Now this is animal magic… dog-friendly destinations, with Northern Ireland leading the way.
Our friends in the North have given us a nudge about their pet-friendly hotels, bars, restaurants and walking (or should that be walkies) locations.
So here is the pick of the pooch-friendly places to go:
Lusty Beg Island Hotel, County Fermanagh: Lusty Beg boasts Northern Ireland’s fist GOLD Paw Grading from Dog Friendly NI’s PAW Grading Programme. Woof, woof!
There are two areas where owners and dogs can dine together, they offer solo traveller assistance for people visiting on their own with their pets.
And there’s even a dog wash for muckie mutts. Visit http://www.lustybegisland.com/en/dog-friendly/
The Inn on the Coast, Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route: Between the harbour towns of Portrush and Portstewart in County Antrim.
You’ll find dedicated pet-friendly rooms on the ground floor for up to two dogs.
And your best friend is welcome at the seating area of the foyer and in the reception where you can relax and enjoy a drink or meal.
The Inn even awards a Good Behaviour Certificate and a treat for your furry friend to check out. Visit http://www.innonthecoastportrush.com/all-rooms/pet-friendly-rooms.
The Dirty Onion, Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter: Your doggie’s favourite pub in the capital. With a Doggie Dock which serves complimentary water and doggie treats.
And there is a huge beer garden to stretch the legs and a peat fire to slumber in front of… that’s for the dogs obvs. Visit http://www.thedirtyonion.com/about/
Walkies
Slievenaslat Walk Trail, Castlewellan, Co. Down: Climb through the frost to the summit of Silevenaslat (272m) where you’ll have fantastic views of the Mourne Mountains. Visit http://www.walkni.com/mourne-mountains/castlewellan-forest-park-slievenaslat-walk
The Divis Ridge Trail: Now the Son and Heir is all over Belfast, though whisper it he’s more of a cat fan than a dog fan.
But he does like a walk and often needs walkies… even though he’s 24.
The Divis Ridge Trail is a 4.2 circular route located in the scenic Belfast Hills.
With spectacular views over the great old city and the Mourne Mountains, my own Bonnie Scotland and the Isle of Man.
Your dog will be ahead of you, of course, and get to the 478m high point first.Visit http://www.walkni.com/walks/murlough-national-nature-reserrve/
And tell me where you’ve gone with your dog and liked.
Here are some doggie-related thoughts on the subject… https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/2019/08/03/holiday-snaps-surf-dog-huntington-beach/ and https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/2019/11/20/poochie-poochie-coo-its-florida-keys/ and https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/2019/10/26/holiday-snaps-halloween-in-new-york/.
I must confess that the Americans strike me as the doggie-daftest people on Dog’s (sorry, God’s) Earth but you might think differently.
And, of course, you know how much I love Northern Ireland so make sure you go… https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/culture/belfastvanmorrison/, https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/2019/07/21/and-the-champion-golfer-of-the-year-is-2/.
And check out their website… http://www.discovernorthernireland.com.
