Fishermans Cottage, Killough

Fishermans Cottage sits on the seafront at Killough, a quiet fishing village on the County Down coast south of Downpatrick, with the Irish Sea and the promenade directly across the road. It is a small, modernised cottage rather than a big group let, and the feature dog owners return to over and over is the rear garden and yard: enclosed on all sides, with guests noting that even small dogs can be let out without any worry about them finding a gap.

The host is a large part of why the place rates so well with dog owners. Guests arriving with dogs describe a welcome hamper waiting, fresh milk in the fridge, and a message before arrival setting out where to eat and walk locally. The cottage is reported as spotlessly clean on arrival by essentially everyone who mentions it, dog owners included, which is not something every pet-friendly let manages.

For walking, the promenade is a few steps from the door and runs along the shore, and there is a shop within walking distance along with a couple of friendly local pubs. Further afield, Killough is a sensible base for the Lecale coast, Strangford Lough and the Mourne foothills, although a car makes the area much easier to explore.

What the property does not publish is the detail of its pet terms. There is no stated pet fee, no stated limit on the number of dogs, and no weight or breed rules on the booking listing, so anyone travelling with more than a couple of dogs, or with a very large one, should confirm directly before booking. Guests have stayed with two small dogs without difficulty, and repeat bookings from dog owners are common, including several who have returned year on year.

Best suited to a couple or small family with one or two dogs who want a secure garden, a sea view and a short walk to the water.