Ireland may have some way to go when it comes to pet friendliness, as the vast majority of hotels do not accept dogs. But when they do, they can do it very well indeed.
The range of styles, amenities, house rules and prices (if any), varies tremendously. But what they all have in common is a real love of dogs. Time to hit the road with Fido, so!
The Kingsley Hotel in Cork city.
Carbery Cottage Guest Lodge
Barnahown B&B
Sheen Falls Lodge, Co Kerry
The Mustard Seed
The Mill, 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.
They have two dog friendly rooms — request when booking; one dog per room — and dogs are also allowed in the conservatory, on a lead.
Maps with suggestions for good walking can be supplied, along with many other treats for humans as well as dogs.
Ardilaun House Hotel
A refuge for dog owners visiting Galway City, the Ardilaun takes a somewhat ’little humans’ approach to pets — just as our furry companions so often do themselves: “We understand that your four-legged friends are an important part of the family, and we’re delighted to offer a welcoming environment for both you and your pets.”
It’s a super place to stay and they have four dedicated pet-friendly rooms overlooking the back gardens so there’s 24-hour access.
Handily located near Barna harbour, this delightfully quirky and food-focused boutique hotel was GCGuides Pet Friendly Hotel of the Year 2021 and dog-friendly rooms are in high demand, so book directly.
There’s no charge but a €50 per night deposit is set against your bill.
One dog per room, with size and breed, and also where they may eat, at the hotel’s discretion.
Doggy menu, maps, and numerous services offered —there’s even a dog grooming salon across the road.
The Lodge at Ashford Castle
This desirable four-star within the Ashford Castle Estate has a pet concierge to assist guests with their needs (dog grooming, sitting etc) and a pet bed, towel, food, and water are provided.
While access to public areas is restricted, guests can dine with their dogs in The Gallery area.
Ashford Castle is also dog friendly (double B&B from €925; €75 per dog per night); both hotels may request a pet security deposit.
Gleesons, Roscommon
“Our furry visitors are just on holiday with their owner or families and they enjoy staying somewhere that pets are genuinely welcome,” says Eamonn Gleeson — music to the ears of dog lovers.
Gleesons welcomes dogs in the bedrooms (with their own beds, but no upper limit on the number) and, while not permitted in the restaurant, they have designated dining tables in the reception area.
Good walking nearby at Loughnaneane Park, too. And there’s no charge: “…they’re a welcome addition to our hotel”.
Ocean Sands Hotel
Beside Enniscrone beach and with scenic walking along the Coastal Loop Walk, this well named hotel is 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.
Surrounded by farmland and gardens, and with shaggy highland cattle, jacob sheep, and fallow deer grazing in paddocks, the Crosbie family’s lovely beachside Georgian B&B on the Hook Peninsula has special appeal for animal lovers.
Dogs can stay in the three dog-friendly guest rooms and also accompany their owners in a special breakfast room.
For dinner, Dunbrody Country House is only a 10-minute walk, and Aldridge Lodge just a short drive; good pubs nearby too.
Bushmills Inn, Co Antrim
Dogs are welcome at this famously atmospheric old inn on the Causeway Coast, where dogs up to the size of a labrador may stay in designated dog-friendly rooms.
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.
Amenities include designated dog exercise areas on-site, and maps of local dog-friendly walking routes are available.
360 Cookhouse was 2019 GCGuides Pet Friendly Destination of the Year and dogs are still very welcome to dine with their owners in the all-year heated pergola.
Dogs are also welcome at the 360 Stay properties, which make a comfortable and keenly-priced base for exploring Dungarvan and beautiful West Waterford.
To find the most suitable pet-friendly property for your stay, and to book, contact the reservations manager directly.