You’ve sorted the lead, packed the treats, and checked the forecast (we’re in Northern Ireland, always check the forecast). Now you just need somewhere great to stay.
Whether you’re planning a coastal escape on the north coast, a lakeland retreat in Fermanagh, or a city break in Belfast, Northern Ireland has no shortage of places that genuinely roll out the welcome mat for your dog. Not just a tolerant nod – actual dog beds, water bowls, and staff who are delighted to see them!
Here’s our round-up of the best dog-friendly hotels and stays across every county, so you can plan your staycation without the back-and-forth.
Belfast
Belfast has become one of the most dog-friendly cities in the UK, and the hotel scene is catching up fast. Most of the city’s best dog-welcoming hotels sit close to the Cathedral Quarter, the River Lagan, and Botanic Gardens, which makes getting out for a morning walk genuinely easy.
Malmaison Belfast
Bold interiors, a boutique feel, and a genuine soft spot for dogs. Malmaison is one of the most dog-welcoming city-stays in Belfast. Pet-friendly rooms are available on request, and four-legged guests get their own bedding and water bowls. A short walk from Victoria Square, it’s ideal if you want a stylish overnight without leaving your pup behind.
AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast
Sleek, modern, and right on the banks of the River Lagan, this one earns its place for location alone. Designated pet-friendly rooms are available, and the waterfront walks right outside the door are perfect for early morning or evening stretches with your dog.
Hilton Belfast
A reliable, well-located choice beside the Waterfront Hall and close to the Lagan towpath. Dogs are welcome in specific rooms, and the central location makes it easy to explore the city on foot with your pup in tow.
room2 Belfast Hometel
A bit of a hidden gem. One of the highest-rated dog-friendly stays in the city. room2 provides food and water bowls as standard, with a relaxed, home-from-home feel. Great option if you’re staying a few nights and want somewhere less corporate.
Bullitt Hotel
One of Belfast’s coolest city centre stays, and it takes dogs seriously. Bullitt has dedicated ‘Dog Den’ rooms, a king-size bed for you, a proper dog bed for them, food and water bowls, and treats on arrival. Your dog is welcome in the lobby and the lively courtyard bar, though they’ll have to sit out the rooftop.
ibis budget Belfast City Centre
ibis budget on Brunswick Street is one of the most straightforwardly dog-friendly options in the city. Up to two dogs of any size are welcome, there’s a small nightly fee per dog, and the hotel is a 10-minute walk from Grand Central Station with easy access to the city centre. Compact, clean, central, and no-fuss.
The Fitzwilliam Hotel
If your dog is small and sophisticated, the Fitzwilliam is their kind of place. Belfast’s five-star address on Great Victoria Street has a selection of dog-friendly rooms with a proper welcome package – water bowl, treat, and a small toy on arrival. Dogs are welcome in the bar, and the concierge team can point you to dog-friendly spots nearby.
voco Belfast, an IHG Hotel
Set in the Gasworks district just a 10-minute walk from the city centre, voco Belfast has gone all in on dog-friendly stays. The Gasworks location puts you close to Ormeau Park and the Lagan towpath, two of Belfast’s best dog walks. Dogs must be on a lead in the lobby, bar, and outdoor terrace. Dog-friendly rooms must be booked in advance through the reservations team.
Travelodge Belfast Central
The most no-nonsense option on this list, and all the better for it. Every single room at Travelodge Belfast Central is pet-friendly, no special room type to hunt for, no weight limits. Dogs are allowed in the lobby and communal areas, though not in the Bar Café. The location on Brunswick Street is excellent, a short walk from Belfast City Hall, the Grand Opera House, and the Cathedral Quarter.
County Antrim
County Antrim is the dream for dog owners who want big scenery and serious walking. The Causeway Coast is one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in Europe, and much of it is best explored on foot with a dog beside you.
The Inn on the Coast, Portrush
Situated right on the Causeway Coastal Route between Portrush and Portstewart, this one is purpose-built for dog owners. Dedicated pet-friendly rooms are on the ground floor so you can get outside fast, dogs are welcome in the foyer and reception area, and there are excellent walking routes on the doorstep.
