DOG FRIENDLY STAYS - TEN OF THE BEST

The Guide has always sought out pet-friendly places to stay. Our dog, Pippa, comes everywhere with us and she is probably the only dog to travel to every county in Ireland at least once every year. We recommend many wonderful pet friendly destinations all over Ireland and give special recognition to the best at our annual awards (some of those selected below have been winners of our Pet Friendly Destination of the Year Award), so it’s good to see that a growing number of establishments are seeing the light and welcoming their guests’ four-legged friends. There is great demand, especially for travellers from the UK and Irish residents – and, if the prospect of a laid-back trip with your dog appeals, it pays to put in a bit of research. As well as our own suggestions below and on our website, don't overlook hotel groups (such as the excellent Galgorm Collection https://www.galgormcollection.com/ and budget-conscious chains with a dog friendly policy like Travelodge; also regions/counties that make a point of welcoming dogs, eg Waterford with its ‘Pawsport’ stamp-collecting guide to dog-friendly destinations like scenic walks, heritage attractions and places to eat as well as welcoming accommodation.

Barnahown B&B  SOUTH
Mitchelstown Co Cork

You don't have to be seeking an active holiday to love this regenerative ‘low impact luxury’ B&B, but it must help - with wonderful mountain treks and bike trails nearby, you won't find a better base for exploring the beautiful - and easily accessed - yet lesser-known Munster Vales region, home to Ireland's highest inland mountains, the Galtees. And your host, Ciara O'Brien, will introduce you to much else besides at Barnahown, including the outstanding food and drink of north Co Cork and surrounding areas...And, for guests travelling with dogs (always made very welcome at Barnahown) the beautiful new courtyard rooms are ideal, with their spacious ground floor access and individual exterior entrances. Magic! B&B from c.€175 per room.

King Sitric Seafood Bar & Accommodation EAST
Howth Co Dublin

Visitors often ask about dog friendly places in and around Dublin and the MacManus family’s famous Howth restaurant with rooms, King Sitric, is one to consider. Fine dining may no longer be offered here, but the popular contemporary Seafood Bar continues the family’s longstanding commitment to the best of seasonal, local produce and it's a great place to stay beside the harbour. Outside, but easily accessible to, the city, well behaved dogs are very welcome in the smart nautically themed guest rooms and there's great walking for them and their people, including the Howth Head Cliff Walk, Claremont Beach and Howth Castle grounds. There’s free parking at the harbour and a refreshingly relaxed outlook: “We are dog friendly as long as they won't bark the night away! Please bring along your own dog bedding.” Double B&B from about €180 (2-night stay may apply). 

The Ardilaun Hotel  WEST
Galway City

Galway is a city that you are very likely to want to visit when touring the West of Ireland with your dog, and this famous old hotel - which is away from, but convenient to, the city centre - is a very relaxing place for pet owners to stay. Dating back to about 1840 and in the ownership of the Ryan family for over 60 years (John Ryan is the current General Manager), it has been extended a good bit without losing its gentle old-style atmosphere and the friendly staff always make a good impression. Pets are genuinely welcome - this is, as they say themselves, 'one of the few Galway hotels to realise that you can’t have a family break without all of the family'. There is a modest charge, but it is worth it; an ‘Ardilaun Doggy Pack’ is provided, but the best thing is the location of the garden rooms that are available for guests with dogs, which not only give direct access to the gardens but they’re also right beside the (covered) car park. Families will also enjoy the leisure centre with 18m swimming pool. B&B room rate from about €145.
 

The Mustard Seed  MID-WEST
Ballingarry, Co Limerick

This is an absolute gem, much-loved by its many returning guests - and their pets. It all began with Dan Mullane's famous restaurant The Mustard Seed which started life in Adare in 1985 and then moved just ten minutes drive away to Echo Lodge, a spacious Victorian hideaway set on seven acres of lovely gardens, with mature trees, shrubberies, kitchen garden and orchard - and luxurious accommodation. The Mustard Seed is a four star hotel, but it has more of a country house feel and it's renowned for hands-on hospitality and exceptional food. And, when Dan Mullane retired, The Mustard Seed was taken over by the long term manager, John Edward Joyce, who runs it with equal warmth and charm - and who also knows that, for many people, pets are part of the family and they expect them to be treated accordingly. Far from the token pet friendliness of those who offer distant kennels or the use of an outhouse in the yard, the welcome to guests travelling with well behaved pets is genuine and thoughtful. And there’s a choice of room sthat have access to the outside - very handy, as you can pop out with your pet without having to go through the hotel reception areas B&B from about 70pps.



Sheen Falls Lodge SOUTH-WEST
Kenmare Co Kerry

Set in a 300-acre estate just across the river from Kenmare town, this is a luxurious and stylish international hotel where caring staff ensure that it quickly becomes a home from home for each new guest. The waterside location is beautiful, and welcoming fires always burn in the handsome foyer and in several of the spacious, elegantly furnished reception rooms, including a lounge bar area that – like the restaurant and many of the guest rooms - overlooks the tumbling waterfall. With its riverside walks and woodland to explore, this lovely five-star is a luxurious destination for you and your pooch – and, although not allowed in public areas of the hotel, dog-friendly rooms and suites are offered in both the hotel and desirable self-catering options in cottages and villas on the estate grounds. Well behaved dogs up to standard labrador size (under 50lb) are welcome, with up to two allowed per room. B&B from about €320 per hotel room. Charge applies for dogs; beds & bowls supplied; see website for current prices and details of services and restrictions.


