During 2020 and 2021 we did ALOT of dog friendly staycations, given we weren’t allowed to leave the country during those times, but recently we have started to venture more around Ireland again with our dogs in tow.
Last week we went to Galway as we wanted to visit a Dog Friendly Christmas Market, and have never been to the one in Galway city so landed on this as our destination.
We like a unique AirBnb at the best of times but particularly when it comes to dog friendly accommodation, they are often unique by nature and choice isn’t always on our side. We found a lovely shepherds hut powered by solar for an off grid experience along the Wild Atlantic Way. It’s on Connemara farm land and located only 20 minutes from Galway city in Rosscahill and 10 minutes from a lovely little village called Oughterard which has a dog friendly pub! It has an outdoor hot tub powered by burning logs and an outdoor fire pit. It felt like we were in the middle of nowhere, undisturbed, with freedom for the boys to run around off leash.
It wouldn’t be for everyone as it is a small little hut, and it has limited electricity particularly during winter time given it is solar powered, but it was perfect for us and the dogs. We charged our phones and ipad in the car when we were travelling in and out to the city but there were USB sockets (no plugs) for some power if needed. One of the evenings we had no electricity or lights from 8pm (having only had the lights on for an hour as we had been out all day) but we had candles which made for a lovely setting and cosy vibes. And with a gas powered stove we didn’t have a need for electricity, and my phone managed to last until just before check out time! If you want details on the Airbnb, send me a DM on Instagram, or drop me an email.
Galway Christmas Markets
The Galway christmas markets were just a delight! So cute and a really enjoyable experience. I will say however that the rain did dampen our spirits a bit, especially as the dogs were getting soaked, despite wearing their festive jumpers. We had a hood which was good as I find umbrellas in crowds can be logistically challenging! Eating food from the stalls outdoors wasn’t ideal also in the rain so we found corners of shelter where we could. But it’s Ireland, and the west of Ireland at that, so what can you do. There were lots of stalls on offer, plenty of food choices, drink choices, a beer tent, and they had some festive carnival style games to play, a Big Wheel and a Merry Go Round. A lovely day or evening out for couples, families, and most importantly, dog friendly! Ahead of the market we actually nipped into The Salt House pub which was super dog friendly too, we love to see it!
Rosscahill Woods & St Brigits Garden
One of the main activities for us when on an Irish Staycation is hikes and walks, in the beautiful Irish scenery. Two very closeby spots to our Airbnb was Rosscahill Woods and St Brigits Garden. The Garden is family and dog-friendly with a kids’ discovery trail, a natural playground and lots of opportunity to explore, there’s Sun Trail, woodlands and meadows, with sun features, energy installations and a crannog. There is a gorgeous cafe too with plenty on offer, and a little shop!
When we did the Rosscahill Woods loop on the Sunday after we checked out of the Airbnb, we went back to picked to St Brigits Garden to pick up some coffees for our walk as these are almost side by side! It’s a quiet woodland and an easy trail that takes you through the woods and along the banks of Lake Ross, really gorgeous trees surrounding the pathway, making you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere away from the hustle and bustle of reality. The boys loved it and it was safe for them to roam, we met very few people and when we did they all had gorgeous dogs in tow! It’s a flat walk but can get a bit muddy in places pending the weather, but it was lovely to be able to run the dogs before the 2.5hour drive back to Dublin!