The Rabbit Hotel and Retreat, Templepatrick
Just 20 minutes from Belfast, The Rabbit is a genuine escape without the long drive. The hotel has its own resident dog, Florence, who greets canine guests on arrival. Dog-friendly rooms are available, and the surrounding countryside is great for a proper walk.
Galgorm Resort and Spa, Ballymena
Set within 163 acres of parkland with the River Maine running through it, Galgorm is one of NI’s most impressive resort stays. It’s a beautiful base for exploring County Antrim, with plenty of outdoor space to wear your dog out before you make the most of the spa.
The Marine Hotel, Ballycastle
A solid choice for exploring the Glens of Antrim and the north-east coast. Ballycastle itself is a brilliant town for dogs, the beach, the harbour, and the nearby Glens walks are all within easy reach.
The Fullerton Arms, Ballycastle
The guesthouse sits just outside Ballycastle in the village of Ballintoy, minutes from the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and within easy reach of the Giant’s Causeway, Whitepark Bay, and the Causeway Coastal Route. The recently refurbished dog-friendly rooms are made for the kind of stay that starts with a clifftop walk and ends with a proper feed. Traditional Irish food is served throughout, and as a bonus, the Fullerton Arms is home to one of only ten of the famous Game of Thrones doors.
Portrush Adelphi
Now part of the Marine & Lawn collection, the Adelphi is one of the most polished stays on the Causeway Coast and it genuinely welcomes dogs. Renovated in 2024, it sits on Portrush Main Street with beaches, cafés, and coastal paths on the doorstep. Dog-friendly rooms come with a bed and bowls, dogs are welcome in the bar, and the team will point you to their favourite local walks on arrival.
The Marcus Portrush
A beautifully restored Victorian building on Portrush Main Street, The Marcus is one of the most characterful hotels on the north coast. Original 1880s mosaic signage and architectural details sit alongside bold contemporary interiors, and it’s part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, so you get boutique personality with the reliability of a major brand behind it.
County Down
County Down is home to the Mournes, the Ards Peninsula, and some of the most beautiful beach walks in Ireland. If your dog hasn’t run on Murlough Beach with the Mournes behind them, add it to the list immediately.
Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle
An iconic stay at the foot of the Mourne Mountains. The Slieve Donard is a grand, historic hotel with access to the beach and the start of the Mournes trails right from its grounds. Dog-friendly accommodation is available, and the setting is hard to beat for a proper staycation with your pup.
The Cuan, Strangford
Sitting on the Village Green in Strangford, right on the shores of Strangford Lough, The Cuan is one of County Down’s most loved boutique stays. This family-run, award-winning hotel and restaurant has a genuine warmth that guests return to again and again — and dogs are very much part of the welcome.
Donard, Newcastle
A friendly, no-fuss hotel a short walk from Newcastle Beach and right on the doorstep of the Mournes. The location is the real draw. Tollymore Forest Park, Murlough Beach, and the Mourne trails are all within easy reach, making it a brilliant base for a proper walking holiday with your dog. After a long day on the hills, the bar is a comfortable spot to wind down.
County Fermanagh
If you want to completely disconnect, no city noise, no traffic, just lakelands, forests, and fresh air County Fermanagh is it. And it’s one of the most dog-friendly counties in Northern Ireland for accommodation.
Lusty Beg Island Hotel, Boa Island
Northern Ireland’s most dog-friendly hotel, full stop. Lusty Beg holds the first-ever GOLD Paw Grading from Dog Friendly NI’s PAW Grading Programme. Dogs can dine with their owners in two areas of the resort, there’s a bespoke dog trail on the island, and there’s even a dog wash station for post-walk clean-ups. Solo travellers visiting with their dogs are also specifically catered for a lovely touch. This is a bucket list stay.
Mahon’s Hotel, Irvinestown
A little piece of history in the heart of Fermanagh. Mahon’s is the oldest family-run, family-owned hotel in Northern Ireland, over 140 years in operation and still going strong. Situated in Irvinestown, just 15 minutes from Enniskillen. Castle Irvine Estate, Necarne Estate, and Lough Erne all on the doorstep.
