A surprising recent survey reported that many of us would prefer to go on holiday with our pet than with a family member! That’s entirely understandable – given that pets not only provide much needed support, but also unconditional love. There’s also the financial factor too. Sourcing a pet sitter or kennels can be expensive. Fortunately, the number of hotels and rental properties offering pet-friendly rooms is on the rise. Helpfully, many provide all manner of the canine accessories too, which means there’s no need to overpack either. Below find our list of the best pet-friendly staycations in Ireland for 2023.

Cashel House, Co Galway

Welcoming guests for the last 40 years, Cashel House, owned by the McEvilly family, is formerly one of Connemara’s most gracious homes, set in 50 acres of grounds on the beautiful coastline of Cashel Bay. The location is an ideal base from which to enjoy walking, beaches, sea and lake fishing, golf, horse riding, Kylemore Gardens and trips of Aran and Inish Boffin islands. Pets are more than welcome to stay in guests’ bedrooms. They will also get to meet Sammy – a long term four-legged resident at Cashel House. Currently on offer is a two-night petcation including accommodation, breakfast and dinner on one evening, from €225 per person. Up to two dogs are allowed to stay per room; www.cashelhouse.ie. 

Mustard Seed, Co Limerick

This countryside retreat, on the doorstep of Adare, welcomes pet owners to stay with their (well-behaved) pets. Accommodation options include a superior room on the ground floor with doors opening onto the garden for convenience and lots of space for pets’ sleeping arrangements. A deluxe suite is also ideal with access to the outside without having to go through the hotel reception areas. With beautiful grounds, an orchard, kitchen garden and inspiring interiors, this is an idyllic hideaway. On offer is a three-night break with dinner on two evenings, from €380 per person; www.mustardseed.ie. 

Tankardstown House, Co Meath

Dogs are welcome to stay at the elegant Tankardstown House, where Millie, Choo and Mika, the resident pooches, are always excited to have new friends come by. Though the main house is only for two-legged creatures, dogs are more than welcome to stay overnight in one of the Courtyard Cottage Suites, which open out onto the courtyard and garden. There is no charge for pedigree chums; www.tankardstown.ie. 

Rosleague Manor, Co Galway

Set in 30 acres of secluded woodland to the ocean’s edge, Rosleague is a beautifully wooded area on the coast, just one mile from the Connemara National Park, an area of some 5,000 acres and just a five-minute drive to Kylemore’s beautiful Abbey and walled gardens. That means there’s plenty of room for guests and their pets to walk. The Georgian house overlooks Ballinakill Bay and has been discreetly converted into a first-class hotel with a Victorian-style conservatory and drawing rooms with open log fires. All of the bedrooms are individually decorated and feature fine antiques and paintings. Bed and breakfast costs €170; www.rosleague.com. 

Enniscoe House, Co Mayo

Enniscoe House is situated on the shores of Lough Conn, with views of the lake across the parkland. There is a “Dog Lovers of Enniscoe House” package, which includes a treat box guaranteed to set tails wagging. Gardeners are well catered for too: the old walled garden has been restored, and another garden produces organically grown vegetables. In addition, one farmyard now houses a small agricultural museum, tearoom and shop, and a genealogy centre researching names and families of Mayo origin. Human carers pay from €95 bed and breakfast; www.enniscoe.com. 

Dromoland Castle, Co Clare

Does your canine friend need the royal treatment? Look no further than 16th-century Dromoland Castle which now has a limited number of dog-friendly Queen Anne Courtyard rooms available, with pet-friendly services also on hand to ensure your pooch receives the attention s/he deserves. From special beds to towels, bowls and referrals for local groomers and more, the Castle also offers walking maps of the extensive estate and recommendations of parks and walking trails in County Clare. From €252.50 per human with breakfast. The price is €40 per dog per night; www.dromoland.ie. 

