Co Down is booming for dog lovers as Bangor celebrates the opening of two new dog friendly venues in historic parks this week.
Park Life in beautiful Ward Park, a former WWII air raid shelter, had now been transformed into a relaxed tea room, and as promised the team allows dogs inside with their owners.
And less than half a mile away, the North Down Museum at Castle Park will now also allow dogs into their cafe courtyard in a trial ahead of a permanent decision in the autumn.
Read more: Northern Ireland list of dog friendly venues county by county
Park Life sits near the residential Park Drive area of the city, partly concealed by trees and celebrating opening on July 1 just ahead of the busy summer season.
Its change of use to a cafe as part of a long tradition of changes from the 1940s, then in the 1960s the shelter was used by the then Bangor Technical College as a classroom and more recently it had been home to the North Down Cycling Club.
Ward Park was acquired more than 100 years ago for the benefit of residents and tourists along with Ballyholme Park, the Marine Gardens and Stricklands Glen which were all being used by the public by 1914.
A spokesperson said: “We are very happy to have finally opened Park Life. There is so much activity in the park on a daily basis. From brass bands to daily doggo walks, yoga, outdoor fitness and marauding geese we hope to offer the perfect start or finish to your trip to Ward Park."
Plans were approved for a 23-seater cafe with further seating outside under two awnings.
And just a short walk away, other dog families could mark the first of the month with a trip around Castle Park and a cuppa at the museum cafe.
Until July, dogs being walked in the area had been banned from the property but following complaints from members of the public, Ards and North Down Council agreed to run a summer experiment to see if it was feasible to include dogs as guests of the courtyard.
The trial will run until the end of August with staff on hand to monitor the situation, complete with poo bags and water bowls. It is hoped going dog friendly will bolster business and in September museum staff will consider making the change permanent or reverting to banning all dogs except guide dogs.
Alderman Wesley Irvine explained the experiment came about about after Ards and North Down Council received complaints from people who had been walking their dogs in nearby Castle Park, and wanted to head to the museum’s coffee shop only to be denied entry. Council officials agreed to examine the possibility of changing the museum’s rules to allow dogs in.
And the issue was raised at the council’s Community and Wellbeing Committee this month, with Alderman Wesley Irvine describing the trial as ‘a very sensible move’.
He told the Co Down Spectator: “I’ve been contacted by people who went up to the museum with their dogs, expecting to be let in, and then having to be turned away. I look forward to the trial going well, and hopefully it can be implemented in full in the near future.”
Councillor David Chambers agreed stating that he looked forward to the proper data the trial will provide to inform future decisions, and councillor Janice MacArthur also backed the experiment.
The move adds to the number of dog friendly venues in Bangor and further afield across Co Down which include:
Co Down Bridewell Coffee & Provisions , 19 High St, Donaghdee: Moved to dog friendly status after lockdown lifted. A cool spot for visitors with dogs offering a warm welcome, modern food and fine coffees. But beware, if you misbehave the old police cells are still located downstairs!
Cultra Inn , Culloden Estate and Spa, 1 Cultra Station Rd, Holywood: Dogs are welcome in the bar with treats available.
Joxer , 5-7 Holborn Ave, Bangor and Joxer 25 Church Rd, Holywood and : Intimate dining experience with speciality coffee, breakfast, brunch, lunch and three late evenings a week. Inspired by rustic Mediterranean flavours, Roman style pizza and showcasing local produce supplied by independent retailers, Joxer strives to ensure a warm welcome to all including dogs.
The Goat’s Toe , Bingham Mall, Main St, Bangor offers a warm welcome for music, food and drinks, including theme nights.
Jenny Watts , 41 High St, Bangor: As Bangor’s oldest public house, the jenny’s crew says they’re responsible for reinventing the art of conversation in a warm and entertaining environment - of course chatting with dogs always helps.
Salty Dog Hotel and Bistro , 10-12 Seacliff Rd, Bangor : Dog friendly bar and hotel overlooking Bangor Bay with good separation from non-dog loving customers. Always doggie treats, a bowl of water and a good ear scratch available from staff. Great for beach combers after a dry off. Dedicated rooms for dog owners.
Teddy’s , 1 Castle St, Bangor: A lovely welcome awaits especially for waggy tails in the bar.
Esplanade Bar and Restaurant : 12 Ballyholme Esplanade :boasts a beautiful bespoke interior for posh pooches in the back bar. The front terrace is also open to pets with stunning views of the lough.
Hop House : 44 High St, Bangor
Caffè Nero : Bangor
Mezi Capron i, Queen’s Parade, Bangor:Dairy ice cream, milkshakes and freshly ground coffee and a little spot to rest your legs.
Loaf Pottery and Coffee Shop , 24 Main St, Crawfordsburn: Good people, good food and fine things.. a real treasure and if you like a wood fired pizza, well this is a cracker!
The Lobster Pot , 7 - 11 The Square, Strangford: Cosy, friendly, family run Restaurant in picturesque Strangford. The say they cater for all, fish lovers, meat movers, vegetarians and best of all, course dog lovers.
