Planning a trip in 2026 and want to bring your furry friend along? You can find lots of dog-friendly spots in Ireland, like cozy cottages, friendly hotels, and beautiful campsites. If you want a beach getaway, a quiet countryside stay, or a city trip, there are places that welcome both you and your dog. Ireland has lots of parks, trails, and pet-friendly spots, making it great for dog owners who want to explore with their pets. We've put together a list of top dog-friendly holiday spots in Ireland for 2026, including prices and important info.
Quick Comparison: Top Dog-Friendly Holidays in Ireland 2026
- 1. The Old Inn, Doolin — Dog-friendly rooms, local pub, sea views, €120/night
- 2. Glenmalure Lodge, Wicklow — Countryside lodge, dog walking trails, €95/night
- 3. Silver Strand Camping, Donegal — Coastal campsite, dog-friendly pitches, €25/night
- 4. Lough Eske Castle, Donegal — Luxury hotel, dog spa, €250/night
- 5. Ballynahinch Castle, Galway — Historic hotel, dog-friendly grounds, €220/night
- 6. Ashford Castle, Mayo — Premium hotel, outdoor dog activities, €300/night
- 7. The Happy Hooker, Kinsale — Dog-friendly B&B, walking routes, €80/night
- 8. Gleniff Horseshoe Cottages, Sligo — Self-catering cottages, dog walks, €110/night
- 9. Ballybunion Holiday Park, Kerry — Campsite, dog-friendly facilities, €20/night
- 10. The Twelve Hotel, Kilkenny — Boutique hotel, pet-friendly rooms, €140/night
1. The Old Inn, Doolin
Key Features: Traditional Irish inn offering cosy dog-friendly rooms and a lively pub atmosphere. Located just a few minutes’ walk from the famous Cliffs of Moher and several popular dog walking trails such as the Doolin Cliff Walk and the Burren Way.
Pros: The staff at The Old Inn are friendly and make sure dogs feel welcome by offering water bowls and treats. Many rooms offer stunning sea views over Doolin Bay, making it a scenic spot for both you and your dog. The on-site pub is dog-friendly, so you can enjoy a pint with your pet by your side.
Cons: Because it’s a popular spot, especially in the summer months from June to August, the place can get busy. Dog-friendly rooms are limited, so early booking is essential to secure your spot. Noise from the pub can be a downside for light sleepers.
Best For: Dog owners looking for a classic Irish experience near iconic natural landmarks, with lots of walking options right on the doorstep.
Pricing: Dog-friendly rooms start from €120 per night. There’s usually a small additional charge of around €10 per night for pets.
2. Glenmalure Lodge, Wicklow
Key Features: A countryside lodge nestled in the Wicklow Mountains, surrounded by forest and mountain trails perfect for dog walking. The lodge offers spacious rooms and easy access to the Wicklow Way and Glendalough, both famous for scenic hiking routes.
Pros: Glenmalure Lodge is a quiet spot away from the city, perfect for dogs that enjoy nature walks. The staff are known to be dog-friendly, and the lodge offers dog beds and bowls on request. Nightly rates are reasonable for the location, making it great value for outdoor lovers.
Cons: Dining options on-site are limited to breakfast and light snacks. To find a full meal, guests need to drive about 15 minutes to nearby villages with pubs or restaurants. There’s also limited public transport, so a car is recommended.
Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts wanting a quiet, rural spot with plenty of trails to explore with their dogs.
Pricing: Rooms start at €95 per night, with no extra fee for dogs, making it a budget-friendly option.
3. Silver Strand Camping, Donegal
Key Features: A coastal campsite right on the beach at Silver Strand, offering dog-friendly pitches and easy access to sandy shores where dogs can run off-leash during certain hours.
Pros: If you're looking for an affordable outdoor holiday with your dog, this campsite is a great pick. The campsite has spacious pitches and clean facilities, including dog waste stations. It’s open from April through October, with peak season from July to August. The location is excellent for water-loving dogs and owners looking for beach walks.
Cons: Facilities are basic — no electric hookups on dog-friendly pitches and limited showers. It can get busy in summer, so booking in advance is key.
Best For: Camping fans who want a dog-friendly beach holiday without breaking the bank.
Pricing: Pitches cost €25 per night, with a €5 fee per dog.
4. Lough Eske Castle, Donegal
Key Features: A luxury 5-star hotel set in a historic castle estate surrounded by woodlands and lakes. Offers a dedicated dog spa and grooming service, plus dog walking routes on the estate grounds.
Pros: It's ideal for travelers who want to pamper both themselves and their dogs. The hotel provides dog beds, special menus for dogs, and even dog sitting services. The grounds are expansive and secure, ideal for off-leash walks. This hotel restaurant is dog-friendly in outdoor areas.
Cons: Prices are on the higher end starting at €250 per night, and dog spa treatments come at an additional cost. The castle’s grandeur may not suit dogs who are anxious around lots of guests or noise.
That said, best For: Those seeking a pampered holiday experience with their dogs in a stunning setting.
Pricing: Rooms from €250 per night. Dog spa treatments start around €40.
5. Ballynahinch Castle, Galway
Key Features: A historic castle hotel set on a large estate with river and forest grounds. Dogs are welcome throughout the property, including the gardens and some public rooms.
