My favourite airbnbs and dog-friendly hotels in Ireland
There’s been a 2023 update! Visit my blog post >> here << to get to my updated list of dog friendly airbnbs in Ireland!
I’m not going to make it look nicer than it is: finding a good AND dog-friendly airbnb or hotel in Ireland can be so damn hard. Disappointing. Trial and error. Like opening the cookie jar after a long and exhausting day and realising someone else has had the last cookie already. You get it?
There have been ups and downs over the past years but I can tell you there are some pretty awesome gems out there.
As I’m often asked for recommendations when it comes to airbnbs and pet-friendly hotels, I thought it would be nice for you to have a blog post where I collect ALL the links. So here we go!
airbnb
If my two collie girls and I are not staying in West Cork or with friends, I’ve booked most of the self catering cottages through airbnb so far.
What I really like about airbnb:
their filter “pets allowed” is great when you’re looking for pet friendly houses / B&Bs (be sure to double check though)
more pet friendly options than other platforms or hotels
you can really feel at home
the houses and options are unique and nearly endless
insider knowledge and great tips from some of the hosts
full house experience - most of the houses we’ve stayed at had amazingly well equipped kitchens and cooking was so much fun there
the customer service is great (from what I have experienced in the past years)
Be sure to read the cancellation policy properly and check the house rules before booking.
My recommendations are based on our experiences and on what I like and on what is important to me and the dogs. What’s great for us isn’t automatically great for you. You might need different things than we do - pet friendly, +2 bedrooms and wifi are non-negotiable for me but that might not be the case for you. Enjoy my recommendations though, they are real gems!
DINGLE PENINSULA
Clifftop House near Dingle Town - Remember the amazing video about the Dingle Cliffs and mydaily sea view instagram stories in November and December of 2019? That’s where we were staying back then! The house is amazing and the view is spectacular. The garden is secure and the house is pet friendly. I can’t recommend it enough.
Sands Cottage near Castlegregory - And again, a smile crosses my face when I think back to this house. The garden is amazing (and huge for an airbnb) and Neala & Dana absolutely loved it there. It’s peaceful, quiet and secure and the house is brilliant. The property manager was kind and very helpful and although it doesn’t have the views of houses like Clifftop, I can highly recommend staying here, too. You can walk to the beach in just a few minutes and that’s exactly what we did every morning and every evening.
Panorama in Cloghane - Goals! The views are spectacular here: Conor Pass, Mount Brandon, Cloghane and Brandon Bay, just to name the best of it. The the house is located in a peaceful and private surrounding. We loved sitting in the sunroom, enjoying the views and watching the sheep in the fields around the house. It’s perfect for children (at least I would have loved it there as a child) and if you need a big house/several bedrooms during your stay, this is it.
Little Liss Cottage in Cloghane - With great views on Brandon Bay and Brandon Pier, this lovely little cottage is a real gem in Cloghane. It’s bright and well equipped and Brandon Point and Fermoyle Beach aren’t far away. Be sure to visit Murphy’s Bar in Brandon, it’s a must-see on the Dingle Peninsula!
WEST CORK
Can’t beat West Cork, especially in summer! Moving back to Beara has been THE BEST decision ever and I’m sure you’re going to love it here too. There’s so much to do and see and there a few pretty pawsome airbnbs here.
A gorgeous and cosy country cottage, pet friendly, in walking distance of Pulleen Harbour and Dunboy Castle and located only 5 km outside of Castletownbere. It’s the perfect airbnb for families and couples to relax und unwind. The hosts are incredibly welcoming, kind and friendly.
Coulagh Bay Cottage is a pretty, detached cottage at a stunning location. Expect spectacular views, looking out to the sea, overlooking Coulagh Bay. The cottage is pet friendly and the hosts very friendly and welcoming. Get ready to spend a quiet, relaxing, amazing time here.
This modern and gorgeous apartment is located right in the heart of Castletownbere. Pet friendly, with two bedrooms, a private back yard and a lovely interior, this is the perfect airbnb for everyone who likes to be in walking distance of all the restaurants, pubs and activities but still wants to unwind after a long and exciting day in Beara.
Cosy Seaside Cottage Baltimore
My favourite airbnb in the Mizen / Baltimore area. The hosts are fun and great people and the Airbnb is dog friendly. I love how they managed to combine the soul of an old cottage and their cool, welcoming interior style.
And here are some great dog-friendly hotels in Ireland:
Dromana House, overlooking the River Blackwater, is just one hour from Cork and offers self-catering accommodation year round. The River Duplex is dog friendly.
Waterford Castle Resort has lodges that are dog friendly. Please contact reception prior to booking for more information.
Cliff House Hotel near Ardmore goes the extra mile and provides homemade dog treats. You can go for long clifftop walks or swim in the sea with your pawsome friend. Dogs are welcome on the Terrace but are not allowed in the restaurant or bar areas. Pre-book to make sure dog friendly rooms are available.
The trendy Malmaison (e.g. in Belfast) welcomes well behaved dogs to all their properties.
The Fullerton Arms and Guesthouse believe dogs are part of the family (love this!) and have dog friendly rooms. They even have tasty treats for your dog at the bar. It’s an ideal location for a stay on the North Coast of Ireland.
The Marine Hotel in Ballycastle offers dog friendly rooms and your four legged friend can even join you in a special area for dining. Dog facilities include a dog bowl, a blanket and treats. (And they are even a dog friendly wedding venue - goals!)
The Twelve Hotel in Galway is going an extra extra mile for your dog. They are a pioneer when it comes to being a dog friendly hotel and we loved our stay here. It is one of the most dog friendly hotels in Ireland and the rooms are amazing. You’ll receive a welcome “doggie bag” upon arrival which includes a tay, treat and clean-up bags. The pet lobby deserves to be famous with its toys, water bowls, bones, leashes and towels. Another great advantage for us hoomans: the gluten free options are divine. I highly recommend it.
Last but not least, the Dunloe Hotel & Gardens is another great dog friendly hotel. Overlooking the famous Gap of Dunloe near Killarney, the location itself is spectacular. It’s one of the finest luxury hotels in Ireland and has it all. They offer dog friendly rooms (and kennels) but be sure to pre-book them. Your dog gets a welcome pack as well and the 20 acres of gardens are amazing for long walks.
If you still have questions, feel free to send me a mail or DM on instagram and let’s get those answered.
Happy and pawsome planning, friend
Etta x