The ultimate guide to places you can take your dog in Northern Ireland

More than half of pet owners plan to travel on holiday with their pets this year and over a third refuse to travel without them.
By Abby Davidson
Published 12th Aug 2022, 13:30 BST
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That’s why more and more people across Northern Ireland are looking to bring their four legged friends with them when relaxing or socialising.

According to some research 83% of owners say they feel guilty leaving their dog behind and 67% even plan their holidays around their dog.

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If you’re one of those people check out our ultimate guide to 163 places you can take your dog in Northern Ireland:

No need to leave your pup at home when Northern Ireland has so many dog-friendly options on offer. Picture: Caity from PixabayNo need to leave your pup at home when Northern Ireland has so many dog-friendly options on offer. Picture: Caity from Pixabay
No need to leave your pup at home when Northern Ireland has so many dog-friendly options on offer. Picture: Caity from Pixabay

COUNTY ANTRIM

Shops

1. Raceview Mill, Ballymena

The Raceview Mill has been dog friendly for over seven years and is the perfect day trip for your four-legged friend.

Many cafes in Northern Ireland now are dog-friendly.Many cafes in Northern Ireland now are dog-friendly.
Many cafes in Northern Ireland now are dog-friendly.

facebook.com/raceviewmill

2. Go Outdoors, Newtownabbey

Go Outdoors provides everything you need for any outdoor adventure, their blog features lots of articles on dog-friendly venues, routes and campsites, so fittingly, they allow dogs in stores.

gooutdoors.co.uk

Dogs are welcome at a number of bars and restaurants across Northern Ireland. Picture: Dog Furiendly from Pixabay.Dogs are welcome at a number of bars and restaurants across Northern Ireland. Picture: Dog Furiendly from Pixabay.
Dogs are welcome at a number of bars and restaurants across Northern Ireland. Picture: Dog Furiendly from Pixabay.

3. White Stuff, Belfast

One of Belfast’s most unique clothing stores, White Stuff lets you bring your dog along as you browse their rails.

whitestuff.com

4. Andrew Watson Menswear, Belfast

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Andrew Watson Menswear welcomes well behaved dogs ‘especially Golden Retrievers’ and their humans.

andrewwatsonfashion.com

5. Murphy and Bailey Belmont Rd, Belfast

‘Born out of a love and dogs and friendships,’ Murphy and Bailey’s offers a curated selection of the best treats and accessories for dogs, cats and the people that love them. Being so passionate about companionship of a pet means they are more than happy to host your furry friend in store.

murphyandbailey.co.uk

6. Sofology Boucher Rd, Belfast

While you’re browsing for your perfect sofa at any Sofology store, dogs are welcome, so don’t hesitate to bring them along. After all, they’re the ones who’ll be napping on the sofa.

sofology.co.uk

7. Oliver Bonas, Belfast

Not only do Oliver bonas have a gorgeous range of all sorts of dog accessories, but they also are dog friendly across all stores. Why not take your pup and let them choose?

oliverbonas.com

8. Anthropologie, Belfast

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With a wide range of doggy scarves and mosaic dog bowls, being able to take your dog into Anthropologie stores nationwide means that they can choose their favourites.

anthropologie.com

9. LUSH, Belfast

Full to the brim with fabulous scented goodies, a trip to LUSH is always a treat. Known for being cruelty free and promoting the fight against animal testing, it comes as no surpirse that LUSH stores are pooch friendly.

lush.com

10. Waterstones, Belfast/Lisburn/Ballymena/Coleraine

While browsing for your next read, feel free to bring along your four-legged friends as Waterstones are dog-friendly nationwide. Check out your local branch.

waterstones.com

11. Fatface, Belfast

A pup friendly company, Fatface welcomes all dogs in with open arms. It even stocks dog beds so why not pick up a treat for your dog while you’re there.

fatface.com

12. Creative Gardens, Bushmills/Ballymena

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Browse a range of garden furniture, barbecues, gardening supplies and while you are there, enjoy lunch or a coffee at their in house cafe and bring your dog along as long as it’s on a lead. Check out your nearest store.

creativegardens.com

13. Hobbycraft, Belfast

Dogs are more than welcome in all Hobbycraft stores, although owners are asked to keep them on a lead and supervise them at all times. So next time you have to pick up some crafting supplies don’t leave your pooch at home.

hobbycraft.co.uk

14. Dobbies, Lisburn

Pick up some garden essentials with your dog in tow. Dobbies even has a fantastic range of pet food, toys and accessories to keep your furry friend content. Dog friendly outdooring seating at the cafe is the perfect way to round up your trip.

dobbies.com

Tourism and experiences

15. Curry’s Funpark, Portrush

Formerly known as Barry’s, Curry’s FunPark lets you bring along your furry friends while you enjoy the bumper cars, The Ghost Train, The Big Dipper, The Waltzer and have an ice-cream.