Pros: Offers a unique setting with plenty of space for dogs to roam. The estate is known for its salmon fishing and walking trails. Staff are experienced with dog guests and provide dog bowls and beds. The hotel restaurant allows dogs in designated outdoor areas.
Cons: The castle is a popular wedding venue, so there can be occasional noise during events. Some rooms have restrictions on dogs, so check before booking.
Best For: Dog owners wanting a historic, countryside experience with plenty of outdoor space.
Look, pricing: Rooms begin at €220 per night, with a €15 dog fee per night.
6. Ashford Castle, Mayo
Key Features: One of Ireland’s most famous luxury hotels, Ashford Castle offers premium accommodation and a range of outdoor dog activities including guided nature walks and fly fishing experiences where dogs are welcome.
Pros: Exceptional service with dog welcome packs, special dog menus, and even dog sitting. The grounds are vast, with forest trails and lakeside walks. It’s an excellent spot for dogs that enjoy active outdoor adventures.
Cons: The high-end luxury comes with a steep price tag starting at €300 per night. Not all rooms allow dogs, so early booking and confirmation are necessary.
Best For: Dog owners wanting a top-tier holiday with plenty of activities and pampering for their pets.
Pricing: Rooms from €300 per night, with an additional €25 per night dog fee.
7. The Happy Hooker, Kinsale
Key Features: A charming dog-friendly bed and breakfast located in the picturesque town of Kinsale, known for its food scene and coastal walks. Offers easy access to dog-friendly beaches and harbour walks.
Pros: Friendly hosts who welcome dogs with open arms, including providing dog beds and treats. Walking routes start right from the doorstep, and several local pubs allow dogs in outdoor areas. Rates are affordable for the area.
Cons: Rooms are simple and may not suit those looking for luxury. Breakfast options are limited to standard fare.
Best For: Budget-conscious travellers who want a cosy base in a town with plenty of dog-friendly activities nearby.
Pricing: Rooms from €80 per night with no extra dog charge.
8. Gleniff Horseshoe Cottages, Sligo
Key Features: Self-catering cottages set in a scenic valley known for its dramatic horseshoe-shaped mountain range. The cottages are spacious and dog-friendly, with direct access to hiking and walking trails.
Pros: Ideal for families or groups travelling with dogs who want independence. The cottages are well-equipped with enclosed gardens, making it safe for pets. This surrounding area offers quiet, off-the-beaten-track walks.
Cons: No on-site dining; guests must self-cater or drive to nearby towns. Some trails can be challenging for older dogs.
Best For: Dog owners who prefer self-catering holidays with plenty of outdoor options in a peaceful setting.
Pricing: From €110 per night, no extra dog fee.
9. Ballybunion Holiday Park, Kerry
Key Features: A family-friendly campsite with dog-friendly facilities located near Ballybunion town and its famous beach. Offers pitches for tents, caravans, and campervans.
Pros: Affordable camping option with dog waste bins, water points, and close proximity to dog-friendly beaches. The campsite operates from March to October, with busy summer months requiring advance booking.
Cons: Facilities are basic, and there are no dedicated dog play areas on-site. Limited shade during hot weather.
Best For: Campers and caravanners looking for a budget-friendly, dog-friendly base near the coast.
Pricing: Pitches cost €20 per night, with a €5 dog charge.
10. The Twelve Hotel, Kilkenny
Key Features: A boutique hotel located in the heart of Kilkenny city. Offers stylish, pet-friendly rooms and easy access to city parks and dog walking areas.
Pros: Great for those wanting a city break with their dog. The hotel provides dog beds, bowls, and treats, and has a policy allowing dogs in some public areas. Kilkenny Castle Park is a short walk away, perfect for strolls.
Cons: As a city hotel, outdoor space is limited compared to rural options. Parking can be tight in peak season.
Best For: Dog owners who want a mix of city culture and pet-friendly comfort.
Pricing: Rooms from €140 per night, with a €15 dog fee.
How We Chose
Our rankings are based on a mix of factors: dog-friendly amenities, location, price, and guest reviews from 2023 and early 2024. We prioritised places that go beyond merely allowing dogs — those offering dog-specific services, good access to walking trails, and welcoming staff. We also considered the variety in types of stays, from camping to luxury hotels, to cover different budgets and preferences. Pricing details reflect standard rates for 2026 bookings as of May 2024, with pet fees included where applicable. Locations were chosen to showcase Ireland’s diversity, from coastal Donegal to the mountains of Wicklow and historic Kilkenny.
Final Verdict
Ireland offers dog-friendly holidays that suit just about every taste and budget in 2026. Whether you want to camp by the sea, stay in a cosy countryside lodge, or splurge on a castle with a dog spa, there’s something here for your four-legged friend and you. Early booking is key, especially in popular spots like Doolin and Donegal during summer. Check each venue’s pet policies carefully to ensure a smooth trip. With so many options, you and your dog are set for a memorable Irish getaway next year.
Ireland’s dog-friendly holidays in 2026 cater to all tastes and budgets — from luxury castles with dog spas to rugged campsites by the sea. Planning ahead and knowing each place’s pet policies will help you pick the best spot for you and your furry friend. Start booking early, especially for popular summer dates, to secure your ideal dog-friendly accommodation.
This article was created with AI assistance.
