Northern Ireland's dog friendly venues are being let off the lead at last after being ordered to sit-and-stay for almost 430 days because of coronavirus restrictions.
The good news for business is that the hound pound has never been stronger.
With lots of households choosing to add a dog or more to the family during lockdown, we've compiled a comprehensive list of dog-friendly places to visit with your pet.
Whether it's the pub or cafe you've missed so much, or a restaurant you didn't realise would welcomed you and the dogs, we've got you covered.
We have found 170 establishments that have found a way to welcome pets - with 59 of them in Belfast alone.
The other places can be found across the country, with 46 in Co Down, another 25 in Co Antrim and dog dining options building steadily in Co Derry, too - with 16 canine-friendly spots to socialise.
Counties Fermanagh, Armagh and Tyrone are picking up the pooch pace with growing numbers of places to go as well.
If you know of any other dog friendly places just let us know - and of course we want to see your photos and videos.
Belfast
The Sunflower Bar, 65 Union Street: Access all areas. Chilling music for the discerning music guru pooch.
Henry’s, Joy’s Entry: Refurbished in 2018 and offering hearty traditional food, live sports, whiskey tasting and music at the weekend.
Causeway Cafe, 22 Donagall Road
Established Coffee 54 Hill Street: Irish, American and Irish roast beans made into carefully put together drinks at a funky spot.
Canteen, 322 Ormeau Road
Paper Cup 13 Block, 11 ARC Queens Road, Titanic Quarter
The Jailhouse, Joy's Entry: Adjoining sister bar Henry's, offers a fantastic range of traditional food, local drinks, cocktails, light bites, breakfast and dinner all under the original beams and barred windows. The Jailhouse takes its name from the claim that it is the site where Henry Joy McCracken was held before being walked down Joy’s Entry to Cornmarket where he was hanged in 1798. (Don't tell the dogs)
JACK Coffee Bar, ground floor 402 Newtownards Road
The Thomas Ward: 1 Bankmore Square
Barnam's Cafe. World Of Ice Cream 601 Lisburn Road: Even has ice cream for dogs
The Dirty Onion, 3 Hill St: Home to one of Belfast’s biggest beer gardens and a cosy peat fire inside. Renowned for being one of the main dog-friendly spots in the Cathedral quarter, stop off for a pint and your dog can enjoy some complimentary water and fresh tasting home-made doggie treats at the Doggie Dock. Staff also host seasonal Pooch Socials.
The Bear and the Doll , Little Donegal Street: Offers a great selection of drinks including a wide variety of craft beers, along with a fantastic selection of DJs and live music.
Pug Uglys, 21 Bedford St: Quirky venue is known for its tasty pub grub, live sports, music and comedy, with themed nights during the week including Taco Tuesday and Wednesday quiz nights. Dogs are welcome inside the pub and water bowls are available in the outdoor seating area.
Ben Madigan's Bar & Kitchen, 169-175 Cavehill Rd
The Bone Yard, 29 Bedford St: A quirky bar and food venue with picnic tables inside and out, including living room containers, which are available to reserve for your own party. Check out the food trucks from Pug Uglys and Tribal Burger to take away or eat at your table. Most importantly… The Bone Yard is dog friendly of course.
Lavery’s Belfast, 12-18 Bradbury Place: Roof terrace and beer garden and the new extension of the Woodworkers for food Union Street Bar: Union St
The Dock Market, 2k Queens Rd: A scent sensation surrounded by stalls selling everything from gourmet waffles to award-winning burgers, cup cakes and fresh bakes. Drooling permitted.
The Spaniard, 3 Skipper St: With a resident Springer Spaniel and a regular in the shape of a nifty Jack Russell, The Spaniard has announced it is officially dog friendly.
The Last Drop, 466 Antrim Rd
Jumon, Unit 6 McAuley House, Fountain St: Multi-cuisine that attracts a crowd so book ahead.
Divis Coffee Barn, Divis and Black Mountain, Belfast
The Bobbin Coffee Shop, May Street
Northern Lights, 451 Ormeau Rd
The Dock Cafe: Soup restaurant and coffee shop with a spiritual leaning
Cafe 1401 : At Titanic’s Pump-House, a quirky cafe specialising in locally roasted coffees and loose leaf teas, healthier taste ranging brekkies and a bangin’ Ulster fry, sandwiches, salads, homemade pork or vegetarian sausage rolls. Don’t forget your doggie bag.
The Deer's Head, 1-3 Lower Garfield St: Classic cocktails with modern twists in Victorian pub turned cool bar with period decor and booths.
Fish City, 33 Ann St: Rustic-chic seafood spot with nautical flair and pavement seats renowned for its fish ‘n chips.