Castle Leslie, Co Monaghan

Set within 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, with ancient woodland and lakes, Castle Leslie Estate is an idyllic retreat for all the family. Pet owners will be pleased to know dogs are able to stay in some of the self-catering cottages of chic Old Stable Mews. With acres of space, secluded paths and forest trails on the doorstep, the estate is full of exciting smells and new territory to explore! www.castleleslie.com

Cliff House Hotel, Co Waterford

The luxurious boutique hotel set into the hills overlooking Ardmore is where the whole family can enjoy long cliff top walks and sea swimming (or doggy paddling), and some can get extra kicks from digging holes and burying shells! Once dried off with a complimentary fluffy towel, furry friends are welcome to join their family on the Terrace at Cliff House Hotel and enjoy a relaxing nap at their owners’ feet. Currently on offer is a “Sandy Paws” overnight stay for two with one dog guest, €654, a sleeping crate is available to borrow from hotel reception; www.cliffhousehotel.ie. 

Killyhevlin Lakeside Lodges, Co Fermanagh

Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges, in Fermanagh Lakelands, overlooking Lough Erne is a great getaway with pet friendly hotel rooms and a collection of spacious two-bedroom self-catering lakeside lodges. Guests can also enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner with their pets in the foyer area overlooking Lough Erne. A short walk from the hotel is Castle Coole, a National Trust gem, which offers space to take dogs for brisk walks and explore Ireland’s only island town Enniskillen, just one kilometre from the hotel. Guests can save up to 20 per cent on booking costs this month with a two-night stay in a Lakeside Lodge from £245 per night, the two-night Woodland Lodge breaks are from £300 per night, pets cost an additional £75; www.killyhevlin.com. 

The Twelve, Co Galway

The team at The Twelve will make sure your pet’s needs are catered for in every way and have created the ultimate stay designed towards ensuring your favourite friend has the time of their lives. On check-in pets will receive a welcome “doggie bag” which includes a toy, a treat and clean-up bags. In-room additions include food and water bowls (with fresh mineral water) and a pet concierge service is available – for dog walking and grooming service as well special menus. The Twelve also provide maps of nearby parks and walks, as well as veterinary services and emergency details. On the doorstep are parks and bogs to walk in and an ocean to swim in. Prices start from €220 per night, bed and breakfast, for two adults; www.thetwelvehotel.ie. 

The Reserve at Muckross Park, Co Kerry

Family fun and adventure awaits at the refurbished, pet-friendly, self-catering apartments in the heart of Killarney National Park. Located just beside the five-star hotel, a stay at The Reserve at Muckross Park includes complimentary bike hire and access to The Spa and fitness suite at Muckross Park Hotel & Spa. With two bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, living room and dining area and complimentary breakfast for all the family, the rate is from €249 per night; www.muckrosspark.com. 

Gregans Castle Hotel, Co Clare

Surrounded by botanical, archaeological and cultural treasures with views across Galway Bay and the unique Burren landscape, Gregans Castle Hotel is a bucolic hideaway, with a lovely mature garden. Being animal lovers, the team at Gregans appreciate the need to treat one’s pet to the occasional night away and therefore extend a warm welcome to four-legged friends. There are a number of ground-floor bedrooms, which can easily accommodate guests and their dog and provide access to the garden. From €240 bed and breakfast per room per night based on two people sharing; www.gregans.ie. 

Dunmore House, Co Cork

For a breath of fresh air by the sea, the family-owned Dunmore House is a 30-bedroom property, which also has smart self-catering, dog-friendly houses available and the option to have a range of homemade dishes stocked in the fridge on arrival. Explore the ten beaches within ten minutes of Dunmore House – it’s a little slice of heaven on the west Cork coast. Dog-friendly rooms start from €265 per night based on two adults staying on a bed and breakfast basis; www.dunmorehousehotel.ie. 

The Fullerton Arms, Co Antrim

Located in Ballintoy, The Fullerton Arms guest house is the ideal starting point for discovering the Causeway Coastal Route – it’s prime Game of Thrones territory and the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is on the doorstep. There are three, double dog-friendly rooms, from £160. Pets will love a run on the beach at Whiterocks, Portstewart Strand or Castlerock; www.fullerton-arms.com. 

