Dog-friendly hotels around Ireland
With lots of Clara
Ever since the bold Clara arrived into our lives, we have been on the hunt for the best dog-friendly hotels around the island. As Clara is a Jack Russell, she is a perfect size for travelling and loves nothing more than a sausage from breakfast and lots of lovely grounds for walks.
I’ve rounded up all the hotels where we have stayed with Clara, 23 in total below, although there are others that I’ve sadly had to leave out as they are no longer dog-friendly.
I love hotels that have rooms with direct outside access, that provide bowls & treats, and which allow your dog to join you for drinks or meals (even if in a special space), and I’ve tried to highlight these benefits in my descriptions. Sadly, some hotels are at the other end of the spectrum where dogs are not allowed anywhere indoors, and sometimes cannot even be left unaccompanied in the room. (In this scenario, we put Clara into the car for a few hours, where she is comfortable and cosy).
Irrespective, it goes without saying that you should always check a hotel’s pet policy and rules before booking, and be prepared for items such as a dog fee, as well as restrictions on size, breed and number of dogs. At the end of the day, it’s their house, their rules.
Now are you ready for lots of photos of Clara on her holidays?
Cavan
Cabü by the Lakes
Luxurious self-catering cabins and lodges, nestled amongst the trees and with lots of lakeside walks, Cabü by the Lakes is a perfect spot for dogs who like a good walk and exploring. Watch out for wildlife though, Clara had a few goes at chasing field mice.
Dogs have full access to the cabins and are allowed in the Sitooterie (covered outdoor bar and restaurant area). Dog beds are provided in the cabins.
Clare
Gregan’s Castle
Located outside the beautiful little village of Ballyvaughan, Gregan’s Castle is a cosy, eclectic spot with real style. The restaurant is top notch, the wines are excellent and there is whole baked ham on the breakfast buffet. Hint - you will have to sneak some back to the room for your furry friend.
Some ground floor rooms have direct garden access, and dogs can stay in rooms during breakfast and dinner, but otherwise should not be left unattended. Due to the presence of a house cat, dogs are not allowed in public indoor areas.
Cork
Castlemartyr Resort
Castlemartyr Resort is one of the genuinely dog friendly hotels. The ground floor garden rooms have a small fenced garden area, while the self-catering houses down in the old walled garden offer lots of space for dogs. There’s plenty of grounds for good walks, and hotel rooms come with dog bed, bowls and treats.
If you’re feeling swish, you can enjoy dinner at the two Michelin star Terre (no dogs), before picking up your four-legged friend for a drink in the bar, or heading to the Hunted Hog pub in the village.
Dunmore House Hotel
Overlooking Clonakilty Bay, Dunmore House is a family-run hotel where dogs are very welcome. Dogs are welcome in the bar and all public areas, bar the main restaurant Adrift (which is well worth a visit for its incredible seafood). There are dog-friendly rooms on the ground floor, but sadly no direct outside access is available.
The Kingsley
The Rebel County is coming in strong for dog-friendly hotels with one of my personal favourites, the Kingsley on the Carrigrohane Straight. Dog guests receive a doggy bag when checking in, usually containing a toy, treats, bandana and poop bags, while the rooms will have beds, blankets and bowls. This is one of my favourite hotels to bring Clara, and she loves it there.
The only downside is that there are no rooms with direct outside access, so be prepared for late night or early morning walks. However, the walk along the Lee Fields more than makes up for this.
Liss Ard Estate
The revitalised luxury Liss Ard Estate in Skibbereen has acres of grounds and gardens to enjoy with your dog. Head down to the small lakeshore cabins for a sauna, or visit the unique Sky Garden from James Turrell. Some rooms in the Garden House and Lake House are dog friendly, and we enjoyed sitting outside our room, glass of wine in hand, on a summer evening with Clara sniffing around. Bowls, blankets and treats are provided.
Seaview House Hotel
A charming hotel in Ballylickey, Seaview House Hotel is just outside Bantry, where dog-friendly rooms have direct outdoor access. Dogs can be left in the room while dining in the hotel and are not allowed in public indoor areas, with the exception of the small conservatory space attached to the bar. The automated robot lawn mower caused no end of consternation to Clara who tried to fight it several times. Walk over to nearby Manning’s Emporium with your dog for coffee, cakes, wine and evening meals (when on offer).
Galway
The Ardilaun
The dog-friendly rooms at the Ardilaun open directly onto the garden (one of my favourite features), the floor is partially wooden, and bowls and treats are provided. The Ardilaun is a more traditional style hotel, but is very friendly with dogs are welcome in the lobby, allowing you to have a drink or meal with your pal.
Cashel House
Not to be confused with the town in Tipperary, Cashel House is located on a quiet stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way in Connemara. The grounds have lovely gardens, and the dog-friendly rooms are spacious. There’s a glorious retro-ness to the place, and while dogs are not generally allowed in the public areas, there is one dedicated room for dog-owners who want an evening drink with their friend. Dogs will also appreciate the breakfast ham, with staff encouraging you to bring slices back to the room.
