Best Bark, a Belfast-founded dog-friendly accommodation platform, has published a guide featuring 15 cabins, lodges, and glamping stays across Ireland for dog owners planning autumn getaways.
The selection includes several properties in Northern Ireland, as well as accommodations in the Republic of Ireland, offering outdoor hospitality businesses an example of how pet-friendly amenities and access to walking routes can support seasonal bookings.
The guide focuses on stays suited to cooler-weather trips, including woodland hideaways, lakeside lodges, shepherd’s huts, and off-grid accommodations. Some properties offer wood-burning stoves, private hot tubs, outdoor baths, and nearby walking trails, features that can appeal to guests seeking short breaks outside the traditional summer travel season.
Among the Northern Ireland properties featured is Willowtree Glamping in Annalong, County Down, according to News Letter. The site offers dog-friendly log cabins, shepherd’s huts, and yurts, alongside private hot tubs. Its location provides access to the Mourne Mountains and the surrounding coastline, giving guests opportunities to combine glamping stays with hiking and outdoor recreation.
Loughmourne Glamping Pod in County Antrim is another property included in the guide, providing an option for dog owners looking for a shorter trip within Northern Ireland.
Further south, CABÜ by the Lakes is located in Killykeen Forest Park on the shores of Lough Oughter in County Cavan. Selected cabins at the property welcome dogs, while on-site amenities and activities include woodland walks, hot tubs, saunas, spa treatments, and water-based recreation.
The guide also includes Narrow Water Lodges in County Louth, alongside coastal cabins, countryside retreats, and secluded accommodations in destinations such as Donegal, Galway, and Leitrim.
Best Bark co-founder Amée said the combination of nearby walking opportunities and indoor amenities can make cabin accommodations suitable for dog owners during the autumn season.
“Cabin breaks are brilliant for dog owners because so many of them have walks, woodland or countryside right on the doorstep.
“We’re lucky in Northern Ireland to have places like the Mournes and some incredible coastal scenery, so you don’t necessarily have to travel far to enjoy a few days away with your dog.
“Autumn is a lovely time for these kinds of breaks too. You can spend the morning exploring with your dog, then head back to a cosy cabin or hot tub when the weather turns.
“We wanted to bring together some lovely dog friendly stays, both here in Northern Ireland and further afield, to give dog owners a few ideas for their next getaway.”
As part of her research into dog-friendly accommodations, Amée also visited CABÜ by the Lakes with her dog, Vito. The property’s forest setting and access to lakeside walks were among the features that made it a notable option for autumn travel.
For campground and glamping operators, the guide highlights several considerations when developing or marketing accommodations for guests traveling with pets. Dog-friendly policies can help properties reach travelers seeking alternatives to traditional hotels, while proximity to trails, woodland, and other outdoor attractions can provide additional reasons to book during shoulder-season periods.
Operators can also consider how accommodation design and amenities support stays in cooler weather. Features such as heating, covered outdoor spaces, private hot tubs, and comfortable indoor areas may help guests make use of outdoor destinations beyond the peak summer months. However, operators need to weigh the costs of providing these amenities against expected demand, maintenance requirements, and the rates guests are willing to pay.
Clear pet policies are another important consideration. Establishing rules for the number or size of dogs permitted, additional cleaning fees, access to shared facilities, and expectations for waste disposal can help set guest expectations and support property maintenance.
Best Bark’s full guide provides details about the featured accommodations, their dog policies, and nearby walking opportunities. The platform advises travelers to confirm policies, charges, and restrictions directly with accommodation providers before booking, as these conditions may change.
The guide does not establish booking figures or quantify the commercial impact of dog-friendly stays. However, its selection of properties across Ireland illustrates how pet-friendly accommodation, access to outdoor recreation, and seasonal amenities can be combined in marketing efforts aimed at travelers planning autumn breaks.
