If you get stressed at the thought of finding a reputable dog-sitter or putting your pet in a kennel while you’re on holidays, then why not bring them with you?
There are many hotels around Ireland that now cater for our four-legged friends. Some places charge an extra supplement per night, and there are usually rules about where your dog is and is not allowed to go within the grounds of the hotel. Other than that, pack your pooch, and get ready for the paw-fect holiday.
Castletroy Park Hotel, Co Limerick.
Castletroy Park Hotel, Co Limerick
This four-star hotel, located beside the University of Limerick campus has dog-friendly rooms available on request from the reservations team. Best suited for smaller dogs, you are asked to bring food and bedding but there is a semi-enclosed courtyard which is ideal for a post-breakfast run if they need it.
There is an additional supplement of €25 per stay to cover additional cleaning charges.
castletroypark.ie
Muckross Park Hotel and Spa, Co Kerry.
Muckross Park Hotel and Spa, Co Kerry
If you want to properly pamper your pooch, take them to this luxurious spot in the kingdom. The hotel has its very own pampered pooches programme, designed to treat your pets with the renowned five-star service you’d expect yourself.
Should you want them, there is access to groomers, walkers and sitters and an array of dog toys and menus to choose from. There is a charge of €30 per night and only miniature and toy dogs breeds are permitted in the two dog-friendly apartments.
muckrosspark.com
Center Parcs, Co Longford
Center Parcs has become a hugely popular family holiday destination since opening in 2019 and it’s good to know that pets are welcome too. The dog-friendly lodges have several features to keep your pet safe and these include vertical door handles to prevent escapes, scratch-resistant door protection and a tether ring on the patio so they can join you for barbecues.
You can book up to two dogs per lodge and it costs €79 for one dog or €99 for two for the duration of the stay.
centerparcs.ie
Ashford Castle, Co Mayo.
Ashford Castle, Co Mayo
With the vast Ashford Estate to explore and a host of pet-friendly services on offer, it is one very lucky pooch that gets to stay at this luxurious castle. There is even a pet preference form to fill in when booking.
Once you arrive, the hotel will provide a comfortable dog bed, food and water bowls with fresh mineral water, fluffy towels, and a turn down treat for your VIP (Very Important Pet). Naturally, this kind of service doesn’t come cheap and will set you back €75 per dog, per night.
ashfordcastle.com
Sneem Hotel, Co Kerry
The Sneem Hotel is located alongside some fantastic walking trails and beaches, making it a great holiday spot for you and your furry friend. The hotel has a very simple and inclusive policy – any pet may stay, regardless of size, weight, or breed for zero fees or deposits, as long as they are cute, adorable and well-behaved.
Although it’s important to note that only one pet is allowed per room or self-catering apartment.
sneemhotel.com
The Twelve Hotel, Barna, Co Galway.
The Twelve, Co Galway
On the hotel’s website, it claims that “a stay at The Twelve Hotel is proof all dogs really do go to heaven”. Quite a statement, but to be fair, they do back it up. If you forgot to pack toys, treats or bowls before leaving the house, don’t worry because it is all supplied here.
A welcome ‘doggie bag’ includes a toy, treat and clean-up bags while the pet lobby has toys, a water bowl, bones, leashes and towels for a post-run rub down. There’s even a pet concierge service. There is no charge for dogs to stay at the hotel but a €50 booking deposit per night is required that is fully refundable or transferable up to 10 days prior to arrival.
thetwelvehotel.ie
Tankardstown Country House, Co Meath
This stunning hotel in Co Meath is so keen for you to bring your pet that it actually has a VIP (Very Important Pooch) package for dog-owners. Tankardstown welcomes all well-behaved, four-legged family members in its beautifully appointed courtyard cottage suites. Upon arrival, your dog will receive a complimentary dog treat and have access to 80 acres of woodland and parkland to explore to their heart’s content.
tankardstown.ie
Castlemartyr Resort, Co Cork
If it is credentials you’re after, Castlemartyr is a gold-medal winner for ‘Best Pet-Friendly Hotel’ in Ireland. As well as luxury pet-friendly rooms, there is a pet concierge for details on local groomers, sitters and vets, a map of the nearby wood trails and beaches to discover and you will be greeted with a welcome gift and dog bed for your room.
Guests are advised to bring their own pet food and accessories and the maximum size dog allowed is that of a standard labrador. No more than two pets are allowed in each room and additional fees apply in the orchard residences of €20 per dog, per night.
castlemartyrresort.ie
Pembroke Townhouse, Dublin
This boutique hotel in the heart of the capital’s city centre will treat your dog like a true member of the family when they visit. Dogs of all shapes and sizes are welcome, as long as they are well-behaved. All you need to bring is his/her bed and favourite food. A dog bowl will be provided and maybe a treat or two. A pet fee of €40 will be added to your rate but as other Dublin hotels can charge more than twice that, this is actually on the more reasonable side.
