With the stays on the horizon this summer, what could be better than hugging Northern Ireland’s giant spirit with your four-legged friend who comes on the trip?

Over the past year, more people than ever have added some furry friends to their families, and the number of puppies purchased has increased.

For many of these pups, this year’s stay is their first time staying away from home, and owners may be concerned about the logistics of taking short breaks with their beloved pets.

All over Northern Ireland, visitors can find warm and welcoming pet-friendly accommodations. From private dog cabins to dedicated dog food menus to a range of walks and trails, destinations across Northern Ireland are ruff and ready to welcome guests and their four-legged loved ones.

Discover Northern Ireland has put together the ultimate list of dog-friendly travel destinations for the whole family.

County Antrim

Dunamoy Cottages & Spa (4 *), Ballyclare.

Dunamoy Cottages are handcrafted stone houses renovated from 200 year old farm buildings between Ballyclare and Ballymena on the Causeway Coast. These self-catering cottages have a living area, TV, Freeview, DVD, a bathroom with bathtub and shower, a fully equipped country kitchen and a dining area. Take a look at the luxurious spa offers for a break. www.dunamoy.com/

Fullerton Arms (4 *), Ballintoy.

This guest house, bar and restaurant, where old meets new, was voted NI Dog-Friendly Bar of the Year in 2016 and 2017. Fresh decor, decadent menus, and casual but friendly table service. With three of the 10 deluxe rooms rated as dog-friendly, this comfortable, modern guest house appreciates having your pet an integral part of your vacation experience, offering tasty dog ​​treats behind the bar for post-walk rewards. The Fullerton Arms is also a great place to explore Game of Thrones locations and Ballintoy Harbor. www.fullerton-arms.com/

Armagh county

Ballydougan Pottery Courtyard Cottages, (4 *), Portadown.

There are a number of cottages to choose from at Ballydougan Pottery Courtyard Cottages – Bramley Apple Cottage, Wheat Loft Apartment, Gaskins Grove, Dobsons Corner, and Potters Cottage – all pet friendly. There are pottery on site for you to try to throw a pot or two – can you refuse to throw a bowl for your four-legged friend? Located in a quiet, rural area close to Lough Neagh, the hotel also offers the opportunity to walk the dog at the nearby Craigavon ​​Lakes.

Vacation homes

Belfast

AC Hotel Belfast (4 *)

Bring up to two pets per bedroom to this riverside city center hotel and enjoy modern rooms with a touch of luxury like king-size beds and Nespresso coffeemakers. Explore Belfast on foot or by paw. Titanic Belfast, City Hall and the shops of Victoria Square are just a short walk away. Visit dog-friendly bars like Pug Ugly’s or Dirty Onion. www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bfsac-ac-hotel-belfast/

County down

Gracey’s Barn, (4 *), Newry.

Gracey’s Barn offers luxurious and comfortable self-catering accommodation just a stones throw from the beautiful Morne Mountains and Slieve Gullion. There is a renovated two bedroom barn for you and a separate utility for your pet to sleep next to your rooms, plus generous private parking, fully enclosed yard for your dog to roam around and a BBQ area. Babysitting can also be arranged upon request. Additional sleeping options with a double sofa bed are available.www.graceysbarn.co.uk/

County Fermanagh

Ashbrooke House (5 *), Enniskillen.

Who says a five star Georgian home and a four-legged friend can’t mix? Located on the 1,000-acre Colebrooke Estate, with endless walks and trails, plus art classes, horse riding, yoga retreats, and a decadent hot tub for guest use. Ashbrooke House offers self-catering and catering accommodation for 16 people in eight luxurious en-suite bedrooms. This discreetly private mansion is surrounded by a beautiful landscape of rolling hills and an enchanting river.

www.ashbrookehouse.com/

Londonderry county

Beech Hill Country House, (4 *), Londonderry.

The Beech Hill Country House Hotel is beautifully situated between forests, lakes and quiet, well-tended gardens, and not far from the walled city of Derry. It is famous for its warm welcome and great food. With a special pet policy best suited for the most well behaved (and adorable) pets, you can bring your cat or dog to stay in their spacious suites and they can roam freely on 32 acres of woodland. There’s even a cheeky pawsecco or dog beer on arrival, plus a special blanket, treat, and water bowl just for your pet. Dog grooming and pet walking services are available for an additional fee.

www.beech-hill.com/petpolicy

County Tyrone

Finn Valley Cottages, (4 *), Strabane.

Finn Valley self-catering cottages range from one-bed to four-bed, are tastefully decorated, accessible to guests with reduced mobility, and offer a long list of amenities from BBQ areas to playrooms. Each cottage has a self-contained utility room that is perfect for your pet. With mountain hikes and trails through the Sperrin Mountains, there are plenty of outdoor opportunities to entertain and exercise your dog. The cottages offer great views and easy access to local facilities such as fishing (salmon and trout in the Finn and Morne rivers), biking and golfing for a peaceful country break.

finnvalleycottages.com/cottages/

n All accommodations offered meet the industry standard “We’re good to go” which shows that they have agreed to adhere to Covid-19 safety guidelines.

n For more information on great places to visit when it’s safe, see www.discovernorthernireland.com

n When planning and visiting, please check the visitor guidelines and opening times of the individual providers and always note the current travel restrictions for Covid-19, which are available at www.nidirect.gov.uk / Campaigns / Coronavirus-covid-19