If your dog’s idea of heaven is a salty breeze, a sandy paddle and exploring new places, you’re going to love this one. We’ve mapped out a lazy two-day wander up the Antrim coast from Carrickfergus to Carnlough, then back down via Larne - castles, lighthouses, waterfalls and a whole lot of sniffing - with dog-friendly stops all the way.
This isn’t a fixed itinerary, though - think of it as a bag of ideas. Pick the stops that suit you, skip the ones that don’t, and go at whatever pace your pup sets. So grab the lead, load up the boot and let’s go!
The Trip at a Glance
Carrickfergus → Whitehead → Islandmagee → Ballygally → Glenarm → Carnlough → Larne → Gleno
Getting about: By car (though you can also hop on the Larne Line train for the Carrickfergus, Whitehead and Larne legs).
Perfect for: Nosy dogs, coast-loving humans and potentially anyone who fancies a fun night away
Pace: Totally laid-back, with loads of time for paws, pauses and paddles
Top tip: Throw a lead, water bowl, poo bags and an old towel in the boot - trust us, no self-respecting coastal pup can resist a paddle. And double-check dog policies when you book, as some places only allow dogs in certain areas or have just a handful of pet-friendly rooms.
Morning
Castles and Walkies in Carrickfergus
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Kick things off in Carrickfergus with a hearty breakfast at Ownies Bar & Bistro (served from 10am), where dogs are welcome in the beer garden or the stage area of the bar. If you want to start a bit earlier, the Clock Tower Café welcomes dogs both inside and at its outdoor tables overlooking the Marine Gardens. Quarter House Coffee in The Courtyard on Scotch Quarter is another good bet, with seating out in the courtyard. Or, for something quick by the water, grab a coffee and a bite from Foxy Tail Coffee or Foxy Tastes, right beside Carrickfergus Castle, both with outdoor seating. Enjoy a gentle stroll through Marine Gardens and wander along the promenade or around the waterfront harbour area. Carrickfergus Castle sits right beside the harbour, so there are photo ops galore - although, let’s be honest, your dog will be far more interested in the sea breeze and all those brand-new smells.
Late Morning
Lighthouse Views in Whitehead
It’s only a short hop to Whitehead, a pretty Victorian town famous for its rainbow of colourful houses. The promenade is made for a slow amble, and from there the Blackhead Coastal Path curls round towards the lighthouse. Expect huge views across Belfast Lough, lungfuls of salty air and more exciting sniffs than your pup will know what to do with. Go as far as little (or big) legs fancy, then turn back for town.
Coffee, Cake and a Warm Welcome
You’ve earned a pit stop! Grab a table at The Bank House Café or Shop Kings Road Coffee, or pop into The Marine Bar for a drink. All three are known locally for letting well behaved dogs inside - handy when your pooch has perfected the ‘surely I deserve a treat’ face.
Midday
Windows Down, Noses Up
Next, it’s back in the car for a cruise through Islandmagee, where green fields roll right down to the sea and every bend throws up another cracking view. Stop off at Browns Bay so your dog can tear about on the sand or splash in the shallows. Visiting at the weekend? Call to The Stable Stop at Browns Bay for al fresco refreshments before you head off. Then loop back round Larne Lough and carry on north through Larne to Ballygally for more sea views and one very happy hound.
Heads up: At Browns Bay, Ballygally and Carnlough, dogs must be on a lead (no longer than six feet) between 11:00 and 18:00 from 1 June to 31 August; outside those times they can run free. Have a quick look at the signs at the entrance and check the council’s current dogs-on-beaches guidance before you set off.