Dogs are not allowed in the lobby or breakfast room but apparently, the chef is a softy for a pair of puppy-dog eyes and has been known to provide a sneaky sausage upon request.
pembroketownhouse.ie
Cashel House Hotel, Connemara
Cashel House Hotel is one of the few pet-friendly hotels in this part of Ireland and your furry family member will receive a warm welcome here. There are lots of dog-friendly rooms available and in case your pooch needs a pal, they will also get to meet ‘Sammy’ the Jack Russell, who is a long-term resident at the hotel.
cashelhouse.ie
Marlfield House Hotel, Co Wexford
Your dog won’t be shy of company if you choose to spend your holiday at Marlfield House Hotel. It’s already home to a veritable farmyard of animals, including cats, dogs, ducks, ponies and even a peacock named George, all of whom your pooch can meet during a walk in the garden.
The hotel caters for small dogs only and it’s asked that they are kept on a leash while in the garden or house. There is a charge of €25 per night for dogs and you must bring a dog bed for them to sleep on as they are not permitted on the furniture.
marlfieldhouse.com
The Morgan Hotel, Dublin.
The Morgan Hotel, Dublin
From €189 per night, the dog-friendly rooms in this city centre hotel feature welcome treats, food and water bowls, a floor mat and a dog bed.
The Morgan also offers an in-room doggy dining menu complete with meaty feasts and treats or they can accompany you to the pet-friendly heated courtyard terrace. Only small dogs weighing a max of 20kg or up to 15 inches in height are permitted in the hotel and there’s a limit of one dog per room.
themorgan.com
Remember: It’s important to always call the hotel before you arrive to confirm your pet-friendly room as many of them have to be pre-arranged and can’t simply be booked online.
Love on a leash: wedding service
Bring your best friend to your special day. \iStock
If you are planning your wedding in one of the many dog-friendly hotels around the country, there is a bespoke service you can avail of to make sure your furry friend is well cared for and included in your big day.
Belinda McCormack of Hollys Fur and Feathered Friends based in Athy, Co Kildare saw a gap in the market and launched the ‘wedding day service’ early this year.
“The wedding day service is customised specifically for your needs to suit your wedding, from including your dog in the service and/or photos, to providing home boarding and returning your dog to you when the celebrations are over,” says Belinda. “It’s a great way to have your best friend included in your special day.”
Contact Belinda McCormack at hollysfurandfeathered@gmail.com or call 083 199 0147 for details.
Read more
Holidaying at home: take a giant leap in Co Antrim
Enniscoe House: get away from it all in north Mayo and bring your dog too
If you get stressed at the thought of finding a reputable dog-sitter or putting your pet in a kennel while you’re on holidays, then why not bring them with you?
There are many hotels around Ireland that now cater for our four-legged friends. Some places charge an extra supplement per night, and there are usually rules about where your dog is and is not allowed to go within the grounds of the hotel. Other than that, pack your pooch, and get ready for the paw-fect holiday.
Castletroy Park Hotel, Co Limerick.
Castletroy Park Hotel, Co Limerick
This four-star hotel, located beside the University of Limerick campus has dog-friendly rooms available on request from the reservations team. Best suited for smaller dogs, you are asked to bring food and bedding but there is a semi-enclosed courtyard which is ideal for a post-breakfast run if they need it.
There is an additional supplement of €25 per stay to cover additional cleaning charges.
castletroypark.ie
Muckross Park Hotel and Spa, Co Kerry.
Muckross Park Hotel and Spa, Co Kerry
If you want to properly pamper your pooch, take them to this luxurious spot in the kingdom. The hotel has its very own pampered pooches programme, designed to treat your pets with the renowned five-star service you’d expect yourself.
Should you want them, there is access to groomers, walkers and sitters and an array of dog toys and menus to choose from. There is a charge of €30 per night and only miniature and toy dogs breeds are permitted in the two dog-friendly apartments.
muckrosspark.com
Center Parcs, Co Longford
Center Parcs has become a hugely popular family holiday destination since opening in 2019 and it’s good to know that pets are welcome too. The dog-friendly lodges have several features to keep your pet safe and these include vertical door handles to prevent escapes, scratch-resistant door protection and a tether ring on the patio so they can join you for barbecues.
You can book up to two dogs per lodge and it costs €79 for one dog or €99 for two for the duration of the stay.
centerparcs.ie
Ashford Castle, Co Mayo.
Ashford Castle, Co Mayo
With the vast Ashford Estate to explore and a host of pet-friendly services on offer, it is one very lucky pooch that gets to stay at this luxurious castle. There is even a pet preference form to fill in when booking.
Once you arrive, the hotel will provide a comfortable dog bed, food and water bowls with fresh mineral water, fluffy towels, and a turn down treat for your VIP (Very Important Pet). Naturally, this kind of service doesn’t come cheap and will set you back €75 per dog, per night.
ashfordcastle.com
Sneem Hotel, Co Kerry
The Sneem Hotel is located alongside some fantastic walking trails and beaches, making it a great holiday spot for you and your furry friend. The hotel has a very simple and inclusive policy – any pet may stay, regardless of size, weight, or breed for zero fees or deposits, as long as they are cute, adorable and well-behaved.
