10 best dog-friendly beaches

For a weekend away

 
Murlough, Newcastle, County Down

This long, sandy beach in the shadow of the Mountains of Mourne offers a perfect dog-friendly escape. Two dogs (and up to three owners, plus a baby) can stay at The National Trust's Murlough Cottage at Dundrum (0870 458 4422, www.nationaltrustcottages.co.uk) and explore the 6,000-year-old sand dune system that, together with woodland and heathland, forms the Murlough National Nature Reserve. In summer and autumn, spot common and grey seals on the beach.

For visitor information, call 028 4375 1467 or see www.ntni.org.uk.