The Beach House, Newry

The Beach House sits right on the County Down shoreline between Kilkeel and Annalong, with the Mourne Mountains rising behind it, and that setting does most of the work for anyone arriving with a dog. The sea is a few steps from the door, the coastal paths run in both directions, and the hills give you a week of walks without needing to drive far.

Guests travelling with dogs consistently describe the house as somewhere their pets could simply settle in. It is a whole-house let with its own outdoor space, so there are no shared corridors or lifts to manage, and dogs are given the run of the place rather than being confined to one room. Several parties have brought more than one dog without difficulty.

The house itself is a family-sized cottage with a conservatory looking out to sea, a wood-burning stove and a well-equipped kitchen, which matters when you would rather eat in with a tired dog than head back out. It is owner-run and the owners live close by, so problems get dealt with quickly.

Two things are worth knowing before booking. The property is one half of a pair and the adjoining unit is let separately, so guests with a nervous or vocal dog have flagged that a full neighbouring party would change the feel of the stay considerably; the shared garden and parking area have also drawn comment on privacy. The listing carries no published pet terms either, so confirm dog numbers, any charge and the house rules with the owner when you book.

Best suited to walkers and beach people travelling with settled dogs who want a coastal base under the Mournes, and worth a quick check on whether the adjoining half is booked for your dates.