10 Best Outdoor Dog & Family-Friendly Places to Visit in Northern Ireland This Summer
A Personal Guide from a Family of Three and Our Adventurous Dachshund-Jack Russell Mix
There’s nothing better than packing up the car, throwing on our walking shoes, and setting off to explore a new corner of Northern Ireland — especially when we get to bring our beloved wee dog along with us. We’re a family of three, and our little four-legged friend (a lively dachshund/Jack Russell cross) is just as much part of the crew as any of us. She might have short legs, but don’t let that fool you — She is 11 years old and got the energy of ten dogs and the curiosity of twenty!
Over the years, we’ve explored a lot of Northern Ireland looking for the best outdoor adventures that welcome both dogs and families. From forest walks and coastal views to hidden gems and open green spaces, we’ve compiled our personal top 10 must-visit dog-friendly places in Northern Ireland to enjoy this summer. Whether you’ve got a bouncy puppy, a sleepy senior dog, or kids with boundless energy, this list has something for everyone.
1. Tollymore Forest Park, County Down
📍Near Newcastle, BT33 0PW
Tollymore holds a special place in our hearts if you have read our our post (Tollymore Forest Park) you will know why!. With its majestic trees, river walks, and beautiful stone bridges, it’s like walking through a fairytale. Dogs are welcome as long as they’re on a lead, and there are plenty of shady spots for resting, especially during warmer days.
The kids love splashing in the shallow streams, and our wee dog loves chasing leaves along the riverside paths. There’s also a brilliant natural play area for children made from wooden climbing frames, and picnic areas scattered throughout.
🦴 Dog Tip: Bring a portable water bowl and a long line for forest play — your dog will love sniffing every corner of this magical woodland.
2. Castle Ward, County Down
📍Strangford, BT30 7LS
A National Trust gem! Castle Ward is a historical estate with over 820 acres of parkland, woodlands, and trails. It’s also a Game of Thrones filming location, which makes it a hit with older kids and adults too.
Dogs are welcome throughout the grounds and even inside the café’s outdoor seating area. Our wee rascal always gets lots of attention here — She thinks She owns the place. There’s also a lovely shoreline walk with views over Strangford Lough and plenty of quiet spaces to enjoy a peaceful picnic.
Castle Ward also have a lovely caravan site to stay at with your touring van so its perfect for weekends away with dogs and kids or even just adults and furbabies!
🦴 Dog Tip: Watch for sheep in the fields and keep dogs on lead when near livestock.
3. Pomeroy Forest Park, Pomeroy, Dungannon BT70 3DS
A great day out for both kids and dogs! Follow the story lined paths and trails! From Humpty Dumpty, The giants, Zip line, The three billy goats and much much more!
There is three trails around Pomeroy Forest Park:
The Renardine trail made up of a Nursery Trail (1km)
Fairytale Trail (2.2km)
The Grace Drennan Eco Trail (2.4km)
The Trails are well kept and fun for all the family! There is a Cafe located on site, Picnic area and toilets.
4. Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down
📍Dundrum, BT33 0LW
This one’s a winner for beach lovers! Murlough is a stunning blue-flag beach with a protected dune system. There’s a boardwalk through the dunes and a wide, long beach that’s perfect for dogs and kids to burn off energy. Although there is free roaming cattle along the paths to the beach so advisable to keep dogs under control and on leads.
It’s one of the few places where our dog zooms around in absolute bliss while our child builds sandcastles and we all enjoy a flask of tea. You can walk the whole stretch of beach to Newcastle town and grab a bite from one of the dog-friendly cafés.
🦴 Dog Tip: Bring a towel — your dog will get sandy and probably wet!
5. Portglenone Forest, County Antrim
📍Portglenone, BT44 8AX
Not as well known, but that’s what makes it special. Portglenone Forest is tranquil, peaceful, and an ideal escape from busy tourist trails. It’s perfect for families who like a slower pace and dogs who love sniffing every bush and tree.
