Murlough Bay Antrim
County Antrim
Murlough Bay is one of the most remote and beautiful bays on the Antrim coast, tucked beneath the massive basalt columns of Fair Head and accessible only via a steep single-track road or on foot from the Causeway Coastal Route. The bay has a pebble and sand beach, dramatic cliff scenery, and the ruins of a medieval church and the grave of the Republican leader Roger Casement, who was landed here in 1916. The view from the bay across to Rathlin Island and the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland is extraordinary.
No restrictions apply at Murlough Bay Antrim. Year-round dog access. The remote approach keeps visitor numbers very low.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- Year Round
- Beach Type
- Pebble, Sand
- Tide Notes
- Remote bay. Sheltered by headlands. Pebble and sand beach. Can be cut off at very high tides near the cliff base.
- Facilities
- No facilities. Ballycastle for nearest amenities. Remote single-track road access
- Parking
- Very limited parking at the bay end of the single-track road from Ballycastle. Alternatively walk from Fair Head car park
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Murlough Bay Antrim, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in County AntrimFrequently Asked Questions
Is Murlough Bay Antrim dog friendly?
Murlough Bay scores a well-earned 9/10 for dog friendliness, with no restrictions in place at this stunning Antrim coast location. Its remote setting means visitor numbers stay very low, so you and your dog are likely to have the pebble and sand beach largely to yourselves.
Are dogs allowed at Murlough Bay Antrim year round?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Murlough Bay throughout the year with no seasonal restrictions. It's a great option whenever you're looking for a dramatic, crowd-free coastal walk on the Antrim coast.
What should I know before visiting Murlough Bay Antrim with my dog?
Murlough Bay is genuinely remote, reached via a steep single-track road or on foot from the Causeway Coastal Route, and there are no facilities at the bay itself — so come prepared with water and supplies for both you and your dog. Parking is very limited at the bay end of the track, and an alternative is to park at the Fair Head car park and walk in. The effort is well worth it for the extraordinary views across to Rathlin Island and the Mull of Kintyre, and the dramatic scenery beneath Fair Head's basalt columns.
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What’s Nearby?
Walk1.7 mi awayFair Head Coastal Walk, Ballycastle
County Antrim
A dramatic Antrim headland walk with big cliff top views, but dog owners should note strict restrictions from working farmland.
Walk2.6 mi awayBallycastle to Murlough Bay Coastal Path
County Antrim
A dog friendly clifftop and shore walk down to the hidden cove of Murlough Bay with sweeping views towards Fair Head.
Beach2.9 mi awayBallycastle Beach
County Antrim
A sandy beach in the shadow of the Ballycastle headland with Rathlin Island views and year-round access in this characterful north Antrim town.
Walk3.5 mi awayBallypatrick Forest Walk
County Antrim
A forest climb for a dog on a lead, rewarded with viewpoints over the Causeway Coast and a burial cairn nearly 4,000 years old.
Walk6.8 mi awayRathlin Island Coastal Walk
County Antrim
A quiet offshore coastal circuit on Rathlin Island with puffins, clifftops and a long dog friendly road walk from the harbour.
Beach7.5 mi awayCushendun Beach
County Antrim
A beautiful sandy cove at the National Trust village of Cushendun with Game of Thrones filming caves nearby, year-round dog access and one of the most photographed settings on the Antrim coast.