The Inn on the Coast, Co Antrim

Situated on the Causeway Coastal Route between the harbour towns of Portrush and Portstewart is The Inn on the Coast. This hotel offers spacious accommodation with excellent walking routes nearby. There are ten dedicated pet-friendly rooms on the ground floor for up to two dogs; there is a one-off charge of £30 for a pet stay. Pets are welcome at the seating area of the foyer and in the reception, where guests can relax and enjoy a drink or meal. The Inn even awards a Good Behaviour Certificate and a treat for furry friends on check out. A midweek stay for two adults and a dog is from £139; www.innonthecoastportrush.com. 

Blessingbourne Estate, Co Tyrone

The Blessingbourne country estate, nestled on 550 acres of countryside with woodland and private lakes, has five luxury self-catering apartments, which are all dog-friendly. You can even bring your horse or pony with you, where they too can have a holiday in the on-site stables in the heart of Blessingbourne’s working farm; www.blessingbourne.com. 

Cliff at Lyons, Co Kildare

This bijou country retreat in the Kildare countryside offers blissful walks (for hound and human) through the estate gardens and grounds and all along the nearby canal. On check-in, homemade dog treats are available. From €280 for two, bed and breakfast; www.cliffatlyons.ie. 

The Kingsley, Cork

The Kingsley’s location, on the banks of the River Lee surrounded by the Lee Fields, is the perfect setting for plenty of scenic walks for you and your canine friend. Its current “Paws & Unwind” package includes an overnight stay, breakfast for two in the hotel’s outdoor dining area overlooking the River Lee, or if you prefer, in your room. Canine guests have a welcome bag on arrival and there will be a bed, bowl, blanket and towel set up in each room. Prices start from €258 per night; www.thekingsley.ie. 

Hilton Dublin, Charlemont Place, Dublin

Guests can book any of room type at the Hilton Dublin and bring their dog to stay. Pets have access to the lobby, outdoor courtyard and terrace area. Owners will find the location beside the Canal an ideal place for early morning and late-night walks, while there is no need to overpack. The hotel will provide food and water bowls and a dog bed for their canine guests and allows for two dogs per room, with a one-off supplement of €50. Owners can dine with their dogs in the outdoor courtyard and terrace, where the menu has been carefully and deliciously created. This centrally located hotel, a few steps from the Luas, could not be more welcoming with spacious rooms, (complete with lovely Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries) and strategically placed ice machines along corridors. Summer rates from June to August are from €209 per room per night. Do register for Hilton Honors for best rates and further discounts; www.hilton.com. 

Liss Ard Estate, Co Cork

With stunning views from land to sea to sky, this is the perfect base for exploring West Cork. On the doorstep is James Turrell’s remarkable installation, the Irish Sky Garden, while the lush forests and a lake are other attractions for you and your pet. Prices start from €199 per night for dog-friendly mews accommodation; www.lissardestate.ie. 

Ballyvolane House, Co Cork

This lovely family-run country house is surrounded by 80 acres of lush gardens and farmland, so plenty of walks for guests and their pets. At Ballyvolane everyone benefits from the planting carried out by gardeners of the distant and more recent past, as there is an impressive array of colours and scents throughout the year; Wisteria on the house and in the walled garden is always a treat as is the laburnum arch, planted in 2000 to mark the new millennium, which flowers in all its glory throughout June. Amateur gardeners will love exploring the three-acre walled garden too, which provides produce for the hotel and as well as botanicals for Ballyvolane’s small batch Irish milk gin, Bertha’s Revenge. Guests checking in can ramble through the woodlands, explore the orchards and learn to fly fish on the Blackwater river, or simply cosy up with a good book by the fire or, on a fine day, relaxing on a sun-lounger on the south-facing lawns. Stays start from €280 per room per night with breakfast included; www.ballyvolanehouse.ie.

