Dog friendly walks & places to stay

Here's lots of inspiration for some of the best dog walks in Northern Ireland, as well as a few of the best places for you and your four-legged friend to bed down for the night.

Dog-friendly recommendations on the Causeway Coastal Route

The Antrim Cliff Walk is a five-mile section of the longer Causeway Coast Way. Running from the Giant’s Causeway to Dunseverick Castle, it features some spectacular cliff landscape and passes right above a series of coves. Along the way, look out for the dramatic rocks around Benbane Head and Hamilton’s Seat before passing above Port Moon to reach Dunseverick Castle.

Alternatively, the Port Path is a scenic trek between the coastal towns of Portstewart and Portrush. At six-and-a-half miles in length, it's a medium length walk with panoramic sea views towards Donegal and the Scottish Isles. Or for a shorter dander, make for Portstewart Strand with it's beautiful golden sands. This Blue Flag beach is very popular with walkers throughout the year and even though it gets busy in summer, there’s plenty of room for everyone. These golden sands are owned and maintained by the National Trust, and for a small fee you're able to park on the beach (free for members).

For a bite to eat, try Harry's Shack, located at the entrance of Portstewart Strand. This popular beachfront destination is pet-friendly Monday to Friday and offers delicious locally caught seafood and home grown produce. With its open-air patio and amazing views across the North Atlantic Ocean, it's a great place to enjoy a sunset. Benone Strand is also close by and offers enjoyable sandy walks.

There’s no shortage of dog-friendly venues either. Just a few miles away, in the pretty coastal village of Ballintoy, is the Fullerton Arms (4*), a dog-friendly spot, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat. They offer a varied menu, and its forte is the locally caught seafood, which we highly recommend.

A little further down the coast, in the town of Ballycastle, is the Marine Hotel (3*). This cosy spot is located on the doorstep of some of Northern Ireland's top tourist attractions including The Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, Bushmills Distillery and Dunluce Castle amongst others. If you fancy staying overnight with your pooch they've dog friendly bedrooms and a pet friendly Costa Coffee on site. Ashlea House (3*) is a self-catering bungalow just five minutes from the three Portrush beaches, and you’ll always find a welcome for pooch in the pet-friendly rooms at the Inn on the Coast (3*).  A little further inland, the Lodge Hotel in Coleraine (3*) is a warm dog-friendly haven to base yourselves, while in Bushmills, home of the famous whiskey and its distillery, your bestie will feel right at home in the award-winning Ballyness Caravan Park (5*).   

Pet-friendly ideas in Belfast

For a refreshing dog walk near Belfast, try the four-mile circuit around the Divis Ridge Trail. Located in the Belfast Hills, the trek offers spectacular skyline views over the city and beyond. Pick a day with good visibility and you'll be able to see the Mourne Mountains, the Isle of Man and even as far as the coast of Scotland. At an elevation of 478m, it is the highest point in the Belfast Hills, but the walk itself is on relatively flat paths, so you won’t be left panting for breath.

Just a short walk from the entrance of this National Trust site, you’ll find the dog friendly Divis Coffee Barn. The perfect pit stop after a walk, they offer outdoor seating, water bowls, and even have a dog cookie jar for treats. So while you’re tucking into a wll-earned treat, they won’t feel left out. Not that that will stop them asking.

For dog-friendly venues in the city centre, head into Belfast's Cathedral Quarter and sniff out the The Dirty Onion. This is one of the city's best known dog friendly venues. Famous for their 'Pooch Social' events, they have a dedicated area for dogs to rest and refuel. They even offer a bespoke dog friendly menu, including dog friendly beer.

A short walk from here, along the water's edge, is the AC Hotel (4*). Pets are permitted and even get their own little bed, bowl and treats. Guests who wish to dine with their four-legged friends are able to do so in the bar, rather than the restaurant.