Pablos, 22 Church Lane: Burgers & Booze with Fries & Sides.
The Harlem Cafe, 34 Bedford St
BRØN Belfast, Gilnahirk Road
Lamppost Cafe: 19 Upper Newtownards Road: Access all areas including a lovely little yard area for chilling with your pet.
East Side Visitor Centre: 402 Newtownards Road - Great spot for a stop-off while on walkies. Almond coffee, tray bakes, comfy setting and friendly staff.
Rob ins’ H obby Cafe, 145 Holywood Road: Facing Strand Cinema. Everyone welcome.
Lazy Clare’s Patisserie: 227 Castlereagh Road: If you’re looking for treats, look no further.
The Bowery, 701 Lisburn Rd
Kangaroos Tie Their Own Laces, 430 Falls Road, Belfast
Coffee Nook, 255 Castlereagh Road: Very friendly and accommodating
Belvedere Cafe and Restaurant: 69 Cregagh Road
The Pocket Coffee Shop: 68 Upper Church Lane, University Road
Guilt Trip: 497 Lisburn Road
Caffè Nero: Forestside
Smokey Deli, 3 Grand Parade
Divis Coffee Barn: Divis and Black Mountain. Great craic and right in walking country.
Jeggy Nettle, 12 Stranmillis Road: The folk from Muriel's are behind this bar so of course it’s dog friendly.
Seven Coffee, 7 Glen Rd, Andersonstown
The Lock Keeper’s Inn, 2 Lock Keepers Lane: Set on the banks of the River Lagan, it's a popular stop off for dog walkers, offering a place to relax and enjoy a breakfast, lunch or light snack. The grassy outdoor area boasts plenty of picnic benches to enjoy a drink or bite to eat, and dogs are very welcome to sit out there too.
Al Gelato, 417 Ormeau Road - Treats for you and even ice cream treats for the doggies.
Caffè Nero: Lisburn Road
Caffè Nero: Ormeau Road
The Pocket Coffee Shop: 68 Upper Church Lane: A classic coffee shop menu featuring brunch fare & pasties with exposed brick and modern interiors.
Titanic Rain Check Cafe : Right beside the SSE Arena overlooking the water.
Hickson's Point, Titanic: Authentic 1900s public house setting located on the plaza outside Titanic Belfast offering traditional music, entertainment, heritage décor and locally produced food and is open seasonally, April to October.
Caffè Nero: Ballyhackamore
Output Expresso: 479 Lisburn Road
The Pap er Cup, 307 Upper Newtownards Rd
And two popular clothes shops also welcome dogs in Belfast.
White Stuff, 1-3 Arthur St, the fashion and lifestyle store, loves dogs and they're welcome in all of its shops with staff encouraged to bring them to work, too.
And staff Andrew Watson Menswear, 11 Upper Queen St have confirmed they are also a dog friendly shop for 'well behaved dogs and especially Golden Retrievers, and humans'.
Co Antrim
Cafe Country, 38-44 Main St, Ballymoney: Reputation for dog friendly atmosphere. Access all areas. Ear rubs offered at no additional cost.
Red Brick Coffee Shop Raceview Mill, 29 Raceview Rd, Broughshane: Access all areas. Really good welcome here.
Twilight Coffee and Bunkhouse, Carnlough Harbour, Carnlough: Independent coffee shop and accommodation located at the town's harbour.
Costa Coffee, Marine Court Hotel: 1-3 North St, Ballycastle: Access all areas. A great spot to catch up on people watching over a 'pupaccino'.
Indigo Cafe, 5 Eglinton St, Portrush: A super-welcome guaranteed for dogs and their people (but especially dogs). At Indigo, they have pancakes and then they have doggie pancakes...
Bob Stewart’s, 149 Ballyskeagh Rd, Lisburn
Dobbies Garden Centre: 56 Saintfield Rd, Lisburn
Marine Court Hotel, 1-3 North St, Ballycastle: Dogs allowed in selected bedrooms and lobby area for food service. A relaxing retreat for the fuss free pets.
Inn on the Coast:, 50 Ballyreagh Rd, Portrush: Dogs allowed in selected ground floor bedrooms, seating area in main reception for food and drinks service. Owners asked to bring their pets’ beds and bowls. £10 charge per pet per room. Dogs get a Good Behaviour Certificate and treat on check out. Food is in the evenings but call ahead to see if lunch is served. Serious doggie delight.
The Fullerton Arms: 22 Main St, Ballintoy, Ballycastle: Dogs allowed in bar for food and drinks service and in two dedicated garden rooms. £10 charge additional flat rate for dog friendly room. Bar staff are huge dog fans and pooches birthday parties are catered for.
