Dog Friendly Hotels in Ireland: What Do Dog Owners Really Want?
Advice on Pet policy
Thinking of Becoming a Dog Friendly Hotel?
Whether you’re considering making your hotel dog friendly or you’re already welcoming canine guests and looking to enhance your service, we’re here to help. Click below for practical tips and to explore our advertising options.
Please note: We encourage dog owners to contact accommodations directly to make their bookings. Pet Friendly does not take any commission on reservations.
Initially check with your insurance provider that you can safely accommodate dogs in your property. Next ensure that you have a clear and comprehensive pet policy which addresses the following issues:
- Accommodation for dog
- Entry / exit points
- Dog access within accommodation
- Dog allowed unattended in guest room
- Cost
- Number of dogs allowed per room
- Size of dogs allowed
- Dog dining
- Pet deposit
- Walks
- Accessories
- Extras
- Welcome
Accommodation
Pet-Friendly Accommodation: Striking the Right Balance
One of the key challenges for pet-friendly hotel owners is finding the right balance between welcoming dog owners and ensuring the comfort of other guests. We can help you establish thoughtful policies that meet the needs of both.
Dedicated Pet-Friendly Rooms
Most hotels designate specific rooms as pet-friendly. These rooms often book out quickly—especially during peak holiday seasons—due to high demand. Guests who prefer not to stay in pet-friendly rooms (e.g., due to allergies) can be accommodated elsewhere, minimizing potential concerns.
Limiting the Number of Dogs Onsite
To prevent the hotel from being overwhelmed by pets, some establishments set a maximum number of dogs allowed on the premises at any one time. This policy helps maintain a peaceful environment for all guests.
Booking Process
In many cases, pet-friendly rooms cannot be booked online. Instead, guests are required to contact the hotel directly to confirm availability. Some hotels may also ask for a completed form with key details about the pet, such as breed, size, and behavior.
Room Placement and Accessibility
Whenever possible, pet-friendly rooms should be located on the ground floor, providing easy access for toilet breaks and minimizing disruption to other areas of the hotel.One of the biggest challenges for pet friendly hotel owners is to get the balance right between catering for dog owners without inconveniencing other guests. We can help you put in place policies that get that balance just right.
If you are a premium lister you can choose one of the following options in your advertisement: pet friendly rooms / ground floor rooms
Entry /exit points for dogs
Managing where dogs enter and exit your hotel can greatly improve the experience for all guests—both two-legged and four-legged.
Designated Entry & Exit Areas
If possible, assign a specific entrance and exit for canine guests. This helps to reduce foot traffic in common areas like the main lobby and minimizes stress for dogs who may be nervous or reactive around other people or pets.
Check-In Procedures
If pet owners must use the main entrance, encourage them to check in first without their dog. This prevents dogs from waiting in the lobby, where they might feel anxious or cause disruption during busy periods.
Ideal Room Placement
The best option for pet-friendly rooms is direct external access—such as ground-floor rooms that open to the hotel grounds or parking area. This allows dogs to come and go with minimal interaction, which is especially beneficial for nervous dogs or owners looking for discretion on their holidays.
If you are a premium lister you can choose one of the following options in your advertisement for entry/exit: dedicated dog entrance / room exits to car park / room exits to private patio
Dog access within the accommodation
Policies on where dogs are allowed within a hotel can vary widely, and it’s important to set clear guidelines that suit your space and clientele.
In many cases, dogs are restricted to guest rooms only. However, more dog-friendly accommodations may permit well-behaved dogs in communal areas where food is not served—such as the lobby, library, or bar.
Some hotels go a step further and welcome dogs in dining areas. If you’re considering this option, see our separate section on Dog Dining for guidance on creating a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.
If you are a premium lister you can choose one of the following options: dogs not allowed in any areas with food / allowed to eat with you outdoors / allowed in bar/ allowed in restaurant
Dogs allowed to stay unattended in room
Policies around leaving dogs alone in hotel rooms vary and should be clearly communicated to guests.
Many hotels require that dogs are not left alone in rooms at any time. Others permit dogs to stay unattended for short periods—such as while the owners dine—provided the dog is well-behaved.
However, it’s important to note that dogs may become anxious in unfamiliar surroundings, potentially leading to barking, scratching, or other damage. To minimize this risk, some hotels only allow unattended dogs if they are secured in a crate.
Another key consideration is housekeeping access. Staff will generally not enter a room if a dog is present for safety reasons. Make arrangements with guests to schedule cleaning times when the dog is out of the room, and consider providing a “Do Not Disturb / Dog Present” door sign for added clarity.
