The Lodge at Ashford Castle

A trip to Ireland is often planned with a view to being out in its rugged nature and enjoying country pursuits. With this in mind, it seems like a no-brainer to pack the dog too! Thankfully there are several hotels that are more than happy to put up your pooch as well. However, to ensure you get everything you want from your holiday our hotel experts have collated the best pet-friendly hotels in Ireland. Whether it is access to glorious walking country or a family-friendly hotel you are looking for, we have something for everyone. So why not browse through our top picks of the best dog-friendly hotels in Ireland and start planning your trip?

For the walks

Lough Bawn House

  • Lough Bawn House is a charming traditional country house overlooking Lough Bawn. A top pick for the cosy interiors, hearty homemade breakfast, and beautiful walking country dotted with pristine lakes.
  • Lough Inagh Lodge is another lough side offering. Traditional interiors are completed with roaring fireplaces and an extensive library. Step out from the property and find miles of beautiful walks along the Western Way.
  • The Lodge at Ashford Castle is a picturesque country hotel, overlooking Lough Corrib in Co. Mayo. With endless rolling hills and lakes to explore in the area, this is a walker's (and dog's) paradise.

For proximity to a National Park

Randles Hotel

  • Randles Hotel is a luxurious hotel set in the town of Killarney which borders Killarney National park. Interiors are charmingly traditional and the spa and fine-dining restaurant are a real plus after a day spent in the great outdoors.
  • Rathmullan House is a charming boutique hotel surrounded by forests, with lawns rolling down to the shores of the Lough Swilly. Set within the Glenveagh National Park, this rural escape is topped with the addition of a pool, tennis court, and two restaurants.

For a spa

Lough Eske Castle Hotel

  • Lough Eske Castle Hotel is everything one could want from a castle. Grand both inside and out, placed in a beautiful rural setting, and benefitting from a superb fine-dining restaurant. Best yet, there is a spa for true indulgence (and, of course, the fact you can bring your beloved four legged friends too).

For the whole family

Castlemartyr Resort

  • Castlemartyr Resort is an ideal choice for those travelling with a few extra additions than just the family pet! The resort is set in 220 acres and the grounds include a golf course, a spa, and a wide choice of outdoor pursuits - a spot with something to keep everyone happy.
  • Gregans Castle Hotel is an 18th-century manor house hotel set in a scenic spot along the Wild Atlantic Way. Boasting an award-winning restaurant the hotel is also very family friendly, some rooms even have a small private garden area, to keep the children entertained as much as the dog!

Dublin with a dog

Dylan

  • The Dylan is Dublin’s funkiest hotel. Interiors are bold (yet tasteful), there is a superb contemporary restaurant, and rooms come with a number of high-tech additions. However, it is not only humans that will be spoilt here - small dogs are welcomed here. Beds and bowls can be organised in the room as can a personal walker!

Still not sure?

The 9 Best Pet Friendly Hotels in Ireland

Dylan

Dublin (Ballsbridge)

Dublin’s funkiest hotel. Bold colours of scarlet red and lime green are exaggerated by contemporary Baroque flourishes - extravagant patterns and oversized furniture. Sleek, more neutral bedrooms with all the high-techery and sophisticated meeting rooms - a lavish spot for business or pleasure.

  • Sights nearby - Head to James's Gate and take a tour of the Guinness Brewery, fascinating and includes a pint in the panoramic Skybar.
  • Great walks - Wander through leafy Georgian Dublin to St. Stephens Green, a charming central park complete with swan filled pond.
  • Full of character
  • Opulent
from $274 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Gregans Castle Hotel

County Clare (County Clare)

18th-century manor house hotel with literary connections within a scenic national park in Western Ireland. Rooms have stylish contemporary decor and views are sublime. Very family friendly, some rooms even have a small private garden area, and dogs are welcome too.

  • Child friendly - There are a selection of family rooms some with direct access to their own garden area.
  • Foodies - 3 AA Rosette standard fine dining.
  • Outstanding location
  • Sights nearby
from $247 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Lough Inagh Lodge

County Galway (Connemara)

Cosy country house. Traditional bedrooms have armchairs, great views and floral furnishings. Fireplace and book-filled lounges. Good seafood and wild game dishes from the restaurant and welcoming bar.

