There is something unbeatable about a Sunday in autumn or winter: bundling up for a walk along the coast or into the hills, building up a proper appetite, and finding a warm corner for a roast dinner piled high with potatoes and gravy. The tricky part is knowing where your dog can genuinely settle in beside you while you eat.
If you are hunting for a dog friendly Sunday lunch in Northern Ireland, you have plenty of great options. Whether you are looking for a lively city centre carvery, a sharing roast on a covered terrace, or a relaxed countryside tavern with an open fire, pubs and restaurants across Northern Ireland welcome dogs warmly.
Here are the best dog friendly spots across Northern Ireland to enjoy a Sunday roast or weekend lunch with your pup.
1. Gowdy’s Down Royal, Lisburn (County Antrim)
Perched right beside Down Royal Racecourse, Gowdy’s is a classic countryside pub made for relaxing after fresh air.
Sunday lunch serves up hearty roast favourites including roast beef and roast lamb, served alongside traditional roast trimmings.
The setup for four legged guests is straightforward and welcoming: dogs are accepted inside as well as in the outdoor dining areas, with a designated pet friendly section set aside indoors. Sundays get busy quickly, so booking ahead is sensible.
- Location: Near Down Royal Racecourse, Lisburn
- Sunday Food Service: Traditional Sunday roast options including beef and lamb
- Dog Policy: Dogs accepted inside and outdoors in designated pet friendly areas
- Reservations: Recommended for weekend lunch service
- Walk Pairing: Down Royal grounds and nearby paths along the Lagan corridor
For more information click here.
2. The Percy French, Newcastle (County Down)
Resting at the foot of the Mourne Mountains with sweeping views towards the Newcastle coastline, The Percy French is perfectly placed for a full day out around south Down.
The kitchen serves traditional Sunday roasts alongside regional dishes and comforting pub classics.
Dogs can join you in the dedicated pet friendly bar area and on the seasonal outdoor patio. Because dogs are not permitted across every dining room, make sure you request seating in the pet friendly bar when reserving your table.
- Location: Newcastle, County Down
- Sunday Food Service: Traditional Sunday roasts and pub favourites
- Dog Policy: Welcome in the pet friendly bar area and seasonal patio
- Reservations: Recommended; specify the pet friendly bar area
- Walk Pairing: A brisk walk along Newcastle promenade and beach or a loop around the foothills of the Mournes
For more information click here.
3. The Cultra Inn, Holywood (County Down)
Set within the wooded grounds of the Culloden Estate and Spa, The Cultra Inn delivers a relaxed country house pub atmosphere overlooking Belfast Lough.
The kitchen runs a seasonal Sunday lunch menu featuring two course and three course options. Sample roast plates include roast beef, roast pork, and turkey and ham served with roast potatoes, mash, seasonal veg, stuffing, and Yorkshire puddings.
It is one of the most welcoming spots for dogs in the area. Dogs are welcome inside beside the fire as well as on the outdoor terrace, with fresh water bowls and comfortable dog beds provided on arrival.
- Location: Culloden Estate, Holywood, County Down
- Sunday Food Service: Seasonal two course and three course Sunday lunch
- Dog Policy: Welcome indoors and outdoors; dog beds and water bowls provided
- Reservations: Available directly with the venue
- Walk Pairing: Coastal walking trails along Holywood and Crawfordsburn
For more information click here.
4. The Post House, Malone Road (Belfast)
If you are looking for a generous Sunday carvery without having to leave south Belfast, The Post House on Malone Road delivers.
The Sunday carvery runs straight through from 12pm to 6pm, with one course, two course, and three course options loaded with carved meats and traditional accompaniments.
Dogs are welcome in the venue, with owners frequently seated in the bar area and out on the terrace. The atmosphere is friendly and vibrant with weekend sports and live music, so an earlier sitting around lunchtime is best if your dog prefers a calmer room.
