Celebrate National Dog Day

We believe that dogs deserve to enjoy their holidays too, so to celebrate National Dog Day, we’ve featured six of our dog-friendly places to stay.

Accommodation providers will let you know about available bowls, blankets and biscuits and also inform you of whether there is a garden or other enclosed space to walk your dog.

You’ll want to ensure the garden is well-fenced, so take time to read the property descriptions carefully before booking as each place is different from the next. Some will allow just one dog to stay, while others will allow multiple, some ask that you don’t allow your dog on the furniture and others don’t mind. It’s always best to check the house rules so you can ensure where you’re booking is right for you all.

Castlewellan, County Down

Maggie’s Croft, Castlewellan, is a tranquil cottage country retreat nestled in a sleepy valley with unspoilt views of the majestic Mourne Mountains.  Maggie's Croft offers a peaceful, cosy haven to relax. Unwind in the Hot tub and Sauna or sit and enjoy the view from the outside seating area. Secure lockable storage is available for bikes, golf bags etc along with drying facilities in case of our glorious Irish weather. Also outside we have our dedicated doggie accommodation, allowing your 4 legged friends to come and stay as well.  Along with the cosy stone built cottage at Maggie's Croft we have stables and a purpose built sand arena available if guest would like to bring their own horse on holiday. 

Downpatrick, County Down

The Stable Yard, Downpatrick is a quirky shed conversion set in a peaceful location within beautiful Co Down. Dogs are welcome inside, but check the house rules as there are other animals on site. This comfortable, cosy and stylish space reflects its surroundings of a working equestrian yard. 

Newry, County Down

Bramble Cottage, Newry  is nestled at the foot of a 1000-year-old Ring Fort at the end of a bumpy track, and is the perfect spot for a rural retreat. Surrounded by bramble laced hedgerows, stone ditches, fields and moss- enjoy quiet solitude and starlit nights. With a private garden, dogs are welcome inside and outside but check with premises when booking.              

Annalong, County Down

Kribben Cottage, Annalong  is a cluster of  5 luxury cottages nestled against the magnificent back drop of the Mourne Mountains in a rural picturesque setting close to the bustling seaside town of Newcastle and offers an array of views over the mountains, farming landscape and out to sea. A secluded purpose built picnic and BBQ area provides the ultimate retreat, after the activities of the day, to relax and unwind as the sun goes down. Pets are welcome inside and outside but check with premises when booking.

Newcastle, County Down

Millers Close Holiday Cottages, Newcastle is a small cluster (or clachans) of houses nestling in the foothills of the Mourne Mountains, on the edge of Tollymore Forest Park. Pets are accepted in two of the cottages, Jimmy’s Cottage and Pat’s Cottage with private garden area to enjoy those lazy summer evenings or just to take in the phenomenal views all year round.

Tyrella, County Down

Beach House, Tyrella  is self catering at the beach, from your front door to the sand takes just seconds! This beautiful semi-detached bungalow sleep up to 6 people (and your dog) - which means its ideal for families, friends, couples, retreats and tourists. Tyrella beach has 2km of flat sands and boasts numerous awards including the prestigious Blue Flag Award which highlights the management of the Sea, Sand and Conservation area (25 Hectares). With a private garden, dogs welcome inside and outside.

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Dog friendly beaches

Dogs have a special relationship with the beach, there are few better things to see than happy dogs  bounding across the sand.  Check out the requirments of when you need to keep your dog on the lead - Beaches in Mourne, Gullion and Strangford.

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Montalto Estate, Bark Park, Ballynahinch

Montalto Estate's recently opened Bark Park offers tail-wagging activities icluding spacious off lead areas where you can let your dog run free and explore the expansive, fenced-in space. Challenge your dog with a variety of agility obstacles and stay hydrated with the playtime water station.

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Wild River Dog Park, Ballynahinch

Nestled in 3 acres of countryside, Wild River offers the perfect day out for your furry friend, with off lead play area, private area available, sensory garden retreat for senior dogs, visually impaired or those in recovery, paddling pool, and small dog private paddock offering peace for smaller dogs. Amazing coffee shop serving traybakes, speciality brews and hearty snacks. There's also a self service dog wash, the Dog Bath NI ensures your dog leaves clean and shiney.

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Rowallane Gardens, Saintfield

Dogs are welcome at Rowallane Garden. They must remain on a lead whilst walking through the garden and woodland areas. They are permitted in the house and café. A dog exercise field is located near the car park where dogs are allowed off-lead.

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Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh

Dogs are allowed in Delamont Country Park but must be kept on a lead at all times.  There is a dog exercise field where leads are not required. Dogs are not permitted in the Children's Play Park.

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Castle Ward, Strangford

Dogs are welcome at Castle Ward with acres of countryside and woodland to explore. Take your dog to most areas, including indoors for a cup of tea and a treat, there are clearly signed dog zones, dogs on leads are welcome across the estate, in the garden and in the Stableyard Tea room. There is a designated off-lead exercise field located near the admission hut and main car park where you can let your dog have a stretch off the lead. Only assistance dogs are permitted in the house and shop. Dogs must be kept on leads at all times on the estate including on the trails, as you might come across a horse rider, cyclist or family on the same path.

Drinking bowls are positioned in the Stableyard and Farmyard. Bins are available in each car park.

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So grab your lead during “National Dog Day” and book into some of our amazing dog friendly places to stay, it’s the perfect time to blend exercise with bonding time for you and your dog.  All our bins now take your dog waste so remember to scoop the poop.  Have a great stay!

Where’s your favourite place to stay with your dog? Share pictures of you and your pooch out on the trail on social media using #VisitMourne, #MourneMountains, #RingofGullion, #StrangfordLough