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• Dog-friendly cottages in Ireland with a garden

Dog friendly self-catering cottages in Ireland

Attracted by the lure of secluded holiday homes in Ireland where dogs are welcome and have acres of countryside? If you're travelling across via ferry from England, bringing the whole family can be a relatively easy process. Don't leave your dog behind in expensive kennels. Most of us hate to leave our furry family members behind and some dogs panic away from their owners, sulking for days upon your return. Free of charge on many ferry lines, and a quick crossing of just over 3 hours, your dog can be on the road, getting off the road and exploring new Irish territories alongside you.

View dogs welcome cottages in Ireland

The Irish are a friendly nation and love dogs

It isn't hard to travel with your dog and you will feel and look more like a local as you walk around town unless you wear a Union Jack T-shirt. And it is amazing how easy it is to make friends when accompanied by a dog in Ireland. The Irish are similar to the British in that they adore dogs and most people will stop and talk. Just ensure your dog is up to date with all vaccinations, and that he holds a valid passport in order to cross borders.

Dogs welcome Irish country cottages

Once in Ireland, many countryside cottages are pet-friendly and often at no additional cost. The owners are most likely to be pet owners themselves and can advise you in excellent local spots to walk your dog and grab a bite to eat.  You might prefer finding a pet-friendly holiday home within walking distance of a pub since a holiday in Ireland has to include a visit or two to hear Irish banter and a few cheerful songs.

Galway’s coast is superb for holidays with dogs

Galway, on the West coast of Ireland, is an ideal base for touring the West and offers dog-friendly, close to the beach accommodation, albeit the colder Atlantic water may not be to everyone’s liking, although dogs never seem to mind. The landscape offers great walking, with breathtaking coastal views in a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. Galway is a hub of activity with lively pubs, independent shops and walks along friendly cobblestone streets.

Perhaps a little further inland, where rolling green hills are dotted with white sheep, country lanes made narrow from overgrown hedges are a near hazard to drive along, and resting your head in a kitted out barn conversion is more to your style.  Just check whether dogs are permitted and how many if you have more than one. Driving around Ireland offers a vast show of the most lush of green landscapes, a curious and enchanting culture, and a relaxed way to spend a family vacation. 

If it is scenery you want, another great place to visit in the Republic of Ireland is the Ring of Kerry. The Kerry coast is heavily indented and has hundreds of small coves where dogs can be allowed off lead without upsetting anyone.

No need to ever leave your dog behind again, as holiday homes are becoming more and more open to inviting the whole family to stay.  A surprising number of people own dogs and self-catering holidays are the most convenient form of holiday accommodation.  With so many open, green spaces, a relaxed, warm and down to earth local attitude and so attractions to visit, make Ireland a next, must-see destination. Take a look at our offers for pet-friendly cottages in Ireland see where you would like to stay with your dogs.