- Location: Malone Road, south Belfast
- Sunday Carvery Hours: 12pm to 6pm
- Dog Policy: Accepted in the bar area and outdoor terrace
- Reservations: Advise the team you are bringing a dog when booking
- Walk Pairing: A riverside stroll along the Lagan Towpath or through Barnett Demesne
For more information click here.
5. The Balloo House, Killinchy (County Down)
Out in the County Down countryside near Strangford Lough, Balloo House blends historic coaching inn character downstairs with polished dining upstairs.
Sunday lunch is a proper traditional affair. Menus feature roast beef, turkey Wellington, and vegetarian roast options, served with golden roasties, mash, cauliflower cheese, and Yorkshire puddings.
Space for four legged guests is intentionally limited. Dogs are accepted in the outdoor dining area and within a small section of the downstairs bar (with just two tables available). Booking well in advance and stating you have a dog is essential.
- Location: Killinchy, County Down
- Sunday Food Service: Traditional roast beef, turkey Wellington, and vegetarian roasts
- Dog Policy: Outdoor dining terrace and two specific tables in the downstairs bar area
- Reservations: Essential for dog friendly seating
- Walk Pairing: Lakeside paths around Strangford Lough and Whiterock
For more information click here.
6. The Rabbit Hotel (Hunter’s Bar), Templepatrick (County Antrim)
Located just outside Belfast in Templepatrick, Hunter’s Bar at The Rabbit Hotel provides a stylish rustic setting for Sunday dining.
Sunday food runs from 12pm to 5.30pm. Options include roast Irish beef with Yorkshire pudding, roast chicken, pressed shoulder of lamb, whole baked bream, and nut roast.
Hunter’s Bar is genuinely dog friendly. Dogs are welcome in the lower bar area, where staff even provide dog treats to make your pup feel at home.
- Location: Templepatrick, County Antrim
- Sunday Food Service: 12pm to 5.30pm
- Dog Policy: Welcome in the lower bar area of Hunter’s Bar; treats provided
- Reservations: Highly recommended
- Walk Pairing: Quiet village walks around Templepatrick or the paths of Antrim Castle Gardens
For more information click here.
7. The Bowery, Lisburn Road (Belfast)
The Bowery on the Lisburn Road is famous for its hearty Sunday sharing boards, served in the Grill Room from 12pm to 8pm.
Crafted for two to share, boards come packed with roast beef, roast chicken, or honey glazed gammon, flanked by Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, mash, root veg, cauliflower cheese, and gravy.
Dogs are welcome on the heated outdoor terrace, giving you a stylish, sheltered spot to share a Sunday feast together.
- Location: Lisburn Road, south Belfast
- Sunday Food Service: Sharing roast boards served 12pm to 8pm
- Dog Policy: Dogs welcome on the covered outdoor terrace
- Reservations: Recommended for Sunday lunch
- Walk Pairing: A relaxed loop around Drumglass Park or Musgrave Park
For more information click here.
8. Carrick-a-Rede Bar & Restaurant, Ballintoy (County Antrim)
If your weekend takes you up to the North Coast, Carrick-a-Rede Bar & Restaurant in Ballintoy provides an inviting, turf fire refuge.
Located moments from the rope bridge, this family run pub serves lunch daily with changing Sunday dishes and wholesome pub favourites.
Dogs are accepted inside the bar, making it an ideal stop after braving coastal winds along the headlands.
- Location: Ballintoy, County Antrim
- Sunday Food Service: Lunch served daily; check Sunday specials on arrival
- Dog Policy: Dogs accepted inside the bar area
- Reservations: Walk ins welcome; call ahead during busy periods
- Walk Pairing: Ballintoy Harbour and the coastal trails towards Whitepark Bay
For more information click here.
9. Fountain Lane, City Centre (Belfast)
Right in the heart of Belfast city centre, Fountain Lane combines centuries of history with a vibrant pub atmosphere.
