10 dog-friendly places in Belfast

Spend some quality time with your pet pooch at these cafes, pubs and hotels around Belfast, where four-legged friends are more than welcome.

The Dirty Onion

Housed in one of Belfast’s oldest buildings, this authentic Irish pub boasts a huge beer garden, cosy fire, weekly entertainment and a great food and drink offering, with craft beer and whisky being the signature tipples.

And dogs are very welcome to accompany owners into the bar area, or to soak up some sun in the beer garden in the warmer months.

Visit: 3 Hill Street, BT1 2LA – thedirtyonion.com

Sunflower Public House

Serving Irish crafted beers, ales and ciders in a relaxed environment, visitors will feel right at home in this friendly pub.

Dogs are welcome inside and will be supplied with a water bowl and treats on request, so you can both enjoy a tipple during your visit.

Visit: 65 Union Street, BT1 2JG – sunflowerbelfast.com

(Photo: Shutterstock)

General Merchants

Boasting two locations in Belfast, this popular café is well-loved for its tasty food menu and quality coffees, which can be enjoyed in its modern, laid-back setting.

As well as being a great breakfast and lunch spot, it’s a great haunt for dog owners as pooches are more than welcome inside.

Visit: 481 Upper Newtownards Road, BT4 3LL / 361 Ormeau Road, BT7 3GL – generalmerchants.co.uk

The Dirty Duck Ale House

The large beer garden at this traditional ale house is open to both visitors and dogs, and is particularly popular during the summer period.

Alongside the beer garden, it is also home to a panoramic restaurant and a traditional downstairs bar, where you can enjoy tasty food, real ale, quizzes and live music.

Visit: 2-4 Kinnegar Road, Holywood, BT18 9JN – thedirtyduckalehouse.co.uk

The Hillside

Located just a short 15 minute drive from Belfast city centre in the Georgian village of Hillsborough, this rustic pub allows dogs inside, where they can lie in front of the fire during winter, and into the outdoor beer garden when the weather brightens up.

Water bowls will also be provided upon request.

Visit: 21 Main Street, Hillsborough, BT26 6AE – hillsidehillsborough.co.uk

(Photo: Shutterstock)

The Spaniard

It’s one of the city’s best loved pubs thanks to its great selection of drink and lively music nights, and since opening its doors to well behaved four legged friends last year, it’s become even more of a hit among locals.

Visit: 3 Skipper Street, BT1 2DZ – thespaniardbar.com

The Lamppost Café

This quirky café, inspired by the life and works of C.S Lewis, offers a whimsical space to tuck into delicious food, cakes, traybakes, teas and coffees, with your pet pooch in tow.

The vintage crockery and unique décor lends it a lovable charm, making it the perfect cosy spot to escape for a couple of hours.

Visit: 19 Upper Newtownards Road, BT4 3HT – thelamppostcafe.com

Dundonald Old Mill Coffee House

Situated inside a 260 year old listed building in the heart of County Down, you’ll find a delectable selection of sandwiches, soups, scones, cakes and homemade desserts to enjoy at this family run coffee house.

Dogs are welcome inside the downstairs coffee bar and there’s also a gift shop on site to wander around afterwards.

Visit: 231 Belfast Road, Dundonald, BT16 1UE – dundonaldoldmill.co.uk

(Photo: Shutterstock)

The Lock Keeper’s Inn

Sitting on the banks of the River Lagan, The Lock Keepers Inn is 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.

Visit: 2 Lock Keepers Lane, BT8 7XT – facebook.com/the-LOCK-KEEPERS-inn

Hilton Belfast

If you’re visiting Belfast for an overnight stay and don’t want to leave your puppy behind, the Hilton Belfast is very accommodating for pets.

Dogs are welcome to stay in dedicated bedrooms (with a deposit of £40), although they must weigh 10lbs or under.

Visit: 4 Lanyon Place, BT1 3LP – hilton.com