For many people, pets are valued members of the family. So when going on vacation, travelers want to bring their dogs along rather than leave them behind or pay for boarding.
Thankfully, Northern Ireland offers several excellent pet-friendly lodging options. From self-catering cottages to hotels, there are myriad ways to enjoy a Northern Ireland holiday with your furry best friend.
Why Bring Your Dog on Holiday?
Dogs provide companionship, comfort, and security for their owners. After all, they are called “man’s best friend” for good reason! Our dogs are attached to us and thrive on human interaction. Leaving them isolated in kennels can cause stress, anxiety, and depression.
Instead, bringing your dog on vacation allows them to experience new smells, sights, and activities right alongside you. Your dog can relax, play, go for walks, and cuddle up after an exciting night or day of exploration. Sharing these experiences and making memories together strengthens your bond. Plus, you won’t have to worry about your dog back home or pay for costly boarding services.
Traveling with your dog also provides security. Dogs are incredibly intuitive regarding their owner’s safety. They can ward off unwanted encounters and alert you to danger. For solo travelers or families, having your trusty canine companion can provide peace of mind, especially when hiking or touring unfamiliar environments.
Dog-Friendly Accommodation Options
Thankfully, Northern Ireland offers a wide array of dog-friendly accommodation. From luxury hotels to cozy cottages, many allow pets and some even provide doggie amenities.
For those seeking a quaint cottage getaway, there are numerous pet-friendly options across Northern Ireland for ‘self-catering accommodation’. Most cottage rentals come equipped with kitchens. This allows visitors traveling with dogs to prepare meals on-site rather than dining out, which may pose challenges for bringing pets along. Self-catering properties and cottages also provide more space for your dog to relax.
Northern Ireland’s assortment of B&Bs and inns are another dog-friendly lodging category to consider. Historic inns like The Saddlers Arms in the Mourne Mountains welcome pets and offer optimal proximity to scenic hikes.
Camping and caravanning are other budget-friendly Northern Ireland accommodation options that facilitate dogs. Many campsites provide electric hook-ups for RVs/caravans and access to outdoor recreation areas perfect for pets. Some even have an on-site dog park or walking trails.
For those seeking luxury, certain high-end hotels permit dogs as well, some at no extra cost. The Merchant Hotel in Belfast provides dog beds, bowls, and treats, while the Culloden Estate and Spa offers guided dog walks through its 12 acres of gardens.
Dog Friendly Destinations on Northern Ireland’s North Coast
Northern Ireland’s scenic North Coast boasts incredible natural landscapes and attractions perfect for exploring with your furry sidekick. The region spans the legendary Causeway Coastal Route, with majestic cliffs, sandy beaches, forested glens, and sweeping moorlands.
For outdoor adventurers, hiking along the North Coast offers breathtaking coastal views and numerous trails ideal for dogs. The Glens of Antrim provide verdant forest paths and waterfall walks around spots like Glenariff Forest Park. Meanwhile, the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge spanning a salmon fishery channel is another dog-friendly North Coast highlight.
The miles of pristine beaches along the North Coast also make ideal playgrounds for pups to run, play fetch, and swim. Portstewart Strand and Portrush West Strand permit dogs year-round. The nearby village of Portballintrae features a gorgeous bay and coastal trail perfect for pets.
For history buffs, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Giant’s Causeway provides hexagonal stone columns leading right into the sea – a geologic spectacle to enjoy with dogs on leash. Nearby Dunluce Castle perched precariously above the Atlantic is another iconic North Coast landmark to explore.
Dog-Friendly Lodging: Forestside House and Cottage, Northern Ireland
One excellent pet-friendly lodging option on Northern Ireland’s North Coast is Forestside House and Cottages. This 4-star B&B and self-catering cottage facility is nestled amidst serene countryside between Ballycastle and the Giant’s Causeway.
Forestside House welcomes dogs for a small nightly fee. Its self-catering cottage also permit dogs for a fee and provide enclosed gardens.
Forestside House provides an ideal base for exploring the North Coast’s many attractions with your dog. It’s conveniently located near sandy beaches, riverside trails, and coastal paths perfect for dog walking. Sites like Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and the Dark Hedges are just a short drive away.
The area also offers plenty of cafes, restaurants, and pubs with outdoor seating amenable to pets. And nearby convenience stores allow visitors to stock up on dog food and other pet necessities.
With acres of gardens and grounds, Forestside gives dogs ample space to enjoy the fresh Northern Irish air. Pets will love the peaceful atmosphere, and owners will appreciate the flexibility of preparing meals in their cottage or dining at the acclaimed on-site restaurant.
By offering pet-friendly amenities in a welcoming environment near North Coast highlights, Forestside House and Cottages lets travelers experience this breathtaking region of Northern Ireland alongside their four-legged companions. Visitors seeking convenience, comfort, location and accessibility for exploring with their dog need look no further.
Plan an Unforgettable Northern Ireland Holiday with Your Dog
Northern Ireland offers abundant choices of dog friendly holiday, for travelers desiring quality time with their dogs. Between hotels, B&Bs, cottages, and campsites, there are plenty of dog-friendly lodging options to choose from. By bringing your dog on holiday, you can strengthen your bond while creating wonderful memories together amidst Northern Ireland’s beauty. Just be sure to research pet policies, prepare doggie travel essentials like medications and bowls, and look into dog activities nearby. Your furry friend will enjoy the holiday as much as you do!
Pet Friendly Accommodation in northern ireland
With its rugged natural beauty, compelling history, and warm hospitality, Northern Ireland makes for an exceptional holiday destination.
The stunning Causeway Coastal Route offers epic coastal scenery, from the volcanic Giants Causeway to the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge suspended over the Atlantic. The Mourne Mountains provide picture-perfect vistas and trails to exhilarating peaks. Belfast impresses with its iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and dynamic food scene.
Derry~Londonderry tells the moving story of Northern Ireland’s past through its 17th century walls and captivating museums. Game of Thrones fans will recognize many filming locations dotted around the country. Northern Ireland also boasts world-class golf courses, botanical gardens, charming villages and lively towns.
The possibilities for adventure, revelry and relaxation are endless with dog friendly cottages
With historic castles, cozy pubs serving local craft brews and whiskeys, and the warmest of welcomes, Northern Ireland has something for everyone. It’s easy to see why National Geographic named Northern Ireland the number one place to visit in 2018.
Want to get the whole family under one roof for a large family ? Our large house sleeps 16 and cottage sleeps 7 – at just over £20 per person per night they can be booked separately or together. For more information about our elopement accommodation in Northern Ireland, take a look at our family self-catering accommodation, or contact us for more information.