  • Country Escape - On the shores of Lough Inagh, with fishing, country walks and outstanding views
  • Great walks - Along Western Way which commences in Oughterard and goes to Westport via Leenane
  • Fishing - In the two Loughs, Derryclare and Inagh for salmon, sea trout and brown trout
  • Four poster beds
from $178 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Lough Eske Castle Hotel & Spa

County Donegal

A magnificent castle set amidst the abundant beauty of rural Donegal. Rooms are luxurious and spacious, adorned with comfortable, tasteful furnishings. In the day unwind in the hotel's extensive spa and at night enjoy delicious locally sourced seafood in the Cedars Grill. A rural Irish gem.

  • Families - The perfect spot for a rural getaway, with plenty of space and lots of activities to keep the little ones busy!
  • Local exploring - In a superb location on the shores of Lough Eske and only a ten minute drive from the town.
  • Spa - Cara Organic Beauty Spa with thermal suite, infinity pool and extensive range of restorative treatments.
  • Fishing - Great place for fishing, bring your catch back to the hotel and learn how to cook from the experts!
from $199 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Rathmullan House

County Donegal (Rathmullan)

A charming boutique hotel surrounded by forests, with lawns rolling down to the shores of the Lough Swilly. Rooms are decorated in traditional-style with high ceilings, period furniture, fireplaces and elegant interiors. With a choice of two restaurants,a bar, a pool and tennis court.

  • Back to Nature - In the beautiful Glenveagh National Park, with lush greenery rolling down to Lough Swilly and the blue hills of Inishowen.
  • Hideaway - An elegant and chic country retreat with splendid grounds, swimming pool and fantastic food.
  • On the beach - Rathmullan beach is one of the finest in Donegal and can be access directly from the garden!
  • Great walks - Take a hike into the mountains or walk along the beach.
from $189 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The Lodge at Ashford Castle

County Mayo

A picturesque country hotel, overlooking Lough Corrib in Co. Mayo. The splendid rooms are lavishly decorated with beautiful beds and woven carpets. Try your hand at fishing on the lake or enjoy a round of golf before returning for a delicious meal at Wilde's. A great location for weddings.

  • Weddings - Offering a bespoke wedding service, stunning interiors and epic views- it's a picturesque spot to get married.
  • Country Escape - The perfect countryside escape- set amidst the rolling rugged landscape and lakes of Mayo.
  • Fishing - Excellent trout fishing on the nearby Lough Corrib.
  • Sights nearby - Seven miles from the historic Raunaskerra Ringfort.
from $284 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Randles Hotel

Killarney (Killarney)

A luxurious hotel set in the town of Killarney which borders Killarney National park. Traditionally dressed rooms feature a choice selection of antiques set with chintz fabrics. A spoiling spa will soothe any aching muscles from an activity-filled day and the fine-dining restaurant is a real treat.

  • Country Escape - With fine-dining, an indulgent spa and easy access to the national park this is a luxury country break
  • Great walks - Explore the numerous hiking trails through the mountains of the national park
  • Spa - Zen Day Spa offers a wide range of holistic treatments and massages.
  • Kayaking - Admire the coastline on a kayak from the sea
from $128 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Lough Bawn House

County Westmeath

A picturesque country house set in a secluded spot overlooking Lough Bawn. Four traditional rooms are simply dressed with soft hues and antiques while large sash windows offer spectacular views. The host whips up superb breakfasts and there's miles walking country right on the doorstep.

  • Country Escape - A charming country house boasting a spectacular rural setting dotted with picturesque lakes
  • Great walks - Ramble thorugh the beech tree forest at Mullaghmeen
  • Full of character
  • Lakeside
from $154 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Castlemartyr Resort

County Cork

A luxury family-friendly offering set within 220 acres of spectacular countryside in County Cork. Spacious rooms are traditionally styled and feature indulgent marble bathrooms complete with White Company products. A spoiling spa, golf course and choice of restaurants complete the picture.

  • Country Escape - A sprawling estate offering luxury accommodation and outdoor pursuits abound. An indulgent rural escape
  • Golf - Play a round on the property's own Ron Kirby designed 18-hole links style course
  • Great walks - Take a walk along one of the three marked trails (the hotel's resident dogs will happily accompany guests)
  • Spa - There are 10 treatment rooms and a couples's suite, plus vitality lounge, pool, sauna....
from $165 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Written by Katie Harris

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