Walking in Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down, Northern Ireland — A day out with your dog at Murlough National Nature Reserve | © National Trust Images/Christopher Heaney

Dog-friendly places in Northern Ireland

With water bowls, hitching posts and plenty of ground to cover, the places in our care aren't just for history-loving hounds. The sandy beaches and woodland trails on offer are a dog-walker's dream. From dog exercise areas to dog-friendly accommodation, discover a slice of canine heaven when visiting with your four-legged friend. Here's all you need to know about dog-friendly places in Northern Ireland.

Two dogs on their leads stood on top a rock next to their owners

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Giant's Causeway

Discover Giant's Causeway with your dog. Head out for a bracing walk to see the world-famous stones and coastline, stop by the café or explore the visitor centre. Giant's Causeway is a three pawprint rated place.

Visitors walking their dog in the parkland at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire

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Mount Stewart

Discover Mount Stewart with your dog. With acres of parkland to explore there's plenty of space for them to bound, sniff, jump and splash. Mount Stewart is a two pawprint rated place.

A family of three walking their dog in the grounds of Castle Ward, County Down, with the Classical front of the house in the background.

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Castle Ward

Castle Ward is a three pawprint rated place. Discover Castle Ward with your dog. With miles of trails to explore there's plenty of space for them to bound, sniff, jump and splash.

Visitors walking their dog at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne , County Londonderry

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Downhill Demesne

Downhill Demesne is a one pawprint rated place. Discover Downhill Demesne with your dog. Explore the clifftop garden and wander through the historic coastal landscape to see the famous Mussenden Temple.

A small dog on the lead standing at the beach

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Portstewart Strand

Dogs are welcome on Portstewart Strand and with two miles of golden sand to enjoy, there are plenty of opportunities for walking and splashing along the beach. Portstewart Strand is a one pawprint rated place.

A couple walk their dog along the Spring Ground on a bright day at Rowallane Garden

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Rowallane Garden

Rowallane Garden is a three pawprint rated place. Discover Rowallane Garden with your dog. Explore the pleasure ground, stroll through the walled garden & wander through woodland.

Visitors and their dogs in the parkland at Castle Coole, County Fermanagh

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Castle Coole

Castle Coole is a one pawprint rated place. Dogs are welcome at Castle Coole. Please help to ensure that all visitors, with or without dogs, can enjoy their visit by following these guidelines.

A visitor walks thier dog along a wet path

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The Argory

Your dog will love The Argory with plenty of sights and smells to explore around the estate, as well as a dedicated play area. The Argory is a two pawprint rated place.

A woman walks her dog, a St Bernard, along a path lined with trees in autumn at Florence Court

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Florence Court

Florence Court is a one pawprint rated place. Dogs are welcome at Florence Court. Stride out through acres of parkland and historic woodland. Your dog will find plenty of opportunities for bounding, jumping, sniffing and splashing through the estate.

A dachshund wearing a purple checked coat, on the lead, with autumn leaves on the grass around it, at Bodnant Garden, North Wales

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Derrymore

Derrymore, as the only parkland near the centre of Newry, is an excellent spot for walking with your canine companion. We want everyone to enjoy this beautiful spot, so we ask visitors coming with their dogs to follow these guidelines which are in-line with the Countryside Code.