Travelling with a dog: IN Ireland
Let me be honest - I never thought it would be so hard to find good and friendly accommodation for us and the dog. I’m not an expert when it comes to travelling with dogs in Ireland but I’m going to share everything I’ve experienced.
Before you continue reading - if you’re not living in Ireland you might be interested in my blog post about Travelling to Ireland with a dog before reading this one.
Exploring and hiking with a dog
Hiking is so much more fun with a dog. Keep in mind that some walking ways don’t allow dogs (even if on a leash), if they cross other people’s land (watch out for any signs). There are many many great hikes where you can bring your dog though.
Connemara National Park is one of the most spectacular places to hike with your dog.
You can also bring your dog if you’re travelling to the Aran Islands (Aran Island Ferries and the Doolin ferry are both dog-friendly).
Gleninchaquin Park near Kenmare is not only one of the most beautiful and charming small parks in Ireland but it’s also dog-friendly. Check out our blog post about the Beara Peninsula if you like to know more about the area.
Take your dog for a short hike around Conor Pass on the Dingle Peninsula. Neala loves it and the views are amazing from up there (although Neala doesn’t care at all about the views, I guess). Keep your dog on a leash as there are always sheep around. Check out this blog post to read more about the area.
Keep your dog on a leash when there are many people and/or livestock around. I keep even a well-behaved dog like Neala on the leash every time we’re in crowded areas, crossing other people’s land or are near sheep, cattle, horses etc. Not because I don’t trust Neala, but everyone reacts calmer, trust me. And most of all - farmers are entitled to shoot uncontrolled dogs.
Many pubs and restaurants now allow dogs. This used to be different but changed in recent years. Please just ask and even if dogs aren’t allowed indoors, you usually are allowed to sit outside and enjoy your drink or lunch together with your dog there.
Where to stay with a dog?
It isn’t easy to find good accommodation for you and your pawsome friend. My father has family in Denmark and we often went on holidays there with a dog in the past. I had expected Ireland to be similar pet-friendly when it comes to holiday accommodation but… nope. It is hard to find good and pet-friendly self-catering cottages and after staying at more than 15 airbnbs in the past years, I’d recommend only a handful of those to you. But although they aren’t many, they are great ones out there, especially hotels.
Airbnb has a great pet-filter that allows you do find properties that are dog-friendly. Read the description provided by the owner though, please. Some charge extra (which is ok for me) and some only allow dogs in specific rooms (only in the kitchen, utility…), which would be impossible for us with Neala always being by my side. Send a message to the owner of your airbnb/B&B before booking to ask whether it’s ok to bring your dog (yes, I do this even if it says pet friendly). Tell them about your dog (name, what kind of dog, age) so they know what to expect.
As we usually stay more than just a few days in one place, I prefer renting a quiet self catering cottage. Neala has more time to settle in that way and she’s calmer and less stressed. Still, “moving days” are super stressful for her and probably for most dogs as well. Keep that in mind when planning.
To browse through my recommendations of where to stay with your dog, read the blog post here .
My (and Neala’s) Tips
Keep your dog on a leash when there are many people and/or livestock around. I keep even a well behaved dog like Neala on the leash every time we’re in crowded areas, crossing other people’s land or are near sheep, cattle, horses etc.
Don’t forget to take scoop bags/poo bags/dog waste bags with you, especially if you’re exploring cities/towns and tourist hotspots.
Remove dog waste from the garden of the airbnb/B&B (…) you’re staying at.
Send a message to the owner of your airbnb/B&B before booking to ask whether it’s ok to bring your dog (yes, I do this even if it says pet friendly). Tell them about your dog (name, what kind of dog, age) so they know what to expect.
Clean the house. Even if cleaning is included, I make sure that there are no dog hair, dirty paw prints (and so on) left behind.
Think through what you’re going to do with your dog when you can’t bring him/her with you, e.g. on boat trips, museums. Maybe bring a collapsible dog crate just to be sure your dog won’t destroy anything when left in the house. Check for doggy daycare options near your hotel/airbnb in case you fancy a day at the spa or somewhere you can’t take your dog at all.
Check who and where the next vet (and vet clinic) is, just in case.
Give your dog their own dedicated (and comfortable) space in your car and always give them access to fresh water.
Don’t forget your dog’s “bathroom needs” on long drives and stop for a (short) walk every now and then. If you like to speed things up, teach your dog a command like “go now” (Neala’s command is “time to pee”).
Bring your dog’s bed or blanket as it makes them feel at home and they relax more easily in new surroundings.
When we arrive at a new property, I explore the garden and house on my own first while Neala is still in the car. I bring most of our stuff into the house and put her toys and her blanket(s) in the living room (or wherever is best). I have her water bowl and a snack ready for her. Then we usually explore together - first the garden and then the house, room by room. Followed by a play time and then it’s time for a break for her to give her the time to explore the house and the new surroundings on her own.
And, most of all, enjoy the time and the adventures with your pawsome best friend. Dogs are amazing and so much better than us hoomans, so let’s enjoy the precious time with them!
Etta x