19 Dog Friendly Cottages in Ireland (2023)

Updated On: February 04, 2024 | Published On: June 15, 2022

It's time to pack up the car to the brim and bring the whole family on a summer adventure. Whether your perfect holiday includes driving along the Wild Atlantic Way, exploring the more rural, off-the-beaten-track locations, or paddling in the Irish Sea, make sure you bring your VIP (Very Important Pooch) along for the ride. So let's pull out the diary, reserve the days off work, and start planning. There will be no need to book a pet sitter for this holiday- no paws left behind. Your furry friend is not only invited, but very welcome to stay at all of these picture-perfect Irish cottages!

It doesn't matter if this is going to be your first dog-friendly holiday, or if you are a seasoned pro, a dog-friendly cottage is a perfect accommodation to dip your paws in the water when it comes to traveling with your dog. When staying at pet-friendly holiday homes you are able to bring all of your pup's favorite items, to ease the stress of traveling for them and help them feel like they are at home. Pack their bed, blanket, treats, and toys and they will be set to have a grand ole time.

The Republic of Ireland is one of the finest places for a family holiday, awash with natural beauty and hosting a huge selection of high-quality dog-friendly accommodation.
Here are some of the best dog-friendly holiday cottages to choose from!

County Galway


1. BaySide Cottage - Connemara, Co. Galway


Sleeps 10 humans and no limit on dogs
3 bedrooms with 5 beds

BaySide Cottage is a charming, traditional cottage with a thatched roof is located smack-dab in the middle of the Wild Atlantic Way. With direct access to the bay, it is the perfect place for all family members (four-legged ones included) that love a morning swim or a run along the seafront. There are 3 double en-suite bedrooms, a mezzanine over the sitting room with a sofa bed, a large decked area, a barbecue, washer and dryer set, and a wonderful stone fireplace. There is also a garden but it isn't fully secured, so you will need to make sure you keep your eyes on your pup, especially small dogs, as they would be able to wander off.

Day Trip Idea - If you love open spaces, take your pup up to the stunning Connemara National Park, only a 40-minute drive from the cottage. Dogs are welcome in the National Park as long as they are kept on a lead and the pet owner picks up after them. 

Doggie Rules
  • No additional pet fees - Dogs stay FREE!
  • Big dogs allowed
  • No limit on how many dogs can stay
  • A garden, however not fully enclosed


>> Book this dog-friendly cottage HERE << 

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County Clare 


2 - 7. Fiddle + Bow - Doolin, Co. Clare

Sleeps 4-11 Humans and 2 dogs 
2-5 bedrooms with 2-7 beds

Fiddle + Bow is a collection of 7 luxury pet-friendly holiday cottages and lodges set in a rural location, all a short drive away from the Cliffs of Moher. Next door, they have dog-friendly outdoor dining at The Meadow, where they provide water bowls for their furry guests. They offer a range of amenities and services, with each pet-friendly detached cottage sleeping between 4 to 11 people and up to 2 dogs. 

The Storytellers Cottage, with 2 double bedrooms, is a coastal cottage with spectacular views and an outdoor hot tub, perfect for romantic breaks or if you are looking for a comfortable place for large groups. Their "Mount Vernon" country house sleeps 11, and boasts an open fireplace, a walled garden with lawns for your best friend to explore as well as a small orchard.

Day Trip Idea - Drive down to the Cliffs of Moher, where dogs are welcome to walk along the cliffs as long as they stay on a lead. 

Doggie Rules
  • €30 additional pet fee
  • Water bowls provided
  • Big dogs allowed
  • 2 dog limit
  • All of our lodges and cottages are dog friendly except The Hazel and The Hawthorn cottages.
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County Donegal 


9. Ballydevitt Retreat - Donegal Town, Co. Donegal

Sleeps 5 Humans and 2 dogs 
3 bedrooms with 3 beds

Located only 1.5km from Donegal town, Ballydevitt Retreat, is a  pet-friendly holiday home is perfect for anyone looking to explore the Wild Atlantic Way. The holiday home is in a quiet, peaceful setting with an enclosed lawn and patio area. Cozy up with your pup in the living room and enjoy the wood-burning stove after a day of exploring the nearby beaches and walks.

Day Trip Idea - Explore the local area with dog-friendly beaches, walks in the woods around Lough Eske, or the boardwalk by the bay, taking in the sea views with your furry friend. 

Doggie Rules
  • No additional pet fees - Dogs stay FREE!
  • Water bowls provided
  • Big dogs allowed
  • 2 dog limit
  • Large enclosed garden with a hedge
  • No dogs on the furniture
  • Do not leave your furry friend alone in the house
  • Clean up after your dog, especially in the garden

>> Book your dog-friendly staycation <<

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County Meath 


10 - 18. Decoy Country Cottages - Navan, Co. Meath


Sleeps 2-8 Humans and 2 dogs 
1-4 bedrooms with 1-4 beds

With 8 dog-friendly rentals to choose from, you will be sure to find a great place for a romantic getaway, family holiday, or group gathering at one of the Decoy Country Cottages in the Emerald Isle. Located only a short drive from Dublin airport, these cozy cabins are perfectly located for discovering Ireland's Ancient East

Their pet-friendly cottages can sleep anywhere from 2 to 8 humans and offer a variety of amenities from underground heating to jacuzzi baths in the cottages to a shared spa area, playground, and a den with a pool and air hockey. 

Day Trip - Take the short drive over to the historic Hill of Tara and stretch your legs all while enjoying the beautiful countryside views.


Doggie Rules
  • Extra Charge - €30 per pet per stay
  • Can provide dog beds, feeding bowls, pet blankets, toys, and lead
  • Dogs are not to be left alone at any time in the accommodation
  • Dogs must stay off the furniture
  • Dogs are not allowed upstairs, on the beds, or on the chairs
  • Dogs must stay on a lead at all times while outdoors and please use bags provided for cleaning up

>> Book your dog-friendly staycation <<

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County Wicklow


19. Coach House - Newtown Mount Kennedy, Co. Wicklow

Sleeps 4 Humans and 1 dog
2 bedrooms with 2 beds

An idyllic base for a relaxing holiday, Coach House dog-friendly house that is the perfect location for taking a day trip up to the Wicklow mountains or exploring the Irish coast. There is an enclosed shared garden, reverse-level accommodations, and an elegant bathroom (on the ground floor) with a full-size tub and rainfall shower. One of the rooms has the flexibility to be arranged as a single, twin, or super king! Make sure you check out Hogans Cottages, one of the largest cottage providers for more dog-friendly accommodation options.

Day Trip: You and your best friend can enjoy a short walk along the Bray Promenade, stroll around the seaside towns, or enjoy countless nature trails and woodland walks located all around Co. Wicklow.

Doggie Rules
  • No additional pet fees and dogs stay FREE!
  • Only 1 well-behaved dog welcome
  • Enclosed garden
  • Big dog friendly
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Remember, when planning a dog-friendly holiday it is your responsibility as the pet owner to make sure your furry friend is relaxed and comfortable. I always prefer to bring Poppy's own dog bed, her preferred food, treats, and toys. With Poppy being a smaller dog, I always bring her carrier bag in case she gets tired of trying to keep up with all the day´s activities.

Make sure to check out our website, www.pawsfriendly.com for more dog-friendly places to visit on your next adventure.

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