By Carrie Simmons
From Vikings to Normans to Romans, Ireland has seen its fair share of visitors over the years. And, with its incredible rolling green hills, sheep-covered roads and pubs filled with traditional music, it's easy to see why so many of them stayed. Today, Ireland offers plenty of pet-friendly budget accommodations, including hostels, guesthouses and farmhouses.
Pet-Friendly Hostels and Guesthouses in Dublin
Although most city hostels are not set up with the outdoor space to be pet-friendly, there are plenty of other budget accommodation choices in the vibrant city of Dublin.
One of Dublin's longest established hostels and the only hostel in Ireland to be a member of Europe's Famous Hostels, Avalon House Hostel does not usually take pets, but will consider it on a case by case basis. The hostel is in the heart of Dublin and offers visitors lots of amenities including free Internet and Wi-Fi, free breakfast, table tennis and cinema.
Avalon House Hostel
55 Aungier St.
Dublin 2
011 (+353) 1 4750001
avalon-house.ie
Budget travelers and well-behaved pets are greeted with the warmest of Irish welcomes at Harvey's Guesthouse. In fact, the last pet to visit won the European championships.
Harvey's Guesthouse
11 Upper Gardiner St.
Dublin 1, Ireland
011 (+353) 1 8748384
harveysguesthouse.com
Situated on the edge of Phoenix Park, one of the world's largest urban parks, the Deerpark Lodge is in a great location. Dogs are welcome and will love to frolic in Phoenix Park.
Deerpark Lodge
Road Castleknock
Dublin, Dublin 15, Ireland
deerparklodgedublin.com
Pet-Friendly Hostels, Guesthouses and Farmhouses in Southwest Ireland
With dramatic coast lines, soaring castles and a deep-rooted tradition in all things Irish, the Southwestern part of Ireland has long been a tourist magnet with pet-friendly lodging to match.
With friendly service and an excellent location in the tranquil Burren, Kilfenora Hostel offers visitors budget accommodations in one of the most historical villages in County Clare. The spacious kitchen is open to guest to use or enjoy a meal at Vaughan's Pub. Pets are welcome.
Kilfenora Hostel
Mainstreet, Kilfenora
Co. Clare, Ireland
011 (+353) 0 65 708 8908
kilfenorahostel.com
Carbery Cottage Guest Lodge is a self-catering cottage, which extends a true Irish welcome to visitors and their four-legged friends. Kennels are provided and there are large grassy penned areas for dogs to run.
Carbery Cottage Guest Lodge
Durrus Bantry, West Cork
Co Cork , Ireland
011 (+353) 0 27 61368
Saratoga Lodge is set in a beautiful garden on a working stud farm. Pets and pet lovers get a very warm welcome. There is no additional charge and pets can stay in the bedroom or in an outhouse/kennel.
Saratoga Lodge
Barnane Templemore
Co Tipperary, Ireland
011 (+353) 0 504 31886
saratoga-lodge.com
Situated on the Dingle Peninsula overlooking the Blasket Islands, the Old Pier welcomes pets to stay in bedrooms at no additional charge with prior notice.
The Old Pier
An Fheothanach Ballydavid
Dingle Co Kerry Ireland
011 (+353) 0 66 915 5242
Situated beside the family's clifftop farm, Anvil Farm Guesthouse is just minutes from the Cliffs of Moher. Dogs are allowed in some areas.
Anvil Farm Guesthouse
Kilbaha Loop Head
Kilkee, Co Clare, Ireland
011 (+353) 0 65 905 8018
Pet-Friendly Hostels, Guesthouses and Farmhouses in Northwest Ireland
Northwestern Ireland offers much of the same draw as the Southwest but without all the crowds. Smaller crowds means lower prices--a dream for traveling pet owners on a budget.
Situated in the seaside village of Letterfrack, adjacent to Connemara National Park, the Bards Den Hostel offers 12 comfortable, modern rooms, a fully-licensed restaurant and a traditional bar. The hostel is ideally located for walks through the expansive national park with its beautiful mountains and interesting bog landscape. Pets are welcome.
The Bards Den Hostel
Letterfrack Village
beside the Connemara National Park
Connemara, County Galway, Ireland
011 (+353) 0 95 41042
bardsden.com
Revered by fishermen and landscape artists, Healys Fishing Lodge offers tranquility in an intimate and relaxed setting. Dogs are welcome.
Healys Fishing Lodge
Pontoon Foxford Co Mayo
353 (0)94 925 6443
Located on the outskirts of Donegal town, Ard na Breátha is tucked into a quiet corner of a busy working farm. Pets are welcome.
Ard na Breátha
Drumrooske Middle Donegal Town Co Donegal
011 (+353) 0 74 972 2288
About the Author:
Carrie Simmons has been writing in the travel industry for more than 10 years. She is the creator, producer and primary writer of Travel With Kids, an award-winning family travel documentary series. Her articles have also appeared in “USA Travel Magazine,” “Yuma Daily Sun” and “Travel Savvy Mom.”
