Cycle NI - Your definitive guide to cycling in Northern Ireland

Dundrum Coastal Path

A grassy track along a stretch of disused railway line on the western shore of Dundrum Inner Bay. The area is of significant conservation importance with a variety of semi-natural habitats including herb-rich grassland, scrub and a narrow fringe of saltmarsh. It is part of the Lecale Way and is a haven for birdwatchers.

Murlough Beach and Tyrella Beach are popular attractions found nearby.

County

Down

Distance

1.7 miles

Nearest Town

Dundrum

OS Map

Sheet 29

Route Type

Coastal

Route Shape

Linear

AONB

Lecale Coast

Grid Ref (Start)

J409373

Public Roads

Off Public Road

Grid Ref (End)

J422394

Terrain

Grassy track

Point of Interest

Fantastic birdlife particularly wildfowl and waders, varied habitats,views across the bay

Route Description

The trail begins in the small National Trust carpark. 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.

Turn left and continue along the trail following the waymarkers if necessary. The path follows the old railway line and opposite Ardilea Bridge an artificial embankment carries the track across the Inner Bay. The trail ends just beyond the bridge at Widow's Row, a small group of 19th century fishing cottages. Cyclists can return to the carpark by the same route.

Getting to the Start

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.