Coastal Haven, Portstewart

Coastal Haven is a self-catering house on a quiet residential street in Portstewart, a short walk from the promenade and the town's beaches. Because you rent the whole property, dogs and their owners get the run of the place with no shared corridors or lobbies to work around, which tends to suit dogs that are nervous or easily distracted around other guests.

The feature that owners bring up most is the enclosed back garden. Guests describe it as secure and escape-proof, so letting a dog out first thing in the morning is straightforward rather than a scramble. Inside, the hard floors throughout are a practical win for anyone arriving back from a sandy or muddy walk, with no carpets to fret over. Several visitors have stayed with two dogs and reported no problems.

Location is the other big draw. Portstewart's promenade and the Strand are within walking distance, giving you long, open stretches for a proper walk, and guests regularly set off on foot in different directions straight from the door. The host, Patrick, comes up warmly and often in feedback as responsive, easy to reach and welcoming towards visiting dogs.

A few things are worth knowing before you book. This is a compact, characterful house rather than a large one, and some guests note the living-room seating is limited, so a larger group may find the lounge a squeeze. A couple of visitors also found the heating controls took a little working out. The booking listing does not spell out pet specifics such as any fee or a limit on the number of dogs, so it is worth confirming these directly with the property before you travel.

Overall, this is a strong choice for couples or small families travelling with one or two dogs who want a homely, low-key coastal base with a secure garden and excellent walking on the doorstep. It earns a 4.5 out of 5 paw rating.