We love dogs. Like, REALLY love dogs. So it should be no surprise we’ve decided to put together a second list of great places you can take your dog around Northern Ireland. We know dogs are literally just ‘happy out’, but taking them somewhere new is great for their brains and can motivate them to exercise and explore more.

Murlough National Nature Reserve

Murlough National Nature Reserve is an ideal spot for a dog-friendly adventure, providing a mix of beautiful landscapes and historic charm. The 6,000-year-old sand dune system, managed by the National Trust, provides a range of habitats from heathland and grasslands to ancient dunes and woodlands, perfect for your four-legged companion to sniff and explore! Start at the main Murlough Car Park and follow the boardwalk through this picturesque reserve, taking in breathtaking views of the Mourne Mountains and Dundrum Castle. The trail eventually leads to Murlough Beach, where your dog can enjoy a run along the shoreline.

Davagh Forest

Davagh Forest is genuine hidden gem, nestled in the rural landscape just northwest of Cookstown and another great spot to take your pup for an adventure. Start your walk from the car park (where your dog can encounter one of the famous Sperrin Giants!) and follow the black waymarker arrows along the tranquil Davagh Water.

This scenic riverside path winds through vibrant green woodlands, offering your dog plenty of natural sights and smells to enjoy. The trail crosses a footbridge over the red-tinted river before ascending gently to the main forest road. The wide, surfaced road provides an easy return route back to the car park, making this circular walk an ideal outing for both you and your canine companion.

Giant’s Ring Trail

The Giant’s Ring walk in Minnowburn is an ideal dog-friendly adventure in the heart of Belfast. This green oasis within Lagan Valley Regional Park offers beautiful trails along the Lagan riverbank and through woodland and farmland. Starting from the car park, the walk takes you past the iconic Neolithic Giant’s Ring and continues through scenic spots like the Sandpit Field, a natural amphitheatre, and the flower-lined path up Terrace Hill. As the walk crosses agricultural land, please keep dogs under control and close gates behind you. This route combines natural beauty with historical charm, making it a perfect outing for you and your dog. 

Please note: This walk crosses agricultural land in parts. There are two fields in which you may encounter stock grazing. Always close gates behind you and please keep dogs under control.

Bessy Bell East

The Bessy Bell East walk offers a scenic, dog-friendly adventure starting from Mellon Country Hotel. This linear route leads through farmland, up Bessy Bell, and across open moorland of grass and heather. The trail takes you up a country lane, through a disused farm, and onto a tarmac road built for wind turbines. The upper part of the walk features rough grassland and heather, with highlights including a holy well near the summit and stunning views of the Sperrin Mountains, Mt Errigal, and the Blue Mountains. Just remember to follow the same path back down and keep your dog under control and on a lead, especially near farmland.

And Remember..

Avoid mountainous or farmland walks where livestock are present

The presence of a dog, even one that’s on a lead, can cause stress to sheep, particularly during lambing season. When dogs are off their leads, the risks are even greater with sheep potentially being chased, injured or killed. We would also kindly ask you to keep your dog on a lead in these areas to minimise the disturbance to wildlife.

Bring your dog waste home with you

Nothing spoils the look of the outdoors quicker than dog poop bags hanging from a tree. It also sets a precedent for others coming behind you to do the same. Let’s not spoil everyone’s visit and bring it home with you.

Content sourced from WalkNI (walkni.com).