Local food and drink championed in outstanding Dog Friendly Tours

This weekend, my husband and I embarked upon a Dog Friendly Tour.

As a couple, our lives changed dramatically two years ago when I finally succeeded in convincing my now husband into adopting a dog, our rascal Working Cocker Spaniel, Dougal the Dog.

Our daily lives were quickly dictated to by our loveable, mischievous bundle of fur, who soon learned how to manipulate us with his deep brown puppy dog eyes, and demand we spend less time out on the town in exchange for catering to his every affectionate need.

But it seems we aren’t alone, as Northern Ireland woman Jo Crossley, who comes from a background in hospitality, has come up with a unique solution. Dog Friendly Tours, held in both Portrush and Belfast (with more tours planned for the near future), takes similarly dog obsessed humans and their four-legged friends on a tour of dog friendly locations, stopping in on local pubs along the way for the very best local food and drink the Province has to offer.

The Portrush Dog Friendly Food Tour is approximately five kilometres in distance with regular stops at venues boasting finely poured pints of Guinness, lunch, local craft beer and more.

As city natives, I booked us onto the Belfast tour, however we were slightly apprehensive at Dougal’s prospective behaviour, and feared we might ultimately be expelled along the way for naughty behaviour. Fortunately, as it quickly transpired, we needn’t have worried.

Tour leader and company founder Jo Crossley could not have organised a more enjoyable, fun-loving, unique day out.

The consumate professional, Jo exudes friendliness whilst maintaining a calm and friendly atmosphere that puts even the most nervous of dogs instantly at ease. So if you have doubts about your dog’s behaviour - don’t worry. Take them along, and if it is needed, Jo advises just stepping out for a breather if they act up.

Upon our arrival at the Dirty Onion at 11.45am, Dougal’s excitement at seeing the other dogs was palpable - and the novelty at seeing their reactions is now a special memory I’ll never forget. Jo promptly awarded him with his offical Dog Friendly Tours bandana (which he still wears proudly), and after a refreshing coffee and relaxing meet and greet with everyone, we were off to our first destination.

Jo, the proud owner of a four year old Lhasa Apso, Georgie, who she refers to as the ‘boss of her house’, explains she came up with the idea in a lightbulb moment.

“The past couple of years I had an idea of doing a tour. I was out and about walking Georgie in Portrush and just thought, why not come up with a tour where you can bring the dog with you? I came up with the idea of visitng a host of venues which allow dogs inside, and tying our delicious local food and drink into it as well.

“From there, I approached a few of the places I normally frequent, and the owners were so enthusiastic. Not one person gave me a funny look, which may have given me a few doubts! Their reaction was so positive, I knew there was merit to it and that I was on to a great idea.”

After the Portrush trips proved a huge success, Jo set up Dog Friendly Tours in Belfast, in December. This tour takes place on Sundays in the Cathedral Quarter, visiting four Dog Friendly venues where you will enjoy food and drink, and your dog will also get treats and water.