Dog-friendly means different things to different places. Each property sets its own guidelines around hosting doggy guests, from the kind of breeds welcomed to house rules and charges.

Some hotels proudly display their dog policy online, but websites aren’t always updated with current pet policies. Many properties have a limited number of dog-friendly rooms which book out quickly in peak season and school holidays. Some hotels charge a cleaning or damage deposit.

The only foolproof way to ensure your pet can check-in with you is to be organised and ring or email before making your booking in advance of travel. Confirm your chosen property is currently dog-friendly and can accommodate your breed. Ask about additional fees, dog access within the property and whether your pet may stay in a room unattended. Then it’s time to pack your lead, favourite pet food and dog bed and hit the road!

1| The Twelve, Co Galway

Four-legged friends are made to feel as welcome as humans at The Twelve, a this stylish dog-friendly Galway hotel just a 20-minute drive from the city centre. At check-in, pets receive a welcome doggy bag with treats, poo bags and a soft toy. There’s a dog bed in your room, a map of local areas perfect for walks and a special dog menu. You may leave your pet in your bedroom – one of three Pet Suites – and dogs are welcome in all areas including The Pins Gastro Bar, lobby and outdoor terrace. There's no additional charge for bringing along your pup. 

Photo credit: @thetwelvehotel / @daisymaygalvin

2| The Wyatt Hotel, Co Mayo

A popular overnight stop along the Wild Atlantic Way, Westport is a lively seaside town with great dining and attractions. Stay in the central Wyatt Hotel with its dog-friendly rooms and you’ll have access to miles of walks along the Great Western Greenway, where dogs can be walked on short leads. 

Each dog-friendly room sleeps two to three guests, with a special doggy bed for your pet. As pets aren’t allowed in the main part of the property, these rooms have direct exterior access on the lower ground floor so they can easily be taken outside. All breeds are welcome, with a nightly charge of €25.

3| Dunmore House Hotel, Co Cork

A smart coastal retreat in colourful Clonakilty, the family-run Dunmore House Hotel is a dog-friendly hotel in West Cork offering great indoor and outdoor space for furry friends. Dogs are welcome everywhere except the Michelin-recommended Adrift restaurant. If you’d prefer not to leave your dog unattended in your bedroom, the staff will happily serve your breakfast in the lounge, where your pet can sit with you.

Offering five pet-friendly rooms on the ground floor, each has a tiled floor with underfloor heating and a step-out balcony. Two to three dogs can be accommodated for free in each, with organic dog treats and a 30-acre farm for outdoor fun.

4| Muckross Park Hotel & Spa, Co Kerry

Kerry’s spectacular scenery makes it a popular spot with dog owners, with long beaches, mountains and parks ideal for walks. Muckross Park Hotel & Spa in Killarney welcomes miniature or toy dog breeds in its pet-friendly apartments and offers a Pet Concierge Service. Upon check-in, you’ll find dog food and a water bowl in your apartment, plus a welcoming doggy bag with toy and treats. Dogs are not permitted in the food or beverage areas and shouldn’t be left unattended in apartments; a dog walking and dog sitting service is available at €15 per hour (payable in cash direct to the sitter/walker). Dog grooming can also be arranged.

Your Pet Concierge has the scoop on everything from vets to favourite walks in Killarney. A €30 charge applies for the first night with a €10 charge for any additional nights, with one dog permitted per apartment.

5| The Mustard Seed at Echo Lodge, Co Limerick

For a relaxing country house stay, The Mustard Seed offers cosy and comfy dog-friendly accommodation in Limerick. Close to the pretty village of Adare, the atmospheric Victorian hideaway can accommodate individual dogs in two pet-friendly bedrooms: The Garden Suite and The Courtyard Mews, both with direct outdoor access. There’s no extra charge and furry friends will enjoy exploring the 10-acre gardens of manicured lawns, an orchard and working kitchen garden.

Dogs are allowed to stay in your bedroom whilst you eat (and dinner is always a highlight).