Paws and Play in County Fermanagh  

Over west in Fermanagh, the Lusty Beg Island Resort and Spa (4*) has everything you and your dog will need for a perfect short break. It is located right on the small island of Lusty Beg in Lower Lough Erne and was the first resort in Ireland or the UK to win a Gold Paw by Dog Friendly NI. There are a selection of self-catering lodges, chalets and bedrooms to stay in and of course the spa is the very definition of divinity itself. The on-site Fairy Trail is a fun adventure around the island for both young and old. It offers magical views over the Fermanagh Lakes and scenic walks through the woodlands. As if that weren’t enough for your four-legged friend, the resort stocks products made by Barkin Bistro - nutritional and locally sourced meals for dogs - so you can be sure that your dog is being as well fed and taken care of as you are. 

Part of the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, Big Dog Forest Walk is a beautiful short walk that takes in some of County Fermanagh's best upland landscapes, or for an easier stroll, enjoy a dander around the grounds of Florence Court, the former home to the Cole family, the Earls of Enniskillen. This magnificent National Trust estate is surrounded by a large area of parkland, garden and woodland, with breath-taking views to Benaughlin and the Cuilcagh Mountains.

For pet-friendly hotel rooms and self-catering cottages look no further than the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges (4*).

Dog friendly short stays in County Down

Owned by the National Trust and managed as Ireland's first Nature Reserve since 1967, Murlough National Nature Reserve in County Down is a fantastic two-and-a-half mile walk with stunning views of the Mourne Mountains and Dundrum Castle. Dogs are welcome on most parts of the reserve, however there are restrictions on some areas in Spring and Summer when ground-nesting birds are breeding or cattle are grazing. When these areas are closed off however, Murlough Beach is the perfect spot to head for, especially for dogs who love a dip in the sea.

For those looking to climb the Mourne Mountains, you'll find walks to suit all abilities. Under the gaze of Northern Ireland's highest mountain peak, Slieve Donard, there's a compact ring of 12 mountains rising above 2000ft or 600m. There is also the option of the Mourne Way Walk, with a section of a 26-mile off-road walk traversing the foothills from Newcastle to Rostrevor. This route provides amazing views of the impressive Mourne Mountains, the valleys, and the historic Mourne Wall which was built to keep livestock from wandering.  

Nearby dog friendly accommodation around the Mournes area includes The Bakers Cottages (5*), self-catering accommodation which is perfectly equipped for up to two dogs, as well as the rest of the family with a fully equipped play park, hot tub and fire pit available on site. Located in Seaforde, it's a handy spot for accessing numerous golf courses and Game of Thrones® filming locations, as well as the nearby beaches and mountains.

Beyond the seaside town of Newcastle, which has a lovely promenade for seaside walks, is Tollymore Forest Park, a mountainside green space that covers almost six-hundred-and-thirty hectares and offers amazing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and sea. Take your dog for a calming walk along the shimmering Shimna River, before heading back into Newcastle to Hugh McCann's. Located opposite the promenade, its homely interior, filled with antique fixtures and fittings, is complemented by uninterrupted sea views. Grab a seat by the bar, peruse their menu and enjoy a drink by the open fire, leaving your dog to relax by your feet.

A little further south on the Mourne Coastal Route, outside the fishing village of Annalong, you’ll find Kribben Cottages (4*), a cluster of five cottages nestled against the magnificent backdrop of the Mourne Mountains, or those staying in the historic Georgian town of Royal Hillsborough should look into Dunhill Cottage, as a pet friendly place to stay.  

For dogs that love to run and stretch their legs, the outdoor exercise area at Rowallane Garden where dogs are allowed to roam free from their leads. The 4* attraction has an onsite café patio is the perfect place to rest after all that panting. Water bowls and a shady spot are available for your furry friend to recover while you enjoy a coffee.

From here it’s a ten-minute drive to Late & Early Cottage (4*). This self-catering accommodation in a restored 18th century stone cottage offers a cosy place to spend the night and stunning countryside and mountain views in the morning. Or also nearby is the idyllic retreat of The Byre in Dromore, while in Downpatrick, Dunnanelly Country House (4*) offers cosy kennels for your four legged friends.

A short break with your pet is about the joy of sharing experiences and making every moment unforgettable. Whether you're exploring the great outdoors, unwinding in cosy cabins, or discovering our welcoming cities, it's all waiting to be explored together, one pawprint at a time. Embrace the tail-wagging excitement, cherish the paw prints in the sand, and happy travels to you and your four-legged companions!