Dog friendly places
Northern Ireland has everything you need to take your pet with you. With dog-friendly hotels, bars and restaurants, and stunning walking locations, your holiday experience will be one to remember. Take a look at Tourism NI’s recommendations:
County Fermanagh
For those looking for top accommodation options, Lusty Beg Island Hotel, in County Fermanagh, has been awarded Northern Ireland’s first GOLD Paw Grading from Dog Friendly NI’s PAW Grading Program. The rural island resort has two areas where owners and dogs can dine together, they offer solo traveler assistance for people visiting on their own with their dogs, and there’s even a dog wash so muddy dogs can get spruced after enjoying a walk along the fantastic dog trail.
County Antrim
If you’re heading for Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route, The Inn on the Coast, between the harbour towns of Portrush and Portstewart in County Antrim, offers spacious accommodation with excellent walking routes. There are dedicated pet-friendly rooms on the ground floor for up to two dogs and your pet is welcome at the seating area of the foyer and in the reception, where you can relax and enjoy a drink or meal. The Inn even awards a Good Behaviour Certificate and a treat for your furry friend on check out.
County Tyrone
For anyone who wants to escape to the country, Blessingbourne Country Estate, nestled on 550 acres of County Tyrone woodland and private lakes, has five luxury self-catering apartments that are all dog-friendly. The estate offers an idyllic setting for outdoor activity and adventure, including the bespoke Blessingbourne Woodland Walk, through a mix of mature woodland and open farmland, and is the perfect place for you and your pet to explore Tyrone’s beautiful countryside.
County Down
For anyone looking for a refreshing new year’s walk to keep you and your pet fit, Slievenaslat Walk Trail, in Castlewellan in County Down, offers a challenging climb through the forest to the summit of Slievenaslat (272 metres). Once you reach the top there are iconic views of the Mourne Mountains and the surrounding drumlin landscape. If that hasn’t tired you and your dog out, there are lots of other walks to choose from, with the forest’s trail network totalling 7.5 miles.
County Londonderry
If you just want to relax for the weekend, the Brown Trout Golf and Country Inn, in Aghadowey, County Londonderry, has a full range of dogfriendly accommodation, especially the spacious 4* courtyard cottages. Guests and their pets can enjoy walks on the pathway alongside the golf course, then relax afterwards in the bar and lobby. The inn has a south-facing patio for long summer days and four open fires for dark winter nights.
County Armagh
And finally, located in a quiet, rural area convenient to Lough Neagh, Ballydougan Pottery Courtyard Cottages consists of four cottages Bramley Apple Cottage, Wheat Loft Apartment, Gaskins Grove, Dobsons Corner and Potters Cottage - all of which are pet friendly. Depending on your pet’s age and fitness, this is a wonderful base for a country retreat and ideal for exploring Counties Armagh and Down with your pet. There are also opportunities for dog walking at nearby Craigavon Lakes.
Discover more ideas for short breaks at www. discovernorthernireland.com