Glenlo Abbey
The five star Glenlo Abbey is nicely welcoming towards dogs. A bowl and bed is provided in the room, and while it doesn’t have its own outdoor access, it’s only a short walk to an outdoor exit. Rooms are spacious and very comfortable. Dogs are welcome in the residents’ bar for a drink, but are not allowed elsewhere in the hotel. The hotel has a golf course and you’re welcome to take your dog on a walk around the links. The Pullman restaurant has Michelin ambitions, so worth a trip for dinner also.
The Twelve
The Twelve in Barna has a big reputation as a dog-friendly hotel and it is well-earned. Dogs are allowed in all parts of the hotel, bar the West dining room and the spa. There are only three dog-friendly rooms available, none of which open directly to the outside. This allows the Twelve to ensure that furry guests have plenty of room, just in case any of them take a dislike to each other. Make sure to get a picture of your pooch on the mini sofa in the stairwell.
Kerry
Randles Hotel
Randles Hotel on the Muckross Road in Killarney, and adjoining sister property Dromhall Hotel are both dog-friendly, making them a good option when touring the Kingdom. Dogs are not allowed in public areas, but can be left in the room while dining.
Sheen Falls Lodge
The luxurious Sheen Falls Lodge welcomes dogs in selected rooms or the individual lodges, but note that dogs are not allowed in the public areas of the hotel. Thankfully, there is lots of space for walks in the grounds. Watch out though for the hotel cats.
Kildare
Carton House
When Carton House first reopened as a Fairmount property, dogs were not allowed in public areas in the main hotel, and could not be left unaccompanied in the rooms. This left us with a choice of dining outdoors, or down in the Clubhouse.
Since then, they’ve relaxed slightly and dogs are now allowed in the main lobby area, but the rule about being unaccompanied in rooms remains. On the plus side, the very elegant rooms have direct outdoor access and beds, treats and bowls are provided. The grounds are fantastic for walking and if you’re in the mood, there is the Morrison Room restaurant, newly awarded its first Michelin star.
Kilkenny
Legan Castle Farmhouse
This isn’t a hotel, but Legan Castle is a gorgeous country farmhouse location outside Thomastown that is well worth checking out. Only the Guest Suite option is dog-friendly, but this beautiful stone-flagged space comes with a private entrance, access to a hot tub, lots of room, plus an outdoor terrace for evening drinks and barbecues.
Limerick
The Mustard Seed
Well known as a cosy destination for food lovers, the Mustard Seed offers several dog-friendly rooms with direct outdoor access. The rooms come set up for dogs with wooden floors, throws on the sofas, dog bed and bowls. There’s plenty of outdoor space for walks, and dogs are also allowed in the public spaces (not the restaurant) with their owners. My top tip is to fit by the open fire and relax with your buddy.
Mayo
The Lodge at Ashford Castle
Ashford Castle is one of the big names in the luxury hotel scene and does welcome dogs, but I personally think that the Lodge at Ashford Castle is the better option when travelling with your pet. Many rooms have easy access to the outside, and come with bed, bowls and treats. Dogs are not supposed to left alone in rooms, but it does have the Gallery, a dedicated space for dog-owners to dine with their dog, as well as listen to live music in the evening. If you do want to head out for dinner, say to the George V in the main castle, the hotel will help arrange a local dog-sitter to come to your room.
Tipperary
Cashel Palace
Super luxurious and home to Michelin one star restaurant, The Bishop’s Buttery, Cashel Palace welcomes dogs in its Garden Wing ground floor rooms and the Gate Lodge. While dogs are not allowed in the public areas, you can bring them to the terraces or outdoor spaces for a drink or meal. We stayed at the Gate Lodge, and were super impressed by the dog bed, bowls and treats provided, as well as the range of Tipperary snacks and drinks for the humans.
Waterford
Cliff House Hotel
Like many hotels, Cliff House Hotel does not allow dogs in public areas, but they are welcome on the outside terrace for meals and drinks, weather permitting. Rooms do not have direct access to the outside, but they are nearby to the underground garage for access to the outside. Staff are wonderfully friendly to dogs with Clara snagging many sneaky pats.
The Strand Inn
A classic sea-side inn, the Strand Inn sits atop the Dunmore East beach and cove. Dogs are welcome in the rooms to the rear of the hotel, with direct access to the outside. While not allowed in the main dining room, they are welcome everywhere else.
Westmeath
Glasson Lakehouse
Doggy rooms at Glasson Lakehouse come with all the trimmings, bowls, beds and treats. Our room had direct access to the outside, and we could dine inside with Clara in the lobby area.
Wexford
Marlfield House
On the outskirts of Gorey, Marlfield House is a lovely base for the south east. The 40 acre grounds offer nice short walks, while there are loads of beaches within driving distance. Dogs are not to be left unattended in rooms and are not allowed in public indoor areas. There are also lots of cats, dogs, ducks, ponies and even a peacock, so keep an eye out.
Wicklow
BrookLodge & Macreddin Village
Located an hour away from Dublin, BrookLodge is a lovely spot set amidst stunning nature. Dogs are welcomed with beds, bowls and treats, and they are allowed in the bar area after the end of food service. But it’s the lovely grounds that offer the real treat, with hens and even deer making an appearance.
Saving all of these for future ref 🐾
What a great list -- have you been to Mount Congreve Gate Lodge yet? Very accommodating for dogs!