Pet Friendly Places to Eat

Dog-friendly dinners that won't make you a pawper

Nobody wants to leave pooch behind when they go on holiday. Let’s face it, the hound is the cornerstone of many families and without your canine companion a trip away just isn’t the same. Luckily, we have plenty of places where both you and your best friend can sit happily indoors and enjoy a break from the great outdoors.

Newcastle is fit for a King Charles

Hugh McCann's is located opposite the promenade in Newcastle and is only a stone’s (or a stick’s) throw from the beach. This cosy pub was a winner in DogBuddy’s Dog Friendly Pub of the Year Awards. It’s well known for its warm welcome, offers fantastic sea views and its homely interior is filled with antique fixtures and fittings. Sit yourself inside in the bar, enjoy a nice meal or drink beside the open fire and let the dog drift off to sleep in the so-called Hogg Snog. When he or she comes alive again, you’ll only be too eager to get out and tackle the beach.

The Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle are delighted to be a pet-friendly hotel, dogs are allowed in public areas and must be on a short lead at all times. There are also pet friendly bedrooms, so please be sure to let the reservations team know at the time of booking that you will be bringing your pet.

Other dog friendly cafe's in Newcastle include Cafe Nero, and Birch.

A Walk in the Park

If you find yourself taking the dog for a run and a ramble in Castlewellan Forest Park then grab a coffee at the mobile trailer located in the car park.

If These Walls Could Bark

Step into the 18th century stone walls of the Rostrevor Inn. With a wide range of craft beers, whiskeys and bar food, you and your dog will adore the Rostrevor Inn’s old world charm. With weekly traditional music, and a roaring fire, the Inn is an idyllic place to relax among friends and family. 

A Cafe with Attitude in Newry City Centre 

The self-proclaimed ‘second best cafe in Newry’, McCooey’s welcomes patrons and their dogs with a distinct Northern Ireland sense of humour. The tight-knit team offers a range of soups, sandwiches, stews, fries, and, most importantly, unbeatable craic. Visit in the morning, and try out one of McCooeys’ signature fries, with vegetarian, low calorie and child friendly options also on offer. 

Treat Your Best Friend

Not only do Synge and Byrne near Killeavy and also in Kilbroney Park offer freshly made food and great salads for you but they offer a lovely courtyard with picnic tables for your best friend to take a break and dream of chasing cats.

A Paws-itively Great Day Out

Closer to Strangford Lough, Rowallane Garden has a lovely café patio provided with water bowls and shade. It’s the perfect place for you and your furry friend to kick back and relax after a long but paws-itively enjoyable day chasing around.

Take the Lead

Montalto Estate in Ballynahinch is dog-friendly, but with specific conditions. While dogs are welcome in some outdoor areas, they must be kept on a lead at all times, and access might be limited to certain trails or zones to protect the natural environment. Assistance dogs are fully permitted throughout the estate. To confirm exact policies or book tickets, it’s recommended to contact Montalto Estate directly or check their official website for the most up-to-date visitor guidelines.

Finally, it is worth noting that the people here, like most of Ireland are very taken by dogs. You will find that people will approach you out of the blue, so you should be prepared to stop and chat through the whole history of you and your best friend’s lives together. As well as the places mentioned above there are a whole host of other places that will welcome your dog. As long as you take responsibility for it, you’ll find your pooch is welcome almost anywhere in our area and they will love it too. For many of us, our four legged friends are part of the family. In the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion, there are countless bars, restaurants and cafes which will extend a warm welcome to human guests and canines alike.