| One of the issues facing people when they go on | | | | Dog's Bay and Gurteen Bay, County Galway |
| holiday is what to do with their dog. Does he (or | | | | Where better for a dog than Dog's Bay! This |
| she) have to go off to kennels for a couple of | | | | curving sandy beach is about a mile long. On the |
| weeks? There is another solution which is to take | | | | other side of the dunes is Gurteen Bay. Both |
| your dog on holiday...and there's no better place to | | | | bays have sandy beaches and are well sheltered, |
| go than Ireland. | | | | so are great for walking and viewing the local |
| With delightful countryside, long sandy beaches | | | | wildlife. The bays are also popular for windsurfing |
| and welcoming pubs, Ireland is the perfect dog | | | | and other water sports. Interestingly the sand on |
| friendly holiday destination. One of the biggest plus | | | | the beaches is made from powdered seashells. |
| points is there are no pet passport requirements | | | | There is good walking too in the countryside, and |
| on dogs travelling between the UK and Ireland. In | | | | some great pubs. |
| many cases travelling on the ferry is free, when | | | | Rather than getting feet and paws wet, there are |
| the dog stays in the car during the crossing, but | | | | some great countryside walks too. |
| some also have on-board kennels for a small | | | | Ballyhoura Loop Walks, County Limerick |
| extra charge. Choose a self catering cottage and | | | | Ballyhoura is in delightful countryside on the |
| everyone's comfort and relaxation is guaranteed. | | | | borders of Limerick, Cork and Tipperary. The |
| Here are some favourite dog friendly locations | | | | unspoilt landscape has many interesting features, |
| that have been tried and tested... | | | | and a series of waymarked loop walks provide a |
| Brittas Beach, Country Wicklow | | | | variety of ways to explore the many attractions. |
| This fabulous stretch of sand is only a short drive | | | | For example, the Attychraan loop walk is an easy |
| from a choice of ferry ports, and there are | | | | 2 hour walk through woods and along riverbanks |
| several villages and places to stay close by. The | | | | with a variety of things to see en route. |
| two mile stretch of sand, backed by dunes, has | | | | Glendalough, County Wicklow |
| held a Blue Flag award for five years. This does | | | | There are several walking and nature trails in the |
| mean there can some restrictions, but there is | | | | valley of Glendalough, besides the fascinating |
| good walking all around the Bay. | | | | monastic ruins. Waymarked and varying from an |
| Bertra Beach, County Mayo | | | | easy half-hour stroll to a half day hillwalk, these |
| Just a short distance from the seaside town of | | | | are ideal for dog and owner, as they offer a real |
| Westport, this is another Blue Flag beach. There is | | | | insight into Ireland's history and heritage. There is |
| a great walk around the whole headland of which | | | | good parking here too, and a variety of places to |
| the beach forms a part. This can take an hour - | | | | eat and drink upon your return. |
| or two - depending upon your speed and how | | | | Finally...if you and your dog fancy a little bit of fun, |
| many pauses you take to enjoy the scenery. You | | | | then why not enter in the pet races at Bantry, |
| may even spot some of the seals that frequent | | | | County Cork. They take place on Friday evenings |
| the bays. | | | | through July and August. |