If your perfect trip includes your canine companion, head for the dog-friendly shores of the island of Ireland.
With endless forest and mountain walks, golden beaches and lots of pet-friendly accommodations, restaurants, pubs, cafés and attractions, the island of Ireland is a pooch paradise.
Head west to the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way coastal route which stretches from Donegal in the north to Cork in the south. With stunning cliff-top walks, countless sandy beaches and plenty of accommodation choices, it’s the ideal doggy destination.
Self-catering options abound but you can also indulge yourself and your four-legged friend with a stay in a luxury dog-friendly hotel. Ashford Castle in County Mayo gives its V.I.P.s (Very Important Pets) star treatment, while The Twelve in County Galway has a pampered Pet Programme.
In Ireland’s Ancient East, the Wicklow Mountains National Park offers great hiking trails, while the Waterford Greenway offers more gentle walking and cycling opportunities and you can hire a puppy trailer to let your dog ride alongside you. There are lots of dog-friendly places to stop and eat including The Strand Inn. Make your stay even more memorable by renting the 300-year-old thatched Carthy’s Cottage in Dungarvan, which welcomes two pets.
If you’re heading to the highlights of Northern Ireland, you’ll find lots to set tails wagging. The Giant’s Causeway UNESCO World Heritage Site welcomes dogs as do many of the grand estates such as Mount Stewart in County Down, and Florence Court and Castle Coole in County Fermanagh.
Dog-friendly accommodation is not hard to find. On the Causeway Coast, The Fullerton Arms, the Marine Hotel and The Inn on the Coast are just some options to choose from while gorgeous County Down has some great self-catering accommodation including Kribben Cottages and the Late & Early Cottage.
Or why not head into Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands to discover its tranquil, unhurried vibe. Take your dog for a gentle canoe ride, enjoy a lakeside walk and relax and unwind in this beautiful unspoilt landscape.
Even if you’re planning a city break you can still include your faithful friend. In Dublin, a stay in the Conrad Dublin is the perfect choice for cosmopolitan pups and a great base for exploring the vibrant city. Make sure to head out to Dublin Bay for a gorgeous cliff walk in Howth or to discover the dog-friendly cafes in fashionable Dalkey.