Gowdy’s at D own Royal: Dogs allowed in the pub/restaurant in The Library area and outside in the beer garden. Where the country set meets the horsey set, doggie heaven.
Tilly’s, Pets at the Port: 12-16 Causeway St, Portrush: Not only will dog owners feel the love at Tilly’s, it’s basically doggie heaven and classes itself as a premier dog friendly spot. They even host Cockapoo meet ups at £20 per person. Hot drink and scone, cockapoo walk, back to Tilly’s for brunch and a coffee. And the dogs get the goodie bags. Booking essential.
The Crown and Shamrock: Antrim Road, Newtownabbey
Port Nosh: 4 Eglantine Lane, Portrush
Cafe Koko : 10 Castle Erin Road, Portrush : Beach combing and coffee can combine thanks to a perfect setting.
Bank House Cafe: 12 Edward Road, Whitehead
Third Day Coffee, 29 Church St, Antrim
Caffè Nero : Lisburn
Ellie Mays, 252 Belfast Rd, Dunadry: Bar with food service. Access all areas downstairs in bar for food and drinks service. Happy hounds with have a tail-wagging time in Ellie May’s.
Cosy at the Fairhill Bar, 18 Thomas St, Ballymena
Barista Coffee House at Loughshore Park, Jordanstown: They love their canine customers and their weather proof porch area is officially for free cuddles and free doggie treats.
The Bureau Bar, 637 Shore Rd, Jordanstown: Dog lover Colin Brown and his team took over the Bureau in July 2015 and immediately started their dog friendly beer garden. It’s proving extremely popular with walkers who love to stop off for a tipple - dog bowls provided of course.
Kiwis Brew Bar, 47 Main St, Portrush
The Crown and Shamrock, Antrim Road, Newtownabbey
Co Armagh
JD Tipler, 58 Killycomain Rd, Portadown: Clean, dry and well behaved dogs welcome on a lead on the ground floor and beer garden. If coming with a dog please mention when booking a table. Friday, Saturday and Sundays are very busy and may may not be an ideal environment for dogs.
Caffè Nero, Armagh
Viva Bar Venue,7 Lower English St, Armagh
Sally McNally's: 91 Markethill Rd, Portadown: Country pub and restaurant, Sally's has grown from a two- roomed pub to a charming restaurant with lots of inviting nooks, lovingly refurbished with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for dining, a leisurely pint, a dinner for two or a quiet coffee on the sofa. Sally's guarantees a warm welcome and great food.
Co Derry
9 Hostages to Coffee, Waterloo St, Derry
The Brown Trout Golf and Country Inn: 209 Agivey Rd, Aghadowey, Coleraine: Dogs allowed on all tiled areas including bar and lobby for food and drinks service and all bedrooms are dog friendly.
Barn Cafe: Springhill, Moneymore
Temple Cove: Downhill, Castlerock
Molly Browns: The Promenade, Portstewart
Heralds Cafe: 22 Church St, Coleraine
Hilton Hotel: Derry - Dogs and cats are accommodated and assistance dogs are exempt the £20 charge per night. Pets must not be left unattended in the dedicated rooms. A sensible approach for well behaved hounds.
Warehouse No1 Cafe: 1-3 Guildhall St, Derry
Caffè Nero: Coleraine
Cafe Piazza: Limavady
Berthas: 6 Sea Rd, Castlerock, Coleraine: Great craic and great food.
The Point: Point Rd, Magilligan, Limavady
The Rock Bar & Grill: 6 Sea Rd, Castlerock
Caffè Nero, Crescent Link, Derry, (Richmond Centre location not dog friendly due to mall restrictions.)
Cafe Piazza: 26 Main St, Limavady
The Auction Room: Main St, Maghera
Co Down
Minerstown Tavern: 68 Minerstown Rd near Downpatrick - Dogs expected to fit in without fuss and watch the racing. All racing tips must be shared.
Paws 4 Tea: Main St, Dundrum - A pooch pioneer. Friendly and more than a little fabulous when it comes to doggy treats and treatment. An ideal resting place after a long day exploring the Mournes with refreshments for you and your pet.
Salty Dog Hotel and Bistro, 10-12 Seacliff Rd, Bangor: The perfect combination of dog friendly bar and hotel overlooking Bangor Bay with good separation from non-dog loving customers. Always doggie treats, a bowl of water and a good ear scratch available from staff. Great for beach combers after a dry off. Dedicated rooms for dog owners.
Hop House: 44 High St, Bangor
The Hillside: 21 Main St, Hillsborough: Dog friendly area downstairs. A great spot for a rest following a walk around the nearby forest. Blazing fire to lie in front of in the winter.