If you are a premium lister you can choose one of the following options: dog allowed in room unattended / dog not allowed in room alone
Cost per dog
While some hotels welcome dogs free of charge, most apply a modest fee. This is typically either per dog, per night, or per dog, per stay.
To encourage longer visits, consider capping the total fee—for example, €30 per night up to a maximum of €90 per stay.
Number of dogs allowed per room
Most dog-friendly hotels place a limit on the number of dogs permitted in a room. A common policy is:
- One dog per room, or
- One medium/large dog or two small dogs per room
This approach helps ensure the comfort of all guests and prevents the hotel from feeling “overrun,” as one hotelier put it.
Size of dog allowed
This can be a grey area, as defining dog sizes isn’t always straightforward. Hotels use various criteria to determine size limits:
- Weight (in kg or lbs) – although many owners may not know their dog’s exact weight
- Height (in cm or inches) – but is that to the shoulder or to the top of the head?
- Descriptive Categories – such as Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large
To keep things simple and consistent, we use descriptive categories on our site and provide examples of common breeds in each size range to help guests choose appropriately
| SIZE | SYMBOL ON LISTING | EXAMPLES |
| Extra small | XS | Yorkie, pekingese, chihuahua. |
| Small | S | Terrier, poodle. |
| Medium | M | Shetland sheepdog, springer spaniel, cocker spaniel. |
| Large | L | Labrador, collie, golden retriever. |
| Extra large | XL | Bernese mountain dog, great dane. |
Dining with Dogs: What Are Your Hotel’s Policies?
Guests have different preferences when it comes to mealtimes—some are happy to leave their dog in the car, while others prefer their canine companion by their side at all times.
If your hotel is dog-friendly, consider whether you’ll allow dogs to accompany guests during meals—and if so, where and when this will be permitted.
Dining Area Options
There are several common approaches that pet-friendly hotels take:
- Main Restaurant Access: Some hotels welcome dogs into the main dining area.
- Designated Dog-Friendly Tables: Others reserve a few tables in a separate section of the restaurant, the bar, or the lobby.
- Outdoor Dining: Many hotels allow dogs to dine with their owners in outdoor seating areas such as terraces or gardens.
- Time Restrictions: Another option is to allow dogs only at certain dining times (e.g., breakfast only, or outside peak hours).
Feeding Dogs at the Hotel
Some hotels prefer that dogs are not fed in guest bedrooms—to avoid mess, odors, or attracting pests. Instead, they may require pets to be fed outdoors, such as in the garden or on the patio.
Clearly communicating your policies helps set expectations and ensures a pleasant experience for all guests—both human and canine.
If you are a premium lister you can choose one of the following options: dogs not allowed in any areas with food / allowed to eat with you outdoors / allowed in bar/ allowed in restaurant etc..
Walks & Outdoor Areas
Having accessible walking areas on or near your property is a major plus for dog-owning guests. If your hotel has grounds available, consider implementing the following:
Beach Access: In Ireland, many beaches are not dog-friendly year-round. Include information about local beach restrictions, such as specific times dogs are allowed. It is an advantage if there are grounds attached to the hotel where the dog can be walked. Specify if walks in the grounds are on lead only, or if some areas are off lead. A map showing nearby walks are a great help to dog owners. It is important to give a warning re livestock in the area.
Leash Policy: Consider a policy of requiring dogs to be on a short lead in and around the hotel. Clearly specify if your grounds are on-lead only or if there are designated off-lead areas.
Walk Maps: Providing guests with a map of local walking routes is always appreciated. Include walking trails, parks, and dog-friendly areas nearby.
Livestock Warnings: If there are farm animals or wildlife in the area, it’s essential to warn guests and request that dogs be kept on leads in those zones.
If you are a premium lister you can choose one of the following options: on beach / beach nearby / walks in grounds / nearby walking trails
Dog-Friendly Accessories & Amenities
Enhancing your dog-friendly service with thoughtful extras can make a lasting impression. Common items provided by hotels include:
- Dog beds
- Bowls for food and water
- Poo bags
- Towels for muddy paws
- Welcome treat or toy
These items are often presented in a doggy welcome pack on arrival. However, it’s important to check with the owner before offering treats, as some dogs may have allergies or dietary restrictions. (That said, many dogs do enjoy a surprise sausage from a dog-loving chef!)
Crates may also be available on request and, in some cases, may be required if a dog is left unattended in the room for any period of time.
If you are a premium lister you can choose one of the following options: dog bed provided / dog bowl provided / poo bags provided / dog welcome pack / dog treats
Pet deposit
In case of damage some hotels charge a pet deposit. Once the guests leave the room will need to be inspected and the deposit returned in the event of no damage.
