Sometimes a night away or a mini break weekend isn’t worth the hassle if you have a pooch that needs placing in kennels for the time you’re gone. And while you certainly wouldn’t want the kids tagging along on a romantic weekend, your beloved pet is another matter entirely. But where welcomes you to stay in the lap of luxury with your labrador or lurcher in tow?
Lots of places now understand it’s not a break without your furry companion, and so some gorgeous hotels around Ireland offer dog-friendly accommodation for you and your pet. We’ve checked out three of them, discovering the rules and regulations that apply in each one so as both two- and four-legged family members can enjoy a stress-free weekend.
Gaga for Galgorm
Galgorm resort in County Antrim offers several accommodation options that are all dog friendly including their cottage suites, shepherd’s huts, and log cabins. However, their most recently added accommodation option, the freshly opened forest dens are a natural choice if you have dogs along for the trip. It’s like your own mini compound with a sauna, outdoor woodfired bath, a fire pit and rain shower on the grounds, which are surrounded on all sides by beautiful trees. You can hear the nearby river as you drift off to sleep and it’s a great place to star gaze on a clear night. The dens are beautifully kitted out with everything you might require for a short stay and perfectly spaced out from other guests.
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At Galgorm a charge of £15 per dog, per night, applies and guests are permitted a maximum of two large dogs or three small dogs. Dogs must be on a lead at all times when in any outdoor areas of the resort and if you need to leave your dog during your stay, they must be secured safely in their own bed and cannot be left unattended in the accommodation otherwise. They recommend that you bring your own feeding bowls and bedding for your four-legged friend. Leads, collars, blanket, coats and waste bags are not provided. For further information see galgorm.com.
Tankardstown’s tasty treats
At Tankardstown House in Co Meath, try out the VIP (Very Important Pooch) package. You are encouraged to bring along your well behaved four-legged family member where their courtyard cottages offer ample space for both you and your pet. A complimentary treat will be left to welcome your dog and there’s 80 acres of woodland and parkland for you both to explore. The gardens are beautifully manicured, and your dog will love to explore the grounds on lead with you. Eat at Brabazon restaurant (dogs aren’t allowed) where a ten-course tasting menu might sound like a lot but there is just enough on each plate and allows you sample an array of flavours. You won’t leave feeling either too stuffed or like you might need a snack by 11pm. Make sure to have a drink in the main house and take in the gorgeous surrounds once your pet is settled in for the night. For more information on the VIP package see www.tankardstown.ie.
No to kennels; yes to the Stable
A speciality menu packed full of canine treats, you say? A feast of doggy favourites such as pig’s ear, meat stick, dog biscuits and gluten free cereal bowl at the Stable Café will show you that your furry friend is just as welcome there as their humans.
Mount Congreve is a beautiful country estate and gardens in Co Waterford and it features a number of accommodation options including the Gate Lodge and Courtyard suite with some more accommodation soon to come on stream. The Gate Lodge is beautifully kitted out with all mod cons but because of the plush décor, this 200-year-old cottage has a distinctly old world feel to it. A kitchen, dining area and two well appointed bedrooms make this a great place for four friends to plot their escape with pets in tow. Enjoy the Waterford Greenway or the Wetlands Walk with Fido by your side. Dogs are not permitted entry to the gardens or the house, however they are very welcome in aforementioned Stable Café, with plenty of delicious meals for humans too. Dogs must be on a leash and have a responsible adult with them at all times. For more information see mountcongreve.com
