Portrush is a great place for a dog. There are three beaches within a few minutes of the town centre, cliff paths, a harbour to explore and plenty of places to warm up afterwards. There are a few rules to know, though, especially in summer. Here’s what our guests ask us most, with links to the official sources so you can check the details for yourself.
Which of our apartments take dogs?
Two of our apartments welcome a dog: the Cosy Dog-Friendly Apt by West Strand in Dunluce Park, and the Modern Dog-Friendly Apt Beside Beach at West Beach. Both are 1-bedroom apartments on Eglinton Street, a few minutes’ walk from West Strand. A pet fee applies, as shown on each listing. If you’re not sure whether your dog will be comfortable, give us a call on 028 7044 5054 and we’ll talk it through.
Please let us know you’re bringing your dog when you book, so we can make sure you’re in the right apartment.
The summer beach rules: 1 June to 15 September
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has seasonal dog control orders on its busiest beaches. From 1 June to 15 September each year, the council says dogs are not allowed on these stretches around Portrush:
- West Strand: from the steps at Castle Erin to the harbour wall at the South Pier.
- East Strand: from the Arcadia eastwards to the stream.
- The small beach at the Arcadia: the whole beach.
- Whiterocks: from the beach access eastwards towards Dunluce Castle.
The same seasonal restrictions also cover parts of Castlerock, Downhill and Portballintrae (Salmon Rock). The boundaries matter, so before a summer beach walk look at the council’s dog control maps, which show exactly where the restricted zones start and stop.
Breaking a dog control order can mean a fixed penalty or prosecution. Visit Causeway Coast and Glens says a fixed penalty of £80 may be offered instead of prosecution, and the council’s own notice gives £200 as the penalty for dog fouling. Always bag it and bin it.
Out of season: the best time to come
Outside those summer dates, the seasonal beach restrictions don’t apply. Imagine West Strand on a crisp January morning with hardly anyone on it. The council’s other dog rules still apply all year, so keep your dog under control and close by, and pick up after it.
If you’re thinking about a longer break, our winter stays page has real prices for weekly and monthly stays.
Walks near the apartments
- West Bay and Ramore Head: a 2.9-mile loop on surfaced, mostly flat paths from West Strand, round the harbour and the headland and back along the East Strand promenade. Easy for older dogs and short legs.
- The Causeway Coast Way: the Portrush to Portballintrae section is 9.3 km, past Whiterocks and Dunluce Castle. In summer, remember the restricted part of Whiterocks beach and stick to the path.
- The promenades along both strands make an easy evening stroll, whatever the season.
Visit Causeway Coast and Glens has good safety advice for dog owners. In short: keep away from cliff edges, which are often loose underfoot; don’t let your dog run up to people uninvited; make sure it’s microchipped and wearing a name tag; and never leave it in a warm car. Near farmland, keep your dog on a lead. Under the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983, allowing a dog on land with livestock when it isn’t under control is a criminal offence.
Days out with your dog
Some of the big sights on the coast are dog-friendly and some aren’t, so it’s worth checking before you go.
- Giant’s Causeway: the National Trust welcomes dogs on leads in all areas of the visitor centre and across the World Heritage Site, and on its guided tours. Read our Giant’s Causeway guide for parking and getting there.
- Carrick-a-Rede: dogs on leads are welcome outdoors and in the Weighbridge Tearoom, but they aren’t allowed to cross the rope bridge itself. If there are two of you, take turns.
- Dunluce Castle: no dogs, apart from assistance dogs.
- Boat trips: Aquaholics doesn’t take dogs on its scheduled trips. Check with any other operator before you book.
Where to eat with your dog
Harry’s Shack on Portstewart Strand is listed as accepting dogs, and the beach is right outside. In Portrush, The Quays on Eglinton Street says its beer garden is dog friendly. Policies change, so it’s always worth asking when you book a table.
Our quick checklist
- Book one of our dog-friendly apartments and tell us your dog is coming.
- Between 1 June and 15 September, check the council’s maps before any beach walk.
- Pack poo bags, a lead, a towel for sandy paws and a bowl for days out.
- Keep your dog on a lead near cliffs and livestock.
- Check whether each attraction takes dogs before you set off.
Ready to plan your trip? Search our apartments, or read our area guide for more ideas.