Afternoon
Glenarm and Carnlough Harbour
Keep heading north to Glenarm Castle Estate, where you can explore the Walled Garden and the Woodland Walk - keep pups on a short lead around the estate. Let your dog have a proper zoom in the secure Glenarm Castle Dog Park, with agility jumps, weave posts and a seesaw (£2 per dog for a 30-minute slot, 10:00–16:00, last slot 15.30; advance booking required, and dogs must be vaccinated, up to date with flea, tick and worming treatment, and covered by third-party liability insurance). Then make for The Potting Shed in the woodland glade for coffee and home baking. There’s a free doggy shower with a pet jet and shampoo for muddy paws, and a pup cup and doggy snack to follow. Alternatively, the Glenarm Castle Tea Rooms have an internal dog-friendly area, though pups aren’t allowed in the main Tea Room.
Top tip: Dogs aren’t allowed in the estate’s shops or other indoor venues, so take turns for a browse.
From there, follow the coast road on to Carnlough Harbour for colourful boats, steps made famous by HBO’s Game of Thrones © and a few more snaps for the album. Fancy getting out on the water? Carnlough Bay Boat Tours welcome dogs if you arrange it beforehand - ears flapping in the breeze not guaranteed, but very likely.
Evening
Dinner, Snoozes and a Bed by the Sea
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After a day like that, everyone’s ready for dinner, a doze and maybe one last sunset sniff. For a harbourside stay, book the Happy Tails package at The Harbourview Hotel in Carnlough. Or nip back to Glenarm for the dog-friendly Ocean View Pod, which comes with bowls, treats and a free dog-park session thrown in. Fancy a shorter trip, or want to break up the journey home? Seaview Cottage on the Island in Islandmagee and Seaview House B&B in Larne are both handy options (Seaview Cottage takes pets by request only, so mention your dog when you book).
Top tip: Dog-friendly spots are limited — there’s just one dog-friendly pod at Glenarm, and hotel packages may only cover certain rooms. Add your dog to the booking and confirm the details directly.
Day Two
Waterfalls, Walkies and One Last Treat
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Ease into day two with a gentle ramble through Glenarm Forest at the edge of Glenarm Village or wander to Gortin Quarry in Carnlough. Or, if you’re not tired of cleaning up sand yet, head for one more run on Carnlough Beach or Ballygally Beach as you start back down the coast. If you fancy a light bite, dogs are welcome inside and out at Cove Coffee in Glenarm or enjoy a pint inside at The Coast Road Inn, Glenarm. Alternatively enjoy the outdoor seating and back areas at Twilight Coffee & Bunkhouse in Carnlough.
Top tip: Glenarm Forest is home to red squirrels, so keep dogs on leads to give them a bit of peace.
Then it’s on to Larne Promenade and the wide-open spaces of Town Park or Chaine Park - follow the Snake Path from Town Park down to the striking Chaine Memorial Tower. Refuel at The Prom Café beside Larne Leisure Centre, where dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio (they’ll even bring your pup some water), before pointing the car for home.
Heading back towards Belfast? Take a short detour inland to Gleno Waterfall, where a leafy path leads to a gorgeous tumbling cascade - the perfect spot for one last big countryside sniff.
Got Extra Time?
Still got some bounce in those paws? Try the trails at Carnfunnock Country Park, Ballyboley Forest or Woodburn Forest - or, further inland, Portglenone Forest, especially at bluebell time in spring.
Coming Over from Great Britain?
If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, you’ll need a free Northern Ireland Pet Travel Document for each dog travelling directly to Northern Ireland. Your dog needs to be microchipped, and you’ll need the document with you, as the microchip is checked against it at the port or airport. No vet visit is needed to apply.
Flying in? You must also tell DAERA at least 10 working days before you travel.
Heading on to Ireland or elsewhere in the EU? Separate pet-travel rules apply there, so sort that part out in advance.
Our Top Tips for Happy Tails
A quick call ahead saves any disappointed faces - human or canine! Check dog policies, keep your pup on a lead around wildlife and livestock, and always pick up after your dog. For more ideas, browse the full Dog Friendly Things to Do in Mid & East Antrim directory, checking whether dogs are welcome indoors, outdoors or assistance dogs only.
This is one road trip the whole family will be barking about. Happy travels - and give your pooch a scratch behind the ears from us!
