At Glamping in Ireland we think you’ll agree that glamping is so much fun, and it means even more when our four-legged friends can take that trip too! If you’re a dog owner, glamping holidays are often seen as being ‘out of reach’. First of all you have to find someone to look after your dog when you’re away glamping…searching for the right person, or kennels can be exhausting, not to mention kennels are often costly, and even when you do find the right person or place, you spend the entire trip worrying about your furry friend anyway!
If all of these canine-conundrums are stopping you from going on that luxury glamping trip…worry no more! We have gathered 5 amazing glampsites across the island of Ireland; that are totally luxurious and most of all pet friendly, so you and your pooch can take a perfectly ‘paw’some trip together. Grab a bag, grab a bone and tell your pooches they’re going grrrramping, oops…we mean glamping!
Fur (pun intended) a full list of Dog Friendly glampsites – VIEW OUR DOG FRIENDLY COLLECTION.
Hazelwood Hideaway is a one-of-a-kind glamping experience. If you’re looking for a glamping location that is totally unique, pet friendly, and has lots of fun activities, then this is the place for you and your dog. You can stay in a beautiful solar-powered Shepherd Hut hidden on the lush farmland of Connemara. Embrace the seclusion, and feel relaxed as you unpack your baggage for a trip that you and your fluffy-friend won’t forget in a hurry.
Hidden in the luscious trees, your accommodation is on the doorstep of nature. With trails and walks to be wandered and explored, you won’t be the only one barking to go. The boutique hut sleeps up to three people comfortably with one double bed and one single. There is also a fully fitted kitchenette with running water and a gas hob for cooking up a storm. Outside of the hut, you can expect to find your own BBQ area come fire pit for outdoor grilling, cooking and roasting, which is an activity that everyone can get on board with when glamping! You will also find a private outhouse with a toilet, sink and heated shower to use during your stay.
There are many extras included and provided by the owners, including kindling for the woo-burning stove inside the Shepherd’s Hut…perfect for keeping toasty on chilly nights, as well towels for showering and bedding for a good night’s rest. All you need to bring to your stay is yourself, your dog, another guest for some company (optional!), and food, drinks and scooby-snacks to make use of the kitchenette. But don’t worry if you run out of provisions, whilst you might feel like you are totally off-the-grid, within a 5-minute drive you can visit the local shops for essential supplies, or drive further afield with a 20-minute drive into Galway City for some high street shopping and cuisine.
If your timing is right, you may get to experience the Farmer’s Market which is open every Friday morning in Moycullen. This is the perfect place to pick up some local fruit, vegetables and meat to cook on the Shepherd’s Hut BBQ!
Elsewhere in the area, things to do include a fun day out at Loughwell Farm Park (great for kids!), marvelling at incredible marbles at Connemara Marble Visitor Centre, saddling up for a horse riding trek from Moycullen Riding Centre or, adventuring through the many woodland walks and trails that nature offers right on your doorstep.
Hazelwood Hideaway Glamping is a perfect stay in an intimate setting, its character and charm is inviting and homely and the facilities offered are excellent. You can experience authentic elements of traditional camping with the firepit, walks and the outhouse, but with the added layer of luxury that glamping provides. So instead of a hard roll mat and a sleeping bag, you and your dog can snuggle down for the evening in a cosy Shepherd’s Hut, stocked with your favourite treats and warm beds.
Fur (pun intended) a full list of Dog Friendly glampsites – VIEW OUR DOG FRIENDLY COLLECTION.
Could you use a short break away to the mountains, with your partner and your dog? We’ve got you covered! Willowtree Glamping, just outside Newry, County Down; offers bespoke log wood cabins, yurts and huts that offer exceptional views of the Mourne Mountains. If a breath of fresh, mountain air is what you need, then you are going to love it here. Take time to unplug and unwind, with the people (and pets) that mean the most to you.
Glampsite owners, Ciara and Derek; describe Willowtree Glamping as “a place of peace and tranquillity”, and it’s clear how this idyllic rural retreat came to have this reputation. During your stay at Willowtree, you can literally see “where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea” and enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Mournes right from your accommodation.
On offer at Willowtree Glamping there’s a traditional campfire where you can enjoy sunset views behind the Mourne Mountains, an outdoor heated shower, and a chance to stargaze from your own private hot tub. Perfect after a day of rambling the mountains or exploring the local towns of Newcastle, Kilkeel or Warrenpoint.
Each of the glamping accommodations at Willowtree Glamping is individual, boasting luxury and comfort. The accommodations have been purposely designed to encourage visitors to switch off and forget about the world for a day or two. Willowtree Glamping offers the following accommodations:
- Kingfisher Log Cabin (2 guests, mountain view, private hot tub)
- Wren’s Log Cabin (2 guests, king-sized bed, private hot tub)
- Goldfinches (2 guests, super-king bed, outdoor jacuzzi bath)
- Serendipity Yurt (2 guests, king-sized bed, private hot tub)
- Swallows Yurt (2 guests, king-sized bed, wood-burning stove)
- Shepherds Hut (2 guests, private hot tub, fully secluded)
Willowtree Glamping is an Adults Only site that offers peace, quiet and calm. A place where you can listen to nothing but the sound of nature as you snuggle down by your campfire or stargaze from your wood-fired hot tub. Plus, the site is super dog friendly so your dog can benefit from getting some fresh mountain air and seeing their owners take a well-deserved break.