Wild Thing, 4a High St, Donaghadee: Excellent coffee, cracking sweet and savoury treats and plenty of craic amid the coolest surroundings
Grace Neill's, 33 High St, Donaghadee: Said to be the oldest pub in Ireland. A warm welcome in the front bar with lots of atmosphere and plenty of craic.
The North Down House, 103 Mill St, Comber
The Wildfowler Inn, 1 Main St, Greyabbey: All stone floor with good area for dogs at the rear and friendly staff.
Teddy’s, 1 Castle St, Bangor: A lovely welcome awaits especially for waggy tails.
Capronis, Queen's Parade, Bangor
Hugh McCann’s, 119 - 121 Central Promenade, Newcastle - Offers a renowned friendly welcome for pooches and their people. After a brisk walk along the promenade, stop off at Hugh McCann’s for a tasty bite to eat and relax with your pooch in the Hogg Snog.
Carrick Cottage Cafe: 204 Head Rd, Annalong: On a great Mournes walking trail offering fine coffee, tea, freshly baked scones, tray bakes and cakes along with breakfast and homemade soup. The café is open at weekends throughout the year and most weekdays from Easter to September.
The Copeland Distillery, 43 Manor St, Donaghadee: Coffee and killer donuts with a view into the world of gin distilling.
Harbour & Co, 31 The Parade, Donaghadee - Ground floor bar and restaurant are a great spot for people and pooches. Great food and happy staff.
Lighthouse Bar and Grill, 27 The Parade, Donaghadee: These guys LOVE dogs and are well prepared for yours. Treat galore and lots of cuddles.
Pier 36: 36 The Parade, Donaghadee: Very friendly welcome in this bar/ restaurant situated right on the quayside of one of the most picturesque harbours on the coast. Dogs allowed in front bar and outside, covered area.
Eden Pottery/Café: 218 Abbey Rd, Millisle: Very dog friendly, this is an access all areas café with a beautiful pottery. The bottom shelves have been cleared so tails can wag freely. The bottom shelves have been cleared for wagging tails at Eden Pottery.
Anchorage Bistro: 2 Sullivan Place, Holywood: Top nosh and a great spot for calm pooches in the bar area of the restaurant where the full food menu is available. Access to beer garden too. They say: “Absolutely no refusal to people with well behaved dogs.”
Stokers Halt, 27 Hibernia St, Holywood
McCooey’s Coffee Shop, 22 Monaghan St, Newry
Leafy Greens & Co, 8 Mary St, Warrenpoint - Plant based food, home made and fabulous with a resident rescue dog. Small but perfectly formed.
Edge Coffee, 98-100 High St, Holywood
Esplanade Bar and Restaurant: 12 Ballyholme Esplanade: Boasts a beautiful bespoke interior for posh pooches in the back bar. The front terrace is also open to pets with stunning views of the lough.
Loaf Pottery and Coffee Shop, 24 Main St, Crawfordsburn: Good people, good food and fine things.. a real treasure.
Trait Coffee, 33 Castle St, Comber
The Cafe: Hoops Courtyard, 7 - 9 Main St, Greyabbey
Guilt trip, 89, High Street, Holywood
Church Lane Coffee, 32 Church St, Warrenpoint: Fully pet friendly for well behaved dogs at front of cafe. Open 8am -10pm. And 20p off takeaway hot drinks when you use a Frank Green reusable cup.
The Parsons Nose, 48 Lisburn St, Hillsborough: An early pooch pioneer with Peggy the resident Pug. The Parson's Nose allows dogs inside the bar area offers drinking bowls and treats and also in their beautiful garden.
Pretty Mary’s pub, Moira: A warm welcome from the staff guaranteed and dogs are allowed in the front bar.
Del Pieros, 1 Francis Street, Newtownards
Petal Power, 64 High St, Newtownards - If you are looking for a florist and a cafe that serves fabulous soup and is pet friendly, look no further. Resident Great Dane.
Caffè Nero: Newtownards
Base Coffee Company: Central Promenade, Newcastle
Caffè Nero: Newcastle
Caffè Nero: Bangor
Castle Ward: Strangford. The Trailhead Cafe : The perfect spot for grabbing a cuppa after exploring the estate.
The Fina Coffee Company, 70 Main St, Moira: Dogs downstairs.
The Zone Tearoom: 12 Seaview , Warrenpoint
Church Lane Coffee, 32 Chruch St, Warrnpoint: Speciality coffees, brunch and casual Mexican dining.
The Pheasant Bar and Restaurant: 410 Upper Ballynahinch Rd, Hillsborough.
