Very Important Pets: 10 dog friendly hotels around Ireland

When travelling with your beloved pooch, you want them to be as cared for and relaxed as you are.

Dog friendly hotels have entered a league of their own, with everything from special dog menus to designated dog concierges just some of the ways hotels are trying to draw in pet lovers.

While many hotels now allow dogs, the services and amenities they provide can differ significantly – as well as the cost of hosting your fur baby. Some hotels lavish them with as much pampering as they do their regular guests, while others require you to provide your own bedding, food and more. Researching hotels that best suit your needs is key.

Here, we've rounded up some of the best and most unusual dog-friendly spots around Ireland, so that on your next staycation your furry friend doesn't have to stay at home.

The Twelve Hotel, Co Galway

Although known as a destination hotel for wine lovers, The Twelve Hotel in Barna is arguably better known as one of the most beloved pet friendly hotels in the country. A firm favourite with travellers, the hotel has three exclusive Pet Suites, and there's no extra cost for pets, just a €50 deposit per night.

Upon arrival each pooch will receive a welcome 'doggie bag', a pet menu, doggie room service, food and water bowl and enjoy the pet lobby with toys, leashes and towels. A pet concierge is on hand to assist with walking or sitting, and the surrounding grounds will keep your pets well occupied.

Sneem Hotel, Co Kerry

Located on the scenic Ring of Kerry, Sneem Hotel is a serene hideaway, offering both comfortable hotel rooms and self-catering apartments. Its pet policy is also delightfully straight forward, ideal for those who are travelling with pets for the first time.

The hotel welcomes all pets of any size, weight or breed free of charge, as long as they're well-behaved. Only one pet is allowed in each room and pets are not allowed in indoor spaces such as the restaurant or bar. Owners must provide bedding and food and pre-booking is advised. See their full policy here.

CABÜ by the Lakes, Co Cavan

Nestled in the lush woods of Killykeen Forest Park, on the shores of Lough Oughter, CABÜ by the Lakes is a scenic, immersive getaway that has an appreciation of nature at its heart. With that in mind, it's no wonder they're an extremely dog friendly resort.

Featuring a range of luxurious cabins and lofts, and outdoor activities such as cycling, fishing, Japanese sauna and kayak safari, there's plenty to keep you busy. Dog friendly cabins are available when prebooking, and feature dog pillows. Dogs can also be left unattended in your room and can join you at the outdoor dining spots.

Castlemartyr Resort, Co Cork

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If your dog thinks she's a VIP, give her the princess treatment at Castlemartyr Resort. The 5-star resort is already recognised as one of the country's most luxurious hotels, but as the winner of the Gold Medal Award for the best pet-friendly hotel in Ireland in 2019 it's also a certified haven for your four-legged friends.

They offer rooms with private garden access, or you can book the luxury Orchard Residence within the original walled garden, which costs an additional €20 per night. Doggies get a welcome package as well as bedding, and a pet concierge is on hand with information about dog walking, sitters and more. They can't be left in the room on their own, and owners need to bring their own dog food. For the full pet policy, read here.

dylan Hotel, Dublin

As Dublin's only 5-star boutique hotel, the dylan is a luxurious spot in the heart of the city centre outfitted with plush rooms and stylish bars, all in a historic building. You'll often see pooches sauntering through the bar and lobby and a staff member proffering a bowl of water.

The hotel allows domesticated pets that are trained and well-behaved, and those under 20kg. With only a few pet friendly rooms available, it's best to book in advance.

Gregans Castle, Co Clare

This stately 18th manor house is located near the Burren and has become a must-visit spot for eco-friendly travel. Among the guests to visit the cosy manor were JRR Tolkien, Seamus Heaney and Sean Scully, and the resident cats – Lady and Basil – keep the place in ship shape so your doggie would be in good company.

A number of ground floor rooms have garden access and dog friendly rooms cost an extra €25 per stay. Dogs must not be left unattended in the room and cannot wander unattended through the public areas of the hotel.

Marlfield House, Co Wexford

This grand manor house is set in 36 acres of woodland, ornamental lake, rose, vegetable and herb gardens, giving your pet plenty of smells to sniff out. As well as this, the elegant property has a number of its own pets on the grounds, from dogs and cats, to ponies and George the peacock.

Booking ahead is essential to secure a pet friendly room, which costs an extra €25 per night. Dogs shouldn't be left alone in rooms and owners must provide a dog bed.

The Lodge at Ashford Castle, Co Mayo

When the staff at this luxurious hotel say they cater for pets, they really mean it. A standout perk for guests travelling with pets is the special pet-friendly menu, which is just one of the ways they welcome four-legged friends.

The staff provide a supremely comfortable bed, fluffy towels, duvets, food and water bowls, and a turndown treat for your pet. There is a €25 charge per dog per night, as well as a €500 deposit needed on check-in that is separate to any pre-authorisation for your room.

Beech Hill Country House Hotel, Co Derry

This sprawling country estate, set on 32 acres of woodland, is especially welcoming to pets, with a straight forward policy: they welcome all pets of all sizes as long as they're well behaved. Pet stays cost £30 per stay with a maximum of two dogs per room.

Pooches will be greeted with a Pawsecco or Doggy Beer on arrival, as well as their own cosy blanket, treat & water bowl in our special welcome pack. If you hate the idea of not being able to sneak your dog food from your plate, have no fear: the Sixteen 22 Gastro Pub allows pets to dine or drink with you and you can opt to have breakfast together there, too. Check out their doggie menu here.

The Inn on the Coast, Co Antrim

Welcoming to all dogs, regardless of size or breed, this scenic hotel is a firm favourite with pet lovers. With 10 elected Pet Friendly rooms, all on the ground floor for easy toilet runs and walks, pets are made to feel comfortable with pet goodie bags and complimentary treats and water.

There's also a designated section in the Pub Bistro where you and your pooch can enjoy dinner together, a few drinks and even some live entertainment. You can arrange to bring your dog to breakfast in the morning, and the Beer Garden has special alfresco dining options for guests with dogs. They allow a maximum two dogs per room with a one off charge of £30.00 per stay, booking must be made directly with the hotel.

Very Important Pets: 10 dog friendly hotels around Ireland

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