The Mourne Mountains are the highest and most dramatic mountain range in Northern Ireland. With paths and trails just waiting for your dog to explore. There’s a variety of walks that newbies and the more advanced trekker can enjoy. Did you know…the Mournes are divided into 2 very distinctive areas? These areas are the Eastern or ‘High’ Mournes and the Western or ‘Low’ Mournes. Avail of this free downloadable ‘Walkers Guide to The Mourne Mountains’ from Walk NI.
Other top activities that you can enjoy on your pet friendly glamping holiday, may include sea swimming at Newcastle beach, having a go at sunset paddleboarding together, visiting Silent Valley Reservoir or enjoying a picnic at Tollymore Forest Park.
Willowtree Glamping offers an exclusive adult-only and pet friendly getaway for those seeking to catch their breath, relax and take in the surroundings of the historic Mourne mountain range.
Fur (pun intended) a full list of Dog Friendly glampsites – VIEW OUR DOG FRIENDLY COLLECTION.
Aran Islands Glamping is based on Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean. The glampsite is located just a few feet from Frenchman’s Beach and offers stunning views of Kilronan Harbour, Galway Bay and the world’s longest defined coastal routes, the Wild Atlantic Way.
Exploring the Aran Islands gives you the chance to embrace nature and connect with your spiritual self. You can expect to have a true Irish experience when you visit the Aran Islands, and you’ll find many ocals who speak Irish, as well as English; in Celtic churches of historical significance, such as the World Heritage site, Dún Aonghasa, set on a dramatic 300 feet cliff edge. The Aran Islands is a perfect destination for exploring with your pooch, and learning about its fascinating history.
The glamping pods at Aran Islands are set right on the doorstep of the beach, perfect for walkies come morning or night! The pods were inspired by the traditional beehive style stone huts, once used by monks; that can be found scattered throughout the island. Each one has been thoughtfully constructed, offering you a comfortable home away from home on Inis Mór.
The pods are snug, cosy and can accommodate up to four people, as well as being dog friendly! Within the pods you have one double bed, one single sofa bed and one single pull-out bed. Each of the pods also has a shower room complete with a toilet and washbasin. No matter what time of the year you visit Inis Mór, you will always have somewhere warm and dry to come back to as the pods are insulated and fully heated.
Each pod has a mini-kitchen, including a fridge, tea/coffee making facilities, microwave, plates, cutlery and cups. Perfect for preparing breakfast or snacks for when the mood to self-cater strikes!
Some of the most popular sights and activities when you stay at Aran Islands Glamping include staring in awe of The Worm Hole (the location for the Redbull Cliff Diving), visiting The Lighthouse and Dún Eochla, and exploring the bronze age structure that is Dún Aonghasa (Aengus’s Fort) among many more historical landmarks and beaches. The majority of activities on Inis Mór are outside and in the fresh air, so it really is the perfect holiday for bonding time with you and your pet. Your warm and cosy pod will be waiting for you at the end of the day!
Dinner can be collected and brought back to your luxury glamping pod or you can call into Joe Watty’s Bar in Inis Mór for a delicious dinner, good craic and drinks. And yes, your pooch is welcome too!
Relax, unwind and refresh with the Wild Atlantic air in a seaside glamping pod on Inis Mór, Aran Islands, Galway.
Fur (pun intended) a full list of Dog Friendly glampsites – VIEW OUR DOG FRIENDLY COLLECTION.
The Rainbow Pod is a pet friendly glampsite that is perfect for the whole family. The cosy and well-insulated interior of The Rainbow Pod includes a comfortable double bed, a sofa bed, a wetroom with an open shower and toilet facilities, microwave and fridge. Plus there is a beautiful dog-friendly grass garden and picnic bench area with panoramic views of the countryside on your very doorstep.
The Rainbow Pod sleeps up to four people and there is plenty of room inside for your dog too. The charming glampsite owners will even go one step further and provide guests with a homemade welcome pack of tea, coffee, milk, bread and local jams so you can fuel yourself up with caffeine and a snack before heading out on your adventure into Miltown Malbay, and return in the evenings for a great night’s rest.
The glampsite owners and their dogs live in the property beside the Rainbow Pod, and they love meeting new people. So if you need directions or recommendations from a real local, they are more than happy to help. When you stay at The Rainbow Pod, you will most likely meet their two gorgeous resident pups and perhaps see even more wildlife, such as ducks and local birds; which neighbour the pod. Prepare yourself for wet noses and waggy tails!