Turnip House Knitwear Tea Room, 64 Dromara Rd, Ballyward, Castlewellan
Roma’s: 4 Regent St, Newtownards
Camphill Cafe, 8 Shore Rd, Holywood: Vegetarian and vegan restaurant and coffee shop. Relaxed and friendly.
Petal & Buds flowers and Gifts: 2 High St, Donaghadee
Co Tyrone
The White Pheasant, 3A Burn Rd, Cookstown: Small restaurant allows dogs during quieter periods of the day. Call ahead if you are planning to visit. Small but perfectly formed like the dogs they welcome.
Grays Tea Room: 49 Main St, Strabane
Co Fermanagh
Black Cat Cove,28 Main St, Belleek, Enniskillen: Bar with food service. Access all areas. Dogs who like traditional music will love the Black Cat Cove.
Lusty Beg, Kesh, is truly dog friendly. Dogs are welcome in rooms and lodges and can eat with you in a special dog friendly area of the bar/restaurant And they get Murphy’s Barkery Treats.
Carrybridge Lakeside Lodge Hotel, 33 Inishmore Rd, Lisbellaw, Enniskillen: Dogs allowed in bedrooms and the bar with owners area for food service. One dog per visitor but negotiable. Well behaved dogs welcomed again and again.
Fermanagh Voluntary Association of the Disabled, 64 Mill St, Enniskillen
Belle Isle Bistro, Belle Isle Estate and Private Island, Lisbellaw, Enniskillen
The Moorings Bar, 156 Derrylin Rd, Bellanaleck, Enniskillen
Pat's Bar: 1-5 Townhall St, Enniskillen
The Enniskillen Hotel, Pats Bar Enniskillen: 72 Forthill St, Enniskillen
Other dog friendly venues but where food is not served
- Harbour Bar: Portrush
- Village Inn: Waringstown
- Jeggy Nettle: Stranmillis, Belfast - you can bring own food
- Burnside Tavern: Doagh, Ballyclare
Venues where dogs are welcome in outdoor covered areas
- 55 Degrees North: Portrush - Café/Restaurant. Great for a chill out to watch the waves crashing under the covered outside area at the bottom of the building. Water bowls and a friendly welcome can be expected.
- Barista Coffee : Loughshore, Whiteabbey
- Ownies: Carrickfergus - Dogs allowed Sunday to Thursday
- Me & Mrs Jones, Portstewart: The first level of our beer garden where dogs aren’t only welcomed, they’re encouraged
- Bureau: Whiteabbey
- SoZo: Whiteabbey
- Daft Eddies: Skettrick Island
- Cheeky Cherub: Glengormley1-3 Arthur Square, Belfast
Don't forget the pet boutique
And finally our list wouldn't be complete without Murphy & Bailey pet boutique at 65 Belmont Rd which offers a range of gifts, accessories and treats for dogs, cats and the people who love them.
They have great coffee and sweet treats which can be enjoyed in an outdoor seating area or as take out. Dogs are welcome inside and can try harnesses, coats, clothing and more, there's even a specially designed doggy dressing room.
Now you can't get better than that...
Tips for a dog friendly day out
Here are some simple tips to make life easier when looking for a dog friendly spot.
- Tip 1: Don't be confused over the rules surrounding dogs in dining rooms, it remains a matter of management discretion. So if the boss says yes, then dogs are permitted into businesses serving food as long as they are not in the food preparation areas.
- Tip 2: Bring your own doggie snacks, water and bowl. It's easier not to have to share or zip off to the bathroom to fill up. Many places will look after you, others are learning, so arrive prepared.
- Tip 3: Ensure your dog is well socialised before taking them into an enclosed public space. A boisterous dog indoors can cause havoc and attract complaints.
- Tip 4: Walkies before drinkies. It's advisable to tire out your pet on a decent walk so their energy is calmer for a cafe/pub halt.
- Tip 5: You're not at home so dogs on furnishings is not advised, especially if they have been on the beach or in a river beforehand.
Tip 6: If you see a 'Well Behaved Dogs Welcome' sign, it generally means dogs should have some social skills, so no crazed barking, disturbing staff or neighbouring diners.
Tip 7: Don't push the boundaries, most places ensure there are divisions between their dog friendly areas and the areas where dogs cannot enter. Remember that not all people like dogs.
Tip 8: Cleanliness is next to dogliness...strong pooch pong is not helpful.
If you are a dog friendly business and have not appeared on our list, please let us know so we can add you in. Email jilly.beattie@reachplc.com
For the latest daily news about dogs and their people visit our dedicated Team Dogs website by clicking here.
