RePAWter Review in Doonbeg

by Valarie and Bailey


I had my first holiday in July with my little fluffball, Bailey a 9-month-old Lhasa Apso who is my world.

I started this holiday in a fab Airbnb in Doonbeg at a very puppy-friendly (Creegh Cottage, Doonbeg, overlooking Trump International).  It was the perfect setting for us both as Bailey had a lovely backyard to run around in and I was able to sit outside listening to the waves crashing in the distance sipping prosecco and watching the amazing sunsets. 

Doughmore beach is only a little walk away and a great dog-friendly beach for our pups. 

After spending two nights at this fantastic dog-friendly Air BnB, we headed to Lahinch, Co. Clare, where we spent 4 days in a friend’s mobile. 

Lahinch is another great location and we had a lovely meal in Kenny’s Bar.  We were able to sit out back in their puppy friendly area. All of their staff were so friendly and attentive, making sure Bailey had enough water to drink in the heat. The food was also great!

One lovely pet-friendly shop is O'Connor's, where Bailey was treated to an ice cream. When I told the guy it was for my puppy, he offered a baby size portion which was perfect! Needless to say a very happy Pup. 🐶 🍦 

There was a family staying in the mobile beside me whose daughter fell in love with Bailey so twice during my stay a knock on the door (she wanted to bring him for a walk which was a lovely break for me & great for Bailey to help with his socialising) Bailey also had his first KISS on holidays (Millie was 6!) and Bailey is only a pup, but guess who made the first move...LOL

On the Friday night I booked dinner at Pot Duggan’s in Ennistimon and once again it was really a dog-friendly spot with amazing food. 

After Dinner, I stopped into the Spar shop on the main street to pick up a sneaky bottle of vino and was a little self-conscious about having Bailey with me, but no problem, he was welcomed in and the guy serving us came around the counter to pet him as he was a big dog lover. 

I was so blown away by the love this little pup received, and it just makes for such a pleasurably holiday with no stress. 

I have another small little story, on the Saturday I was back in Ennistimon to buy a roasting tin in Devitt’s Hardware store (too long a story for here 😉 ) anyway again another place  had no issue with me bringing Bailey in. 

I even popped across the street then to the pharmacy and asked again if it was okay to bring him in to be told "YES YES YES"!

The lovely pharmacist even took him from me, brought him around the back, gave him water, and then asked if I would like to go and finish my shopping and leave him there!! I was blown away by that offer but I didn’t take them up on it.

As a first holiday away with my puppy it has given me the bug to go away more with him because having a dog doesn’t always mean you have to put them into kennels when going away and the doggie world is a very friendly world where people ALWAYS talk to you when you have a dog!!!

I would highly recommend going around Ireland as I feel places are becoming more open to people traveling with their dogs.




I would love to thank Valarie and Bailey for sharing their dog-friendly holiday with the Paws Friendly family. It sounds like their first holiday together will be one they both remember for a long time. It is so lovely to hear that they were able to visit many dog-friendly restaurants, beaches, and stores during their journey!

If you have been on a pet-friendly holiday and would like to be featured on our blog, please send an email to info@pawsfriendly.com.

Also, if you are planning a dog-friendly holiday, you can find hundreds of dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, cafés, and bars, on our website.

Don't forget, while you are enjoying time out and about with your furry friend to tag @PawsFriendly!