

• Weekends (only) from Easter to September
• Daily in July and August from 10am - 6pm

The Beach is owned and managed by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.