The Mill NORTH-WEST
Dunfanaghy Co Donegal

Dogs love Donegal, with its huge beaches and mountain treks – and Derek and Susan Alcorn’s quietly classy home from home The Mill, just outside Dunfanaghy, makes a perfect base. An ‘open secret’ destination that has attracted discerning visitors to the glorious north-west of Donegal for many years, this beautifully located property is just outside Dunfanaghy on the shore of the New Lake, which is a special area of conservation. They have earned a dedicated following here, for the superb location, wonderfully comfortable rooms, the warm welcome, sense of place – and great value - and they have two dog friendly rooms (request when booking; one dog per room) and dogs are also allowed in the conservatory, on a lead. There’s a large safe garden for early morning exercise and maps with suggestions for good walking can be supplied, along with many other treats for humans as well as dogs. Dog friendly double B&B about €180; no extra charge for dogs.


Carbery Cottage Guest Lodge SOUTH-WEST
Durrus, Bantry, Co Cork

When heading to West Cork, dog lovers in the know make a beeline for this haven near Durrus. Hosts Mike Hegarty and Julia Bird are former owners of the unique Tin Pub, at Ahakista, and they brought the laid-back charm associated with it to this purpose-built B&B and adjoining self-catering cottage, which enjoy beautiful coastal views. They chose from the outset to make people who travel with their dogs especially welcome, and this USP has made Carbery Cottage a favourite destination for pet owners. It offers a home from home all round, with lovely rooms, lounging space indoors and out, evening meals (seasonal seafood banquets are a speciality) and packed lunches by arrangement – and all sorts of hospitable gestures including a well-stocked drinks fridge where you replace what you take, or use it to store your own purchases. Building on their special reputation as a dog lovers’ destination, Mike – who is a trained dog handler – can also offer all kinds of helpful advice/training and they have a 60m enclosed dog exercise and agility area. Innovative and practical, this is sure to be enjoyable and rewarding for both owners and their pets. West Cork here we come. B&B room rate from about €125 per night (min stay may apply).


Bushmills Inn NORTH
Bushmills Co Antrim 

Originally a coaching inn dating back to the 1600s, developments have been done well at this famously atmospheric - and dog friendly - old hotel on the Causeway Coast, improving amenities without loss of character. Dogs up to the size of a labrador may stay in designated dog-friendly rooms, where room service meals can be ordered and - while dogs are not allowed in the restaurant or bar - they can join owners on the patio where food is served outdoors in summer. Near ‘pawprint-rated’ attractions like the Giant’s Causeway and Mussenden Demesne, as well as sandy beaches and woodland, it’s a terrific base for dog-friendly explorations. Amenities include designated dog exercise areas on-site, and maps of local dog-friendly walking routes are available. B&B from about £95pps off season; charge applies for dog stays (email for details).


Ocean Sands Hotel NORTH-WEST
Enniscrone Co Sligo

Whether for family holidays, two-some getaways, weddings or other occasions, this newly refurbished privately owned hotel overlooking Enniscrone's magnificent 5 kilometre sandy beach could be just the spot - and it's dog friendly too. Right beside Enniscrone beach and with scenic walking along the Coastal Loop Walk, this hotel is well named – and ideal for dogs and their families. As well as self-catering apartments with patios there are eight dog-friendly rooms (some with direct outdoor access) and dogs may also be with you for dinner, at pet friendly tables in the lobby. Bookings need to be made directly (+353 96 26700); bring your dog bed, food, water bowls etc. Pet friendly rooms from about €130 B&B (min 2-night stay may apply; max 2 dogs per room or apartment).

Lough Inagh Lodge WEST
Recess Connemara Co Galway

This lovely, pet-friendly small hotel is only 42 miles from Galway and makes a good base for exploring this spectacularly beautiful area. The lodge has special appeal to sportsmen and other lovers of the great outdoors, who often bring their dogs, and many others come here just to relax and enjoy the restful atmosphere and comfort of open log fires in the library and the oak-panelled bar. Fishing (Lough Inagh & Derryclare Fishery, at the top of the Ballynahinch system) is a key attraction in season, and golf, pony trekking, hill walking and garden visits are among the other things to do nearby at various times of year. Special interest breaks, including guided walking breaks for groups of 6-12, are a speciality, and off-season specials give especially good value - but you don’t have to be over-organised to make the most of a break here. People travelling with their dogs may be interested in the hotel’s booklet of walks and cycle trails for independent guests; ranging from about 11/2 to 4 hours or more, these walks are “intended for walkers who just want to get out along the valley and into the foothills” although they also stock guides to more demanding walks. After a day in the open air, this warmly hospitable and very comfortable place is lovely to come back to for a delicious dinner and a bit of craic in the bar.