Wild Thing , 4a High St, Donaghadee: excellent coffee, cracking sweet and savoury treats and plenty of craic amid the coolest surroundings. You WILL buy a plant.
No 14 The Georgian House , 14 The Square, Comber:A class act inside and out, all covered and very comfortable
The Hillside : 21 Main St, Hillsborough:Dog friendly area downstairs. A great spot for a rest following a walk around the nearby forest. Blazing fire to lie in front of in the winter.
Caledonia Coffee & Bakes , 32 regent St, Newtownards : recently opened offering coffee, bakes, sandwiches and vibes.
The North Down House , 103 Mill St, Comber
The Wildfowler Inn, 1 Main St, Greyabbey:All stone floor with good area for dogs at the rear and friendly staff.
Harbour & Co , 31 The Parade, Donaghadee - Ground floor bar and restaurant are a great spot for people and pooches. Great food and happy staff.
Lighthouse Bar and Grill , 27 The Parade, Donaghadee:These guys LOVE dogs and are well prepared for yours. Treat galore and lots of cuddles.
Pier 36 : 36 The Parade, Donaghadee :Very friendly welcome in this bar/ restaurant situated right on the quayside of one of the most picturesque harbours on the coast. Dogs allowed in front bar and outside, covered area.
The Copeland Distillery , 43 Manor St, Donaghadee:Coffee and killer donuts with a view into the world of gin and rum distilling.
Eden Pottery/Café : 218 Abbey Rd, Millisle :Very dog friendly, this is an access all areas café with a beautiful pottery. The bottom shelves have been cleared so tails can wag freely. The bottom shelves have been cleared for wagging tails at Eden Pottery.
Anchorage Bistro : 2 Sullivan Place, Holywood :Top nosh and a great spot for calm pooches in the bar area of the restaurant where the full food menu is available. Access to beer garden too. They say: “Absolutely no refusal to people with well behaved dogs.”
Trait Coffee , 33 Castle St, Comber
The Cafe : Hoops Courtyard, 7 - 9 Main St, Greyabbey
Stokers Halt , 27 Hibernia St, Holywood
Del Pieros, 1 Francis Street, Newtownards
Petal Power , 64 High St, Newtownards - If you are looking for a florist and a cafe that serves fabulous soup and is pet friendly, look no further. Resident Great Dane.
Caffè Nero : Newtownards
Church Lane Coffee , 32 Church St, Warrenpoint:Fully pet friendly for well behaved dogs at front of cafe. Open 8am -10pm. And 20p off takeaway hot drinks when you use a Frank Green reusable cup.
Sage Cafe , 12 Seaview , Warrenpoint.A veggie/vegan restaurant with a chilled vibe and incredible food and an even better welcome. Holistic therapies by appointment too!
Carrick Cottage Cafe : 204 Head Rd, Annalong.On a beautiful Mournes walking trail offering fine coffee, tea, freshly baked scones, tray bakes and cakes along with breakfast and homemade soup. The café is open at weekends throughout the year and most weekdays from Easter to September . Check online before you trek over.
Hugh McCann’ s, 119 - 121 Central Promenade, Newcastle - Offers a renowned friendly welcome awaits for pooches and their people. After a brisk walk along the promenade, stop off at Hugh McCann’s for a tasty bite to eat and relax with your pooch in the Hogg Snog.
The Blue Cedar Cafe and Garden Centre, 9-15 High St, Ballynahinch
The Turnip House Tea Room ,64 Dromara Rd, Ballyward, Castlewellan:Open every Saturday and Sunday in February, 11.30am to 5pm and Freddie is ready to say hello.
Sintons at the Bridge , 2 Station Rd, Scarva, Craigavon:A family run restaurant offering fab traditional food with a modern twistmanner using the finest locally sourced produce with friendly.
Hollie Berrie At the Tearooms : 8 Main Street, Scarva:Filled with sweet aromas and fuelled by a warm welcome. A must.
Base Coffee Company , Central Promenade, Newcastle
Minerstown Tavern : 68 Minerstown Rd near Downpatrick -Dogs expected to fit in without fuss and watch the racing. All racing tips must be shared.
Crawford’s Bar , Rostrevor Inn, 33 - 35 Bridge Street, Rostrevor.
McCooey’s Coffee Shop , 22 Monaghan St, Newry
Leafy Greens & Co , 8 Mary St, Warrenpoint -Plant based food, home made and fabulous with a resident rescue dog. Small but perfectly formed.
The Parsons Nose , 48 Lisburn St, Hillsborough:An early pooch pioneer with Peggy the resident Pug. The Parson’s Nose allows dogs inside the bar area offers drinking bowls and treats and also in their beautiful our garden.
Pretty Mary’s pub, Moira.A warm welcome from the staff guaranteed and dogs are allowed in the front bar.
FINE , 70 Main Street , Moira : Lovely stop off, all food made to order, so sit back and relax.
Caffè Nero : Newcastle
Harbour House , 4 South Promenade, Newcastle: In business 40 years and welcomes the whole family
The Trailhead Cafe, Castle Ward: Strangford.: The perfect spot for grabbing a cuppa after exploring the estate.
The Fina Coffee Company , 70 Main St, Moira: Dogs downstairs.
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