Barberstown Castle, Co Kildare

Formerly the home of Eric Clapton, Barberstown Castle has been welcoming guests for over 700 years. It is an ideal base to explore Ireland’s Ancient East and enjoy walks around Glendalough and Powerscourt Gardens or Newgrange World heritage site – all a short drive from the comfortable and cossetting hotel. Currently an overnight stay with dinner in the Barton Rooms Restaurant is €330; dogs can dine and join their parents in the Garden Bar Conservatory and patio areas. A €25 supplement fee applies; www.barberstowncastle.ie. 

Mount Congreve Gardens Gate Lodge, Co Waterford

This pretty Georgian Gate Lodge is a two-bedroom sanctuary in the middle of Mount Congreve’s majestic 70 acres of gardens. Inside the renovated gate lodge, guests will find plush velvet decor, antique furniture (a bio-ethanol stove, an 18th-century French day-bed, Louis XVI beds and classic wing-back armchairs) as well as a Frame Smart TV and even a gin bar for guests to enjoy the Mount Congreve Woodland Gin. A galley kitchen offers direct access to a private secluded garden and a patio featuring a Bushbuck stone barbecue with relaxing garden furniture. Guests and their canine friends also have “the keys to the gardens” which they can explore after hours. A welcome hamper, filled with local produce including honey, Flahavan’s oats, local organic eggs and more, sets the tone for a cosseting stay. Guests can enjoy dining at the Stable Café, where a plot-to-plate menu is served, or book a signature Afternoon Tea which is served in the Old Tack Room. Rates are from €195 per night; www.mountcongreve.com. 

Forth Mountain Glamping, Co Wexford

These cosy, fully furnished pods offer mountain views and have all the comforts of home including electric, running water, mini fridge and heating. Each pod comes with its own designated fire pit and barbecue and costs €196 per night; www.airbnb.ie.

The Boat House, Ballynatray Estate, Youghal

This gorgeous retreat is compact and chic with one double bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. Guests have a shared back garden and their own patio and balcony overlooking the lake. The price is €230 per night; www.airbnb.ie.

Burren Glamping Luxury Dome, Co Clare

Nestled in the rolling hills and deep green meadows of the Burren this glamping stay facilitates late night stargazing and spectacular sunrises from a luxury garden dome. Guests and their pets have a private modern kitchenette and a bathroom annex. €165 per night; www.airbnb.ie.

Castlemartyr Resort, Co Cork

This 17th-century manor house, adjacent to an 800-year-old castle, has an interesting history which includes Strongbow, Walter Raleigh, and the Knights Templar. Now comprising over 100 rooms and suites, as well as 47 luxe self-catering lodges, a spa and a golf course, it’s entirely possible to check in and not leave the grounds, as everything is on site for a relaxing staycation. Gourmets can sample French chef Vincent Crepel’s Michelin-starred Terre restaurant, while golfers can enjoy the Ron Kirby-designed inland links golf course. All guests have access to the resort’s impressive spa and leisure centre. Rates are from €269 based on an overnight stay for two in a dog friendly room (as pictured) which comes with a doggie gift and bed. There’s also a pet concierge who can provide maps of dog-friendly walks within the resort and local area, as well as contacts for dog walkers and sitters, vets and groomers if needed; www.castlemartyrresort.ie. 

Sheen Falls Lodge, Co Kerry

For a glam getaway with your pooch, look no further than this Kenmare gem, which offers three different types of dog-friendly room categories – from a classic double to an Oscar suite. All the cottages and villas are dog-friendly too. At the hotel, there is a charge of €25 per night per dog (guests can bring a maximum of two pets), while in the villas and cottages, the rate is €100 per stay. With 300 acres on the Sheen Falls Lodge estate for you to explore with your dog, this is a win-win (or woof-woof!) location. Don’t overpack either. Upon arrival, you’ll find a dog bed, a bowl for food, a bowl for water and a doggie treat in rooms. An overnight stay with breakfast costs €530 for a Classic Room, with a €25 fee for a dog per night; www.sheenfallslodge.ie.