6| Ocean Sands Hotel, Co Sligo

Book into the Ocean Sands Hotel in Enniscrone and you’ll receive a special pet passport in advance of your stay outlining all the fun in store at this beachside dog-friendly hotel. With eight dog-friendly rooms (all ground floor), self-catering apartments with patios and a dedicated doggy dining area, you just need to request a pet-friendly room when booking. A charge of €15 per night per dog applies, with a maximum of two dogs per room. Dogs are also allowed to stay in the room for short periods unattended.

Pets must be well-trained, well-mannered and up to date with all standard vaccinations. The number of big dogs staying is limited for guests’ comfort, with dogs on the Restricted Breeds list not allowed.

Photo credit: @oceansandshotelsligo

7| Bellinter House, Co Meath 

A great base for exploring the Boyne Valley, Meath’s Bellinter House is a handsome boutique hotel that welcomes dogs at no extra charge. The refurbished country house’s atmospheric Stable Rooms accommodate dogs, two at any time, and your furry friend is welcome to join you for outdoor dining.

Pets may be left alone in your room when you’re onsite, perhaps dining or enjoying a spa treatment, and all breeds are welcome, though you’ll need to pack their bed, accoutrements and dog food for this cosy Georgian retreat.

Photo credit: @miss_bobbie_the_frenchie_

8| Fairmont Carton House, Co Kildare

Think your pet deserves a little five-star luxury? Fairmont Carton House in Kildare is ready to roll out the red carpet for pampered pooches at a charge of €50 a night. The luxurious dog-friendly resort will lay out a bowl, treats and mat in your room. When outside of their room, dogs must be kept on a lead and can’t be left alone, though dog-minding services can be booked so you can enjoy a round of golf, an elegant dinner or a trip to the spa.

While not permitted in public areas, your pet can join you on the terrace at The Carriage House and The Courtyard Bar. The maximum dog size permitted is standard Labrador size.

Photo credit: @lornamullins

9| Gleesons Townhouse, Co Roscommon

A restored 19th century townhouse in Roscommon makes a great pet-friendly stop when travelling to the county with a dog. Family-run, Gleesons Townhouse welcomes dogs in the bedrooms and has designated tables in the reception area for dining. Your pet may also be left for a limited period in your room.

You’ll need to bring all your dog’s accessories, from bowl to bed, and up to two dogs may stay per room. Interesting walks close by include Loughnaneane Park and Cloonlarge Bog Walk.

10| Fuchsia Lane Farm, Co Tipperary

Home to a friendly dog, Fuchsia Lane Farm loves to welcome furry playmates for Jessie, the resident border collie. With four self-catering cottages - the largest accommodating eight guests - and close to Terryglass village and Lough Derg, there’s lots to do in this peaceful, picturesque corner of North Tipperary.

Dogs stay free, ideally just one per cottage, and they must be socialised and friendly. With large gardens and long farm walks, dogs must be kept on a lead when other guests are around. You’ll receive advice on which fields are safe to let them run free. You can’t leave your pet alone in the cottage but they may be left in the stables for an hour or two, if needed.

Photo credit: @fuchsialanefarm

11| Glasson Lakehouse, Co Westmeath

Modern, spacious and stylish, Glasson Lakehouse is a dog-friendly resort with activities for everyone. The spa, heated outdoor pool and golf course are relaxing perks on top of a leafy lakeside location and dog-friendly guest rooms. Dog owners can dine with their pets in the lobby, and hotel staff provide a doggy bed, bowl, and treats to keep tails wagging!

There’s a €20 supplement for each of the four doggy rooms, accommodating one pet each, which you can leave unattended for short periods. Certain large breeds are not allowed and dogs must be kept on a lead and kept away from the golf course.

Many dog-friendly hotels refuse restricted breeds, as listed under the Control of Dogs Act 1986. Always check breed restrictions with any dog-friendly property before booking a room.