Sundays bring a traditional roast and carvery style lunch with all the trimmings, prepared using locally sourced produce.
Dogs on leads are welcome both indoors and in the outdoor seating area, with water bowls available. Fountain Lane regularly features live music, so consider an earlier sitting if your dog prefers a quieter environment.
- Location: Fountain Street, Belfast city centre
- Sunday Food Service: Traditional Sunday roast and carvery plates
- Dog Policy: Welcome indoors and outdoors on leads; water available
- Reservations: Available online; mention your dog when reserving
- Walk Pairing: A stroll through the historic Cathedral Quarter or along the Lagan riverfront
For more information click here.
10. Ben Madigan’s Bar & Kitchen, Cavehill (Belfast)
Sitting on the Cavehill Road at the foot of Cave Hill, Ben Madigan’s is a warm neighbourhood pub known for quality cooking and community hospitality.
Sundays feature their generous Sunday Roast Platter, created specifically to feed a family or group of four.
Dogs are accepted in designated areas including the bar and outdoor terrace. Be sure to let the team know you have a dog when booking so they place you at an appropriate table.
- Location: Cavehill Road, north Belfast
- Sunday Food Service: Full lunch menu plus a Sunday Roast Platter serving four
- Dog Policy: Dogs accepted in designated indoor and terrace areas
- Reservations: Recommended; request dog friendly seating
- Walk Pairing: Cave Hill Country Park and Belfast Castle grounds right up the hill
For more information click here.
11. The Morning Star, City Centre (Belfast)
Hidden down historic Pottinger’s Entry, The Morning Star is a true Belfast institution for anyone who appreciates quality Irish beef and heritage pub hospitality.
The kitchen runs a dedicated Sunday roast menu that changes weekly, focusing on prime cuts of locally sourced beef and seasonal accompaniments.
Dogs are welcome in designated ground floor areas. Because table layouts in this historic building are snug, get in touch ahead of time to ensure you are seated in the dog friendly section.
- Location: Pottinger’s Entry, Belfast city centre
- Sunday Food Service: Dedicated, weekly changing Sunday roast menu
- Dog Policy: Dogs welcome in designated bar areas; check when booking
- Reservations: Recommended for Sunday dining
- Walk Pairing: Exploring Belfast’s historic city entries and Victoria Park
For more information click here.
12. Harbour & Company, Donaghadee (County Down)
Looking straight across Donaghadee Harbour towards the Copeland Islands, Harbour & Company pairs fresh sea air with wood fired cooking.
The kitchen highlights local dry aged beef and fresh seafood landed by local fishermen. While roasts rotate, the Sunday lunch offering delivers a flavourful, relaxed meal.
Dogs are welcome in the ground floor bar and casual dining space, making it a great destination after a coastal walk.
- Location: The Parade, Donaghadee, County Down
- Sunday Food Service: Sunday lunch service featuring local beef and fresh fish
- Dog Policy: Dogs welcome in the ground floor bar and restaurant
- Reservations: Bookings available online
- Walk Pairing: A walk along Donaghadee Harbour wall and the coastline
For more information click here.
13. Crowe’s Nest, Enniskillen (County Fermanagh)
For a trip west to the Fermanagh lakes, Crowe’s Nest in the middle of Enniskillen offers a central, welcoming pub stop.
The venue serves Sunday lunch throughout the afternoon. Menus change regularly, so it is worth checking their daily roast specials when you arrive.
Dogs are accepted inside the pub, providing a dry, comfortable spot to warm up if the weather turns damp.
- Location: High Street, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
- Sunday Food Service: Sunday lunch service; confirm daily roast specials
- Dog Policy: Dogs accepted inside the bar
- Reservations: Available online and by telephone
- Walk Pairing: A waterfront stroll around Enniskillen Castle and the Lough Erne shoreline
For more information click here.