Extras
Extras That Make a Difference
While most dog-friendly hotels offer the basics—such as a dog bed, treats, and poo bags—some go the extra doggy mile to create a truly memorable stay for both pets and their owners.
Standout extras can include:
- Pet menus and room service
- Lists of local dog-friendly walks and attractions
- Outdoor taps for washing muddy paws
- Doggy day care or pet sitting services for times when owners want to visit non-dog-friendly locations
On our website, we highlight these special touches under the ‘Dog Delights’ section—because they’re not just extras, they’re unique selling points that really appeal to dog-loving guests.
Hotels with a premium listing can choose three ‘Dog Delights’ to be featured on the homepage, giving your property extra visibility and appeal.
If you are a premium lister you can choose one of the following options: pet concierge / pet menu / outside taps / pet sitter available
The Power of a Warm Welcome
One of the most impactful things you can do as a dog-friendly accommodation is to offer a warm and genuine welcome—not just to your human guests, but to their pets as well.
A thoughtful greeting, a smile, and a few dog-friendly touches can go a long way in making guests feel at home. When both people and pets feel truly welcome, it sets your accommodation apart and significantly increases the chance they’ll return—and recommend you to others.
After all, people love to stay where they—and their dogs—are genuinely valued.
If you are a premium lister you can choose one of the following options: staff love dogs / tailwagging welcome.
Advertising Costs
We provide information on the policies of pet friendly hotels, which include the number of dogs allowed per room, the cost per dog per night or per stay and the size of dog allowed. If you pay for a premium listing you will feature on the home page and you have the choice of including 3 unique selling points under the “dog delight” section eg pet beds provided, pet concierge, separate entrance, walks nearby etc. In addition you can upload 8 photos and submit a 300 word description of your service, and your listing will appear above the standard listings on most of the listing pages.
Dog owners will not be able to make bookings directly from our website – the majority of hotels require that you call before booking as most have a small number of rooms which are designated pet friendly. So we advise pet owners to always call or email the property to make a booking.
A summary of the three types of listings available is as follows:
| Standard Listing | Standard Plus Listing | Premium Listing / Featured listing |
| Applicable categories: hotels, BnBs, town & country houses, hostels, self-catering (individual property) | Applicable categories: hotels, BnBs, town & country houses, self-catering (individual property), self-catering (on hotel/country estate grounds), luxury or unique self-catering, hostels | Applicable categories: hotels, BnBs, town & country houses, self-catering (individual property), self-catering (on hotel/country estate grounds), luxury or unique self-catering, hostels |
| Duration: One year | Duration: One year | Duration: One year |
| Includes: Contact details – phone number & link to email address | Includes: Contact details – phone number & link to email address | Includes: Contact details – phone number & link to email address |
| Includes: Link to website | Includes: Link to website | Includes: Link to website |
| Includes: Placement on google maps | Includes: Placement on google maps | Includes: Placement on google maps |
| Includes: Category – hotel, town or country house or bed & breakfast | Includes: Category – hotel, town or country house, bed & breakfast or self-catering (on hotel/country estate grounds), luxury self-catering | Includes: Category – hotel, town or country house, bed & breakfast or self-catering (on hotel/country estate grounds), luxury self-catering |
| Includes: Pet policy details – number & size of dogs allowed & cost per night or per stay | Includes: Pet policy details – number & size of dogs allowed & cost per night or per stay | Includes: Pet policy details – number & size of dogs allowed & cost per night or per stay |
| Includes: One photo (JGEP, JGP) | Includes: Up to 8 photos (JGEP, JGP) | |
| Includes: Description – up to 300 words | Includes: Description – up to 300 words | |
| Includes: Listing on home page | ||
| Includes: Listing appears above other listings on category pages | ||
| Includes: Choose 3 ‘dog delights‘ – unique selling points of you accommodation which feature on the home page | ||
| Cost: €29 for one year | Cost: €95 for one year | Cost: €300 for one year |
Dog Delights
What are ‘Dog Delights’? They are what we call the unique selling points that your property has which may appeal to a dog owner. Premium listers can choose any 3 of these which will be visible on the home page.
Here is a complete list of our ‘Dog Delights’
- allowed in bar
- allowed in restaurant
- allowed in room unattended
- allowed to dine with you
- allowed to dine with you outside
- beach nearby
- dedicated dog entrance
- direct access to outside
- dog bed provided
- dog bowls provided
- dog treats
- dog walker available
- doggy daycare
- ground floor room
- nearby walking trails
- outside taps for muddy paws
- own private garden
- pet concierge
- pet friendly rooms
- pet menu
- pet sitter available
- resident dog
- room exits onto car park
- staff love dogs
- tail wagging welcome
- vet within 10km
- vet within 20km
- vet within 30km