This is a stay that is perfect for couples and families as the property is located in a rural location with panoramic views, so you feel secluded but you are just 4 miles away from the closest village of Miltown Malbay. There are lots of lovely walks on your doorstep to explore with your dog.
You’ll find plenty of fun things to do in Miltown Malbay for you and your pet to enjoy during your visit such as taking a sunrise stroll along Spanish Point Beach, calling into one of the village’s boutique beer gardens to enjoy a hearty pint and some traditional music, or learning about the musical history of Willy Clancey in a guided walking tour.
For those wishing to explore the beautiful and dramatic County Clare countryside even further, The Cliffs of Moher are a 30 minutes drive from the pod, The Burren is 40 minutes away and Loop Head is 60 minutes away. If you’re interested in trying out surfing, Lahinch beach is famous for it (and golf!) and it is only 10 minutes away by car from The Rainbow Pod. So pack up the car and head out for the day with your family and dog for a fun-filled day of adventure, before returning to your cosy glamping accommodation in the evening.
Inside the pod enjoy a night of family fun and make use of the books and games provided. There’s also free Wifi so you can sit back, put your feet up and enjoy the privacy and luxury of The Rainbow Pod with your furry friend by your side.
Fur (pun intended) a full list of Dog Friendly glampsites – VIEW OUR DOG FRIENDLY COLLECTION.
Experience Lough Mardal Glamping, a stunning lakeside eco-glampsite; with pet friendly glamping yurts just waiting for you to visit. Based on the Wild Atlantic Way of Ireland, Lough Mardal has so much to offer their guests both onsite and in neighbouring areas. There are multiple accommodation choices to choose from, though dog friendly stays are limited to Yurt glamping accommodation only (which is no bad thing!) There is a pet surcharge of €20 which can be added to your stay at the time of booking, and we say, it’s worth every penny for your trip to this outstanding glampsite!
Originally the homes of the nomads of Central Asia, the Yurts at Lough Mardal Lodge have been adapted for today and were chosen by the glampsite owners for their high-tech insulation, warmth and durability, all of which are required for the occasionally temperamental weather on the northwest coast of Ireland. The well-spaced Yurts ensure seclusion and privacy for your upcoming glamping holiday.
The yurts are luxuriously furnished with comfortable seating areas and individually styled with sheepskins, warm Donegal tweed woollen blankets, heavy 15 Tog duvets, fluffed pillows and crisp white bed linen. So there is plenty of room for you and your family to relax and enjoy your trip away…including the dog!
Lough Mardal recommends guests start their holiday by visiting ‘Nature’s Playground’ and exploring the glampsites 90-acre grounds. If your dog is anything like ours, they will love the enrichment of getting their nose to the ground and exploring with you!
The lake at Lough Mardal has a shallow shoreline which is perfect for your pooch to dip his paws, paddling, wild swimming, or examining lakeshore rocks and pebbles with your children. Elsewhere on the grounds, there are many trails through soft squishy moss peatlands where you can even try going barefoot to experience nature’s sensations! The glampsite has its own willow grove where you can try your hand at tree climbing, run through fluffy white bog-cotton, or take a ramble up the hill to meet the cows.
Surrounding Lough Mardal is the characteristic and stunningly beautiful town of Donegal. Take the car, kids and the dog on a road trip of The Wild Atlantic Way, and experience breathtaking stops and walks on your adventure. Discover Rossnowlagh and Murvagh Blue Flag beaches, scale the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe rising over 600m above the ocean at Sliabh League, and have a delicious meal in The Harbour Restaurant & Bar before returning to your luxurious glamping retreat with sands between your toes, a full tummy and a bucketful of special memories.
With man’s best friend by your side, you can take in the beautiful views of the surrounding bogland, lake, mountain and forest from your yurt. Enjoy stargazing through the clear skydome in front of your cosy wood-burning stove or sip a glass of wine on the veranda while listening to the local wildlife. Now doesn’t that sound perfect?
Glampsite owners, Clare and Marcus; wish to share their experience of getting back to nature, disconnecting from the white noise of the modern world and re-appreciating the simple things in life; to guests at their self-confessed slice of Donegal heaven that is Lough Mardal Lodge. When you visit, there is no question as to why the couple packed up their city life, settled down in the beautiful countryside, and invested their time and energy into growing their own crops. The site has compost facilities and plenty of wildlife, the perfect place to raise their children and build an eco-focused glamping business from the ground up.
Fur (pun intended) a full list of Dog Friendly glampsites – VIEW OUR DOG FRIENDLY COLLECTION.
Remember to be responsible when glamping with your dog by picking up after them, keeping them safe, happy and under control so everyone can have a good time.
We hope this article on Dog Friendly Glampsites in Ireland has helped you find somewhere totally ‘paw’some for your next glamping trip.
Please let us know where you choose and don’t forget to tag us in your ‘instaworthy’ snaps with #glampinginireland and @glampinginireland – view our Social Media profile.
