That’s a 53% leap and according to Tourism NI’s Chief Executive John McGrillen, it’s a figure that shows that Northern Ireland is strongly on the time-out radar for individuals from down South.
Given the substantial rise in pet ownership in Ireland throughout the pandemic, among the most typical look for those looking for a break in Northern Ireland is dog-friendly trips according to current Tourism NI research study.
In reality, 6 in 10 ROI customers said they would be either likely or rather most likely to bring their dog on a journey North. So with a road-trip caring retriever, I struck the roadway for the Fermanagh lakelands to accept the area’s ‘Giant Spirit’ with my dog, Vipp, in tow.
Following a four-hour drive from Cork, stressed by a couple of Circle K walkies breaks, my extremely welcome base was the 4 star Killyhevlin Hotel simply a mile exterior Enniskillen which uses dog-friendly accommodation in both its hotel and its elegant lakeside lodges. (We were remaining in the latter – when taking a trip with Vipp, I tend to choose self-catering choices as the set-up normally feels a little bit more homely for a four-legged animal of practice.)
The modern wood lodges with sensational views over the Erne were perfect; they provide 2 bed rooms (both en suite) in addition to a complete equipped modern-day cooking area and lounge while wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows provide dreamy views of the Erne outdoors (and very bird-watching opportunities for Vipp).
“Killyhevlin was one of the first hotels in Northern Ireland to offer pet-friendly accommodation when we launched in 2017 with a number of dedicated guestrooms and our self-catering Lodges,” says General Manager, David Morrison.
“We recognise that pets are an extension of the family unit and the number of pet owners has continued to increase post-pandemic. Dog owners visiting here can enjoy lakeside walks around our landscaped grounds and dine in the designated pet-friendly areas during their stay!”
The latter deserves keeping in mind and Killyhevlin definitely falls under the ‘dog friendly’ instead of ‘dog accommodating’ classification (where much of the property besides the bed room tends to be off-limits to animals). As well as having the ability to remain in my lodge, Vipp likewise takes pleasure in the novelty of joining me for supper in the hotel with dogs allowed to dine in the lounge which extends beyond the restaurant. I delight in a great 3 course meal for a really good €39 while Vipp keeps one eye on passers-by, the other eye ideally expecting a nibble of hake.
A dog friendly location is just as good as its surrounding area and Enniskillen uses a lot of picturesque areas to lap up lakeland life with your family pet. Just throughout the roadway from Killyhevlin sits the National Trust property of Castle Coole Estate where Vipp and I delight in a roam along the picturesque lake path while in Enniskillen we leap aboard a self-drive boating experience with Erne Boat Hire.
The friendly outfitter uses novice-friendly boat leasings and after direction from owner Mark Pancott, we travel a couple of miles down the Erne, taking pleasure in the sluggish lakescapes panning by… and a couple of darting mallards. Come night, a pint of regional cider, house curry (and a bowl of water) offered the best chaser at the dog-friendly Crowe’s Nest pub in the heart of town. Could Enniskillen be Ireland’s dog-friendliest village? It’s definitely a pack leader.
Killyhevlin Lakeside Lodge.
If you’re trying to find a hassle-free Fermanagh base (especially if taking a trip with family and/or dog), Killyhevlin and its lakeside lodges are an excellent alternative . Our lodge was modern-day, practical and provided the best in-out circulation with the picturesque setting. The hotel itself likewise includes a leisure centre with swimming pool and jacuzzi, a padel court and kids’s play area, while a few of the lodges provide personal jacuzzis. My just review was that the front of the lodges are flanked by a significant blanket of tarmac which might be softened by native bushes however I picture, in complete flower of spring/summer, that look is watered down by plant. They presently have a spring saver deal on the lodges with a 2 night midweek stay from £360.
Vipp at the Crowes Nest pub
For a casual night out, the Crowe’s Nest in the heart of Enniskillen makes an excellent dog-friendly alternative serving good quality carveries, curries, hamburgers and so forth.
Other dog-friendly bars in the town consist of Blake’s of the Hollow and Pat’s Bar. At night’s end, make sure to roam down to Enniskillen Castle, a marvelous 16th century fort which, brightened in the evening on its lakeland setting, produces among our most excellent castles.
Vipp – prepared for the boat
Erne Boat Hire’s self-drive vessels use up to 6 guests, plus madra and cost £65 for approximately 4 hours, quite fantastic worth for a day out.
Highlight of the neighboring area would be to journey to Devenish, the monastic island with a 100ft round town, simply a 40 minute jaunt from Enniskillen. Load up on picnic arrangements from The Jolly Sandwich Bar in the area.
Co Fermanagh is home to 3 National Trust estates that make a most picturesque environment for nature bonding with your dog. Along with Castle Coole, Enniskillen lies simply 13km from the 18th century manor of Florence Court while Crom Estate, with 2000 acres of ancient forest, lakelands is 30km away.
Uniquely, you can likewise remain over night at Crom’s Estate’s dog friendly homes or outdoor camping and glamping choices.
Your dog can even accompany you to a few of Enniskillen’s quirkier cultural tourist attractions, too. Founded by the Johnston family who integrated their conventional barber’s abilities with their love of trains, Headhunter’s Barber Shop & Railway Museum boasts among Ireland’s biggest collections of train souvenirs. Learn everything about the trains of Fermanagh and the border counties up until the closure of the lines here in 1957 with vibrant exhibitions such as the Station Master’s workplace, scheduling workplace and signal box. And yes, you can even get your hair cut there too (dog grooming not offered!).
