Murlough is approximately 1 mile outside the seaside town of Newcastle on the way to Dundrum. It forms part of a National Nature Reserve and has some of the oldest sand dunes in the North.
BEACH & WIND DIRECTION
A short walk through the Nature reserve leads to the beach and what a beach it is! Before you get to the sand there is about three metres of shingle to cross which is quite steep. When the tide is out there is around a quarter of a mile of reasonably hard flat sand. The whole beach actually runs from Newcastle right up to the inlet at Tyrella so when the wind is from the East you can get fantastic runs in the buggy. There is no access to the beach for cars but you do get the occasional Quad bike and sometimes a few people on horseback.
In the summer months this is a popular spot for holiday makers but there is plenty of space for everyone and as long as you fly safe there should be no problems. The water is also becoming popular with kite surfers and this always gathers an audience.
You can park in the ‘Lazy BJ Ranch’ car park which is a mile outside Newcastle on the right but the National Trust will charge you £3.50 during the summer months. The benefit here is that the car park is manned and it cuts around 5 minutes off your walk through the dunes.
Further on out towards Dundrum there is a free car park on the Left hand side of the road or you can just park on the hard shoulder.
As well as the normal seaside town takeaway food there are a number of quite good spots in the town namely ‘The Percy French’ where you can get a great meal and a great pint. At the opposite end of town on the way to Kilkeel is 'The Stone Boat' which specialises in seafood.
SIGHTS
The Mournes make a beautiful backdrop to a days kiting and if the weather changes you can always pack up the kites and go climb a mountain. There are numerous walks through the mountains and also Tollymore Forest at the foot of the Mournes. Recently a mountain board centre has opened just outside Newcastle and is attracting numerous visitors especially if the wind is unfavourable on the beach. www.surfindirt.co.uk.
We have found Murlough a fantastic place to kite and a great place to meet like minded kiters. We can be found there most weekends and anyone is welcome to come and say hi or try the kit!