Although it’s important to note that only one pet is allowed per room or self-catering apartment.
sneemhotel.com
The Twelve Hotel, Barna, Co Galway.
The Twelve, Co Galway
On the hotel’s website, it claims that “a stay at The Twelve Hotel is proof all dogs really do go to heaven”. Quite a statement, but to be fair, they do back it up. If you forgot to pack toys, treats or bowls before leaving the house, don’t worry because it is all supplied here.
A welcome ‘doggie bag’ includes a toy, treat and clean-up bags while the pet lobby has toys, a water bowl, bones, leashes and towels for a post-run rub down. There’s even a pet concierge service. There is no charge for dogs to stay at the hotel but a €50 booking deposit per night is required that is fully refundable or transferable up to 10 days prior to arrival.
thetwelvehotel.ie
Tankardstown Country House, Co Meath
This stunning hotel in Co Meath is so keen for you to bring your pet that it actually has a VIP (Very Important Pooch) package for dog-owners. Tankardstown welcomes all well-behaved, four-legged family members in its beautifully appointed courtyard cottage suites. Upon arrival, your dog will receive a complimentary dog treat and have access to 80 acres of woodland and parkland to explore to their heart’s content.
tankardstown.ie
Castlemartyr Resort, Co Cork
If it is credentials you’re after, Castlemartyr is a gold-medal winner for ‘Best Pet-Friendly Hotel’ in Ireland. As well as luxury pet-friendly rooms, there is a pet concierge for details on local groomers, sitters and vets, a map of the nearby wood trails and beaches to discover and you will be greeted with a welcome gift and dog bed for your room.
Guests are advised to bring their own pet food and accessories and the maximum size dog allowed is that of a standard labrador. No more than two pets are allowed in each room and additional fees apply in the orchard residences of €20 per dog, per night.
castlemartyrresort.ie
Pembroke Townhouse, Dublin
This boutique hotel in the heart of the capital’s city centre will treat your dog like a true member of the family when they visit. Dogs of all shapes and sizes are welcome, as long as they are well-behaved. All you need to bring is his/her bed and favourite food. A dog bowl will be provided and maybe a treat or two. A pet fee of €40 will be added to your rate but as other Dublin hotels can charge more than twice that, this is actually on the more reasonable side.
Dogs are not allowed in the lobby or breakfast room but apparently, the chef is a softy for a pair of puppy-dog eyes and has been known to provide a sneaky sausage upon request.
pembroketownhouse.ie
Cashel House Hotel, Connemara
Cashel House Hotel is one of the few pet-friendly hotels in this part of Ireland and your furry family member will receive a warm welcome here. There are lots of dog-friendly rooms available and in case your pooch needs a pal, they will also get to meet ‘Sammy’ the Jack Russell, who is a long-term resident at the hotel.
cashelhouse.ie
Marlfield House Hotel, Co Wexford
Your dog won’t be shy of company if you choose to spend your holiday at Marlfield House Hotel. It’s already home to a veritable farmyard of animals, including cats, dogs, ducks, ponies and even a peacock named George, all of whom your pooch can meet during a walk in the garden.
The hotel caters for small dogs only and it’s asked that they are kept on a leash while in the garden or house. There is a charge of €25 per night for dogs and you must bring a dog bed for them to sleep on as they are not permitted on the furniture.
marlfieldhouse.com
The Morgan Hotel, Dublin.
The Morgan Hotel, Dublin
From €189 per night, the dog-friendly rooms in this city centre hotel feature welcome treats, food and water bowls, a floor mat and a dog bed.
The Morgan also offers an in-room doggy dining menu complete with meaty feasts and treats or they can accompany you to the pet-friendly heated courtyard terrace. Only small dogs weighing a max of 20kg or up to 15 inches in height are permitted in the hotel and there’s a limit of one dog per room.
themorgan.com
Remember: It’s important to always call the hotel before you arrive to confirm your pet-friendly room as many of them have to be pre-arranged and can’t simply be booked online.
Love on a leash: wedding service
Bring your best friend to your special day. \iStock
If you are planning your wedding in one of the many dog-friendly hotels around the country, there is a bespoke service you can avail of to make sure your furry friend is well cared for and included in your big day.
Belinda McCormack of Hollys Fur and Feathered Friends based in Athy, Co Kildare saw a gap in the market and launched the ‘wedding day service’ early this year.
“The wedding day service is customised specifically for your needs to suit your wedding, from including your dog in the service and/or photos, to providing home boarding and returning your dog to you when the celebrations are over,” says Belinda. “It’s a great way to have your best friend included in your special day.”
Contact Belinda McCormack at hollysfurandfeathered@gmail.com or call 083 199 0147 for details.
Read more
Holidaying at home: take a giant leap in Co Antrim
Enniscoe House: get away from it all in north Mayo and bring your dog too
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