Our little dog loves the meandering trails here, and we always feel completely immersed in nature. It’s also an ideal spot for spotting bluebells in spring and early summer. There’s plenty of flat terrain for buggies too.
🦴 Dog Tip: This is tick territory in warmer months — check your dog afterwards.
6. Glenariff Forest Park, County Antrim
📍Cushendall, BT44 0QX
Known as the “Queen of the Glens,” Glenariff is breathtaking. The forest park features stunning waterfalls, shaded walks, and well-maintained paths. The Waterfall Walkway is especially beautiful, with bridges, steps, and streams.
It can be steep in parts, so it’s better suited for older children and active dogs. Our pup absolutely loves the sound of rushing water and never fails to dip her paws in the stream.
🦴 Dog Tip: Keep dogs on a short lead on the waterfall trails – the drops can be steep.
7. Crawfordsburn Country Park, County Down
📍Helen’s Bay, BT19 1JT
This one ticks all the boxes — sandy beach, forest trails, a waterfall, picnic benches, and a café. It’s one of our top choices when we’re after a full family day out without too much driving.
The beach is dog-friendly all year round (though some areas have seasonal restrictions), and there are woodland trails that loop back to the car park. We often bring a ball launcher here and tire out both the child and the dog before grabbing an ice cream.
🦴 Dog Tip: Great place to practice recall in quieter areas — but always bring a lead for the busier spots.
8. Silent Valley Reservoir, County Down
📍Kilkeel, BT34 4PU
Nestled in the Mournes, Silent Valley is exactly what the name suggests — peaceful, quiet, and incredibly scenic. The walk around the reservoir is gentle and suitable for prams, older relatives, and energetic pups alike.
We love to bring a packed lunch and spend a few hours here, watching the clouds roll across the mountains. Dogs must be kept on leads, but there’s plenty of space and sensory exploration to keep them entertained.
🦴 Dog Tip: Dogs aren’t allowed in the reservoir, but there are little streams for splashing on the outskirts.
9. Castlewellan Forest Park, County Down
📍Castlewellan, BT31 9BU
This park is a dream for families. You’ve got a massive lake, an arboretum, and even a Peace Maze — one of the largest in the world — which is great fun for the kids. The walking and biking trails are excellent, with plenty of dog bins along the way.
We’ve spent entire days here, wandering the lakeside with our dog, enjoying ice cream by the water’s edge, and letting our son climb trees and explore. You can even book camping or glamping nearby for an overnight adventure.
🦴 Dog Tip: Bring a long lead and make use of the open meadow areas for play.
10. Benone Strand & Mussenden Temple, County Londonderry
📍Benone, BT49 0LQ
Few places are as iconic as Mussenden Temple and the surrounding coastline. Start with a walk along Benone Strand — one of the most dog-friendly beaches in Northern Ireland — and then head up the cliff path to Mussenden for those incredible views.
On a clear day, it feels like you’re on the edge of the world. The path is well-maintained, and you’ll find lots of dogs out enjoying the salty breeze. Just keep an eye on kids and dogs near cliff edges.
🦴 Dog Tip: Ideal for a summer sunset walk with your dog and camera in tow.
Final Thoughts
Every family’s idea of adventure is different, but for us — a couple, a child, and a fearless little dachshund-Jack Russell — Northern Ireland is a true playground. Whether it’s a spontaneous Sunday beach trip or a full day of forest exploring, these places let us reconnect, relax, and enjoy the simple things together.
Wherever you go this summer, remember to pack:
- Water and treats for you and your dog
- Dog waste bags, Ran out? Buy these ones here ~ Affiliate Link
- A lead and harness
- Towels (you’ll thank yourself later!)
- A spirit of adventure
- Portable water Bottle Here is the one we use (Click here) ~Affiliate Link
Northern Ireland truly is one of the most dog-welcoming regions in the UK, and we’re proud to call it our home for adventures big and small. Happy exploring, and if you see a little dog bounding around with ears flapping like helicopter blades — that’s probably us!