From self-catering cottages to luxury suites, there’s no need to leave your pet behind on a last minute staycation …
Dromoland Castle, Co Clare
Has your canine friend got Covid burnout? Does s/he need the royal treatment? Look no further than the former 16th-century Dromoland Castle which now has a limited number of dog-friendly 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. The price is €40 per dog per night, and for more information on the full Dromoland Castle Pet Policy and to book your stay, visit www.dromoland.ie.
Enniscoe House, Co Mayo
Enniscoe House is situated on the shores of Lough Conn, with views of the lake across the parkland. Currently 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 €95 bed and breakfast; www.enniscoe.com.
The 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 arrangement. 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 lovely interiors, this is an idyllic hideaway with rates from just €70 for bed and breakfast per person sharing; www.mustardseed.ie.
Tankardstown House, Co Meath
Dogs are welcome to stay at the elegant Tankardstown House, and Bruce the resident pooch is 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. From €130 bed and breakfast per person sharing, there is no charge for pedigree chums; www.tankardstown.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! Prices start from €400 per night self catering; www.castleleslie.com.
Cliff House Hotel, Co Waterford
The luxurious boutique hotel set into the hills overlooking Ardmore has a “Sandy Paws” offer 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. Pre-booking is a must as dog-friendly rooms are subject to availability – a sleeping crate is available to borrow from hotel reception. From €395 for two adults bed and breakfast: 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. 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. Rates are from €185, bed and breakfast, for two adults; www.thetwelvehotel.ie.
The Reserve at Muckross Park, Co Kerry
Family fun and adventure awaits at the newly 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. €229 per night based on two adults bed and breakfast; www.dunmorehousehotel.ie.
The Fullerton Arms, Co Antrim
Located in Ballintoy The Fullerton Arms guest house, which has been recently refurbished, 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 is a dog-friendly accommodation and dining area, so no one gets left behind. Pets will love a run on the beach at Whiterocks, Portstewart Strand or Castlerock; www.fullerton-arms.com.
Rathmullan House, Co Donegal
There is a dog-friendly room available in Rathmullan House and the nearby (Blue Flag) beach provides endless entertainment for any pet and their owner for walks, jogs or some sunbathing (weather permitting). The hotel is also set on seven acres of wooded gardens, on the shores of Lough Swilly. Inside there are books, board games, DVDs and jigsaws available for pet owners to enjoy, while the onsite dining options are top notch – The Cook & Gardener and The Tap Room. From €90 bed and breakfast per person sharing; www.rathmullanhouse.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 dedicated pet-friendly rooms on the ground floor for up to two dogs. 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. www.innonthecoastportrush.com
Blessingbourne Estate, County 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
“Puppy Love” is the name of the package available at this bijou country retreat in the Kildare countryside. Blissful walks (for hound and human) through the estate gardens and grounds, and all along the nearby canal await. On check-in, homemade dog treats are available, while adults pay €255 for two, bed and breakfast: www.cliffatlyons.ie.
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