14. Balmoral Hotel (The Greenan Bar), Dunmurry (Belfast)
The Balmoral Hotel in Dunmurry provides an easy access Sunday dining option just off the motorway.
While dogs cannot enter the main hotel, The Greenan Bar and its outdoor beer garden are designated pet friendly zones. The bar serves roast style dishes including slow cooked daube of beef and roast turkey and ham.
- Location: Blacks Road, Dunmurry, Belfast
- Sunday Food Service: Roast dishes including daube of beef and turkey and ham
- Dog Policy: Permitted in The Greenan Bar and beer garden only
- Reservations: Request seating in The Greenan Bar when booking
- Walk Pairing: Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park for open parkland trails
For more information please click here.
15. Bean & Grape, Glengormley (County Antrim)
If you fancy a relaxed café vibe rather than a formal roast carvery, Bean & Grape in Glengormley is a standout family run spot.
Open on Sundays from 11am to 8pm, this café and wine bar serves brunch, small plates, treats, and artisan coffee.
Dogs are warmly welcomed, with fresh water bowls ready on arrival. It makes an easy stop before or after tackling the nearby hills.
- Location: Glengormley, County Antrim
- Sunday Food Service: Open 11am to 8pm; brunch, small plates, and wine
- Dog Policy: Dog friendly with fresh water bowls provided
- Reservations: Walk ins and table bookings welcome
- Walk Pairing: Carnmoney Hill Local Nature Reserve for woodland paths and panoramic views
For more information click here.
16. Joxer, Holywood (County Down)
For an artisan Sunday brunch and casual plates, Joxer on Church Road in Holywood is a firm local favourite.
Open on Sundays from 8am to 4pm, Joxer focuses on quality coffee, fresh brunch dishes, and light lunches rather than a carvery plate.
Pups are welcomed inside throughout the premises, making it a stress free stop with friendly staff.
- Location: Church Road, Holywood, County Down
- Sunday Food Service: Open 8am to 4pm; brunch and casual lunch dishes
- Dog Policy: Dogs welcome throughout the venue
- Reservations: Operates largely on a walk in basis
- Walk Pairing: The Holywood coastal path leading towards Seapark
For more information click here.
17. Bryson’s, Magherafelt (County Derry)
Bryson’s in Magherafelt has long been a destination for hearty pub meals and Sunday lunch.
Traditional pub staples and roast options feature across their weekend menus.
If you are planning to visit with your dog, note that seating is specific. While listed in directories as dog friendly, customer feedback indicates dogs may be restricted to the front bar rather than the main lounge. Get in touch before setting off to secure an appropriate space.
- Location: Magherafelt, County Derry
- Sunday Food Service: Traditional pub lunch and roast options
- Dog Policy: Seating for dogs may be limited to the front bar; confirm before visiting
- Reservations: Contact directly to confirm dog friendly seating
- Walk Pairing: Exploring local countryside walks around mid Ulster
For more information click here.
Tips for Planning a Dog Friendly Sunday Lunch in Northern Ireland
- Confirm the exact room: Many venues welcome dogs in the bar, snug, or covered terrace while keeping formal dining rooms pet free. Always request a dog friendly table when booking.
- Bring a cosy travel mat: Country pub and bar floors are often slate, tile, or wood. Packing a small mat gives your dog a warm, familiar place to rest while you eat.
- Watch peak service times: Sunday afternoons are the busiest time of the week for pub kitchens. If your dog gets overwhelmed in lively spaces, aim for an early sitting around 12pm or late afternoon around 4pm.
- Check before travelling: Opening times, menus, and pet policies can adjust seasonally, so double checking directly with the venue before setting off keeps your weekend trip smooth.
Planning a road trip further south? Explore our guide to dog friendly Sunday lunches in the Republic of Ireland to discover more roast dinner spots.
For more verified dog friendly pubs, cafés, hotels, and walking trails across Northern Ireland, search the Best Bark directory to plan your next day out.
