I’m travelling to Northern Ireland with my dog. I just wanted to check if it’s a good place to visit...

Great question! Northern Ireland is actually a great place to bring your furry friend. There are lots of open spaces to roam free, a beautiful landscape and a great climate both you and your pet will enjoy.

The first thing to think about is how you’re planning to get here… Obviously, the best way to travel with your pet is by boat, and the island of Ireland has five main seaports, and companies such as Stena Line offer pet-friendly travel on their boats. For those bringing their car, your dog can stay comfortably inside. For those without a vehicle, Stena Line offers onboard kennels. They even have TVs monitoring the kennels in the cabins, and you can visit at any time during the trip. Make sure to bring your pet passport with you to make travel easier. Stena Line operates services to Belfast in Northern Ireland between Cairnryan in Scotland, and Liverpool in England.

Accommodation-wise, there’s a good selection of places to stay with your dog. Blessingbourne Country Estate offers pet-friendly self-catering apartments situated on a working farm. Another beautiful location is the Inn on the Coast, which offers 10 different pet-friendly rooms. They even have a pet section in their bistro where you and your pet can enjoy a meal with views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Most tour groups don’t allow dogs on the bus with you, but Dog Friendly Tours offers specialised walking tours, one of Portrush on the Causeway Coast and one of Belfast. You can visit pet-friendly venues on the way and get a taste of local cuisine, ice cream and craft beer. Don’t worry! Your furry friend will get their own treats, too! Speaking of pet-friendly venues, The Dirty Onion in Belfast offers a dog menu that includes dog beer, treats, main courses and frozen yoghurt from their main bar – perfect!

Has anybody else brought their pets with them on their trip to Northern Ireland? Share your tips below!