currysfunpark.com

16. Citysightseeing Tours, Belfast

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The Belfast citysightseeing Hop-on/ Hop-off bus tour stops at iconic locations such as Titanic Quarter, St George’s Market, Queen’s University and the Belfast Peace Wall. All tours are dog-friendly.

belfastcitysightseeing.com

17. Translink NI

Take your dog on a trip to various places around Northern Ireland using Translink rail services. All pets are permitted free of charge from 0930, Monday to Sunday. Dogs should be kept on a leash and must travel on the floor throughout the journey to avoid a penalty charge.

translink.co.uk

18. The Barge, Belfast

The Barge on the River Lagan is a versatile arts centre and registered dog-friendly venue that can be used for live events, screenings and weddings. Treat yourself and your dog in the dog friendly coffee shop while you visit.

belfastbarge.org

19. St George’s Market, Belfast

As of last year, St George’s Market has been a dog-friendly market providing dog water bowls with the conditions that dogs are never left unattended, kept on the lead at all times and that accidents are cleaned up immediately and informed to a member of staff.

facebook.com/StGeorgesMarketBelfast

20. East Side Visitor Centre, Belfast

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The East Side Visitor Centre and in-house JACK coffee bar are dog friendly and offer a great place to rest your paws in East Belfast.

visiteastside.com

Self Catered Accomodation

21. Rathlin Glamping Pods

Situated six miles off the North Coast, Rathlin Island is a must-see when visiting Ireland. Rathlin Glamping Pods gives you unbeatable sea views and a dog friendly cabin to stay in at no extra cost as long as prior arrangement and consent is sought by phone or email.

rathlinglamping.co.uk

22. Ballyness Caravan Park, Bushmills

Ballyness Caravan Park which overlooks the countryside of Bushmills welcomes well-behaved dogs. There are woodland areas and three wildlife ponds to explore together.

ballynesscaravanpark.com

Hotels/B&BS

23. Dunseverick Ramblers Rest, Bushmills

Dunseverick Ramblers Rest is the perfect Staycation venue if you’re looking for somewhere you can bring your dog. They also have walking trail suggestions for you and your furry friends as well as a gallery of photos of previous doggy guests.

dunseverickramblersrest.co.uk

24. AC Hotel by Marriott, Belfast

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If you and your dog are in need of somewhere to stay near Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, the AC Hotel by Marriott has a very reasonable Pet Policy of a £10 charge per pet per night and £100 per night pre-authorisation required.

marriott.com

25. Marine hotel, Ballycastle

The Marine Hotel in Ballycastle was among one of the first hotels in Northern Ireland to become Dog Friendly. For the small fee of £15 your pup will receive treats, fresh water and a doggy blanket- there is also a birthday package available for those looking to treat their pup. The services offered at the Marine have gained them a Gold Star rating from Dog Friendly NI.

marinehotelballycastle.com

26. The Fullerton Arms, Ballycastle

The Fullerton Arms offers both ‘Human Only’ and ‘Dog Friendly’ rooms as they believe that dogs are a part of the family too and shouldn’t be left at home. The dog friendly rooms are recently refurbished meaning you and your furry friend are getting the best of the best.

fullerton-arms.com

27. Malmaison Hotel, Belfast

Malmaison prioritises the health and wellbeing of both animal guests and human guests in the hotel, therefore pets are welcome in designated guest rooms with their owners but not in food service areas, lounges and bistros. All rooms at Malmaison Hotel are dog friendly charging £20 per night for dogs with a bed and bowl provided.

malmaison.com

Bars

28. Dirty Onion, Belfast

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The Dirty Onion is one of Belfast’s oldest buildings, an authentic Irish pub with a modern twist. The cosy beer garden makes it an ideal place for you and your dog to go for a meal and catch up with friends, there are dog bowls, a dog menu with a variety of mains, dessert and chicken-flavoured dog beer provided, as well as occasional dog events.

thedirtyonion.com

29. Sunflower, Belfast

Sunflower Public House in Cathedral Quarter welcomes four legged friends with water, bowls and treats available. Make sure to take photos of your dog whilst you’re there and they will feature your dog on the website.

sunflowerbelfast.com

30. Pug Ugly’s, Belfast

Living up to their name, Pug Ugly’s are a Dog Friendly Bar and some of the venues have designated dog friendly areas. Pug Ugly’s provide bowls outside and pups are allowed to sit on your lap.

puguglys.com

31.The Boneyard, Belfast

Part of Pug Ugly’s, The Boneyard is Belfast City Centre’s biggest outdoor bar. The Boneyard has picnic tables, entertainment, a food truck and is a top-spot to bring your four legged friend.

theboneyardbelfast.com

32. Lavery’s, Belfast

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