Belmore Court & Hotel, Enniskillen
A multi-award winning 4-star stay on the edge of Enniskillen, and one of Fermanagh’s most dog-friendly options. Belmore Court has been getting this right for over 30 years. Warm welcome, comfortable rooms, and dogs genuinely part of the picture. The location puts you on the doorstep of Enniskillen town, Lough Erne, Castle Coole, and the wider Fermanagh Lakelands.
Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel and Lodges, Enniskillen
Overlooking Lough Erne and set in the heart of the Fermanagh Lakelands, Killyhevlin offers dedicated pet-friendly hotel rooms as well as self-catering lodges. A stunning setting with lakeshore walks right from the property.
Belle Isle Estate, Lisbellaw
A 470-acre estate spread across eight islands on Upper Lough Erne, Belle Isle is one of the most unique stays in Ireland. Cottage accommodation is available, the estate grounds are spectacular for walking, and guests consistently rave about the setting.
The Enniskillen Hotel
A practical, well-located choice in the heart of Enniskillen for dog owners who want somewhere central without the fuss. The hotel’s central location makes it a handy base for exploring Enniskillen town and the Fermanagh Lakelands.
County Tyrone
County Tyrone is Sperrin Mountains country – vast, open, and incredibly peaceful. If your dog loves a proper hill walk with nobody else around, this is the county for it.
Blessingbourne Estate, Fivemiletown
A country estate in the heart of Tyrone with self-catering apartment accommodation. The bespoke Blessingbourne Woodland Walk takes you through a mix of mature woodland and open farmland, it’s ideal for exploring Tyrone’s countryside with your dog at your own pace.
The Cedar Country Hotel, Omagh
A newly renovated, family-run hotel nestled in Barcoscourt Forest on the edge of the Sperrin Mountains, just outside Omagh. The Cedar Country Hotel has a warmth and personality that’s hard to manufacture, it’s the kind of place that feels genuinely looked after. The surrounding countryside is stunning, with walking trails, scenic drives, fishing, and the Sperrins themselves on the doorstep.
County Londonderry / Derry
From the Causeway Coast’s southern fringes to the Roe Valley and the walled city of Derry itself, County Londonderry has a lot to offer dog owners especially those who want a mix of coast, countryside, and culture.
Brown Trout Golf and Country Inn, Aghadowey
A beloved dog-friendly stay in the heart of County Londonderry. The 4-star courtyard cottages are spacious and well-suited for dogs, with a pathway alongside the golf course for walks, a south-facing patio for summer, and four open fires for when it’s not. It’s also well-positioned for day trips to the Giant’s Causeway and Royal Portrush.
ibis Coleraine Riverside
The ibis Riverside is a solid base for the Causeway Coast, Portrush and Portstewart are a short drive away, and the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and Bushmills Distillery are all within easy reach.
The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine
A well-established, award-winning hotel in the heart of Coleraine. A strong base for the Causeway Coast with your dog. The Lodge has two dedicated dog-friendly rooms, each with a secure patio opening onto a grassed area – ideal for morning and evening routines.
Me & Mrs Jones, Portstewart
Unique, boutique, and genuinely unlike anywhere else. The quirky-modern interiors, locally sourced food, cosy snug, and rooftop beer garden make it a firm favourite with returning guests. Portstewart Strand – one of the best beaches in Ireland for a dog run – is a 19-minute walk from the front door. The Giant’s Causeway, Royal Portrush, and the broader Causeway Coast are all within easy reach.
A Few Things to Check Before You Book
Dog-friendly policies vary from hotel to hotel, even within the same brand. Before you confirm any booking, it’s worth checking:
- How many dogs are allowed per room
- Whether there’s an additional charge per dog, per night
- Which rooms are pet-friendly (ground floor is usually best)
- Where on the property your dog is allowed, some hotels restrict dogs to bedrooms and outdoor areas only
When in doubt, ring ahead.
Know a dog-friendly hotel that should be on this list? Tell us, we’re always looking for new additions. Tag us or get in touch, and we’ll check it out.
Check out all dog friendly hotels and accommodation here.
Amée is the co founder of Best Bark, a Northern Ireland based platform helping dog owners find dog friendly places, local walks, events and verified dog services across NI. She shares practical advice, honest recommendations and local guides shaped by life with her own dog, Vito, alongside her background in digital marketing and community led content.
