Luxury five-star resort announces dog-friendly short breaks

Bring your furry four-legged friend on a staycation this summer 👇

Author: Emma DicksonPublished 27th Jul 2022

Do you feel guilty leaving your pet when you go on holiday? Well there's no need to worry anymore.

In a move that’s sure to get doggy tails wagging, Lough Erne Resort has announced it is to open the doors of two of its luxury self-catering lodges to guests with pooches.

The move comes in the wake of strong market demand and, with summer places limited, dog owners have been urged to book early or face disappointment.

Lough Erne Resort, General Manager, herself a keen dog lover explains:

“Our US-based management company, TRU Hotels and Resorts has reported an increasing international trend towards doggy-friendly short breaks over the years. However, it has only been more recently, within Lough Erne Resort, that we have been approached by regular guests who wanted to enjoy the beauty of the Fermanagh Lakelands but didn’t want to leave their four-legged friends at home.

"We all know they are our best friends, but it’s clear our doggies have become an even greater element within our extended families since the pandemic.

“So, after careful consideration, we have decided to make two of our luxury self-catering lodges available for canine check-ins on a trial basis, meaning our guests can pamper themselves and their pooches in the tranquil countryside of Fermanagh.”

Whist the luxury resort’s doggy guests won’t be permitted inside the hotel, inside buildings or on the golf courses but those that are well behaved and, on a lead, will be permitted on the Collop Walk that envelopes the resort’s accommodation.

With the resort providing a welcome bone and toy, owners will be responsible for bringing their own provisions. Each group will be limited to two doggy guests. There will be a supplement of £50 per dog to stay at the resort, regardless of the length of stay plus a refundable policy deposit.

If you're planning a summer staycation with your pooch, you might want to check out these hotels too 👇

The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast

One luxury hotel in the heart of Belfast's city centre, has opened its doors to fluffy paws too. Renowned for its excellent service, luxurious style, and unique approach to hospitality, The Fitzwilliam Hotel has set tails wagging - they are now dog friendly! The cost per night to bring your dog to the Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast, is a £30 and this includes a water bowl, doggie welcome treat, small toy, and cleaning fee.

Blessingbourne Country Estate - Co. Tyrone

The Blessingbourne country estate, nestled on 550 acres of countryside with woodland and private lakes, has five luxury self-catering apartments which are all dog-friendly. You can even bring your horse or pony with you, where they too can have a holiday in the on-site stables in the heart of Blessingbourne's working farm. The estate offers an idyllic setting for outdoor activity and adventure and is the perfect place to discover the thrill of exploring Northern Ireland's beautiful countryside on horseback.

Tully Mill Cottages - Co. Fermanagh

Nestled in the foothills of the Benaughlin and Cuilcagh Mountain range Tully Mill Self Catering Cottages are perfectly situated to allow you to explore the beautiful surrounds of County Fermanagh. The historic island town of Enniskillen is only a 10 minute drive away, with smaller villages dotted throughout the surround landscape ready to be explored. All cottages are pet friendly, so you can truly make it a 'family' holiday!

Belle Isle Castle & Private Island - Co. Fermanagh

A stunning Irish castle set on its own private island in the middle of lough Erne. Every stay stays with you. Situated on the northern tip of Upper Lough Erne, Belle Isle is a 470-acre estate spread over eight picturesque islands. Inhabited since the 12th century, the estate today offers a wide range of attractive self-catering accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. Belle Isle Estate is delighted to be a winner of TripAdvisor's 'Certificate of Excellence' since 2014. Their self-catering courtyard accommodation is pet friendly, so your family pets get to enjoy a break too!

Beech Hill Country House Hotel - Co. Derry/Londonderry

Beech Hill Country House Hotel understand how important it is to be dog friendly. Your pet is part of your family and the team here will work to ensure your pet is catered for accordingly. A warm welcome awaits every guest here at the award winning Beech Hill. You can rest assured that your time here will be time well spent in one of the best country house hotels you will ever stay in - and that goes for tail-wagging friends too. You and your pup can explore the stunning north west of Ireland - a dog walker's' paradise with plenty of coastal walks and dog friendly beaches.

Largy Coastal Apartments - Co. Antrim

These four luxury holiday apartments are located on the Causeway Coastal Route on the beautiful Antrim Coast in Glencloy, the second of the nine Glens of Antrim. The apartments are an ideal centre for touring the Glens of Antrim and the world famous Giants Causeway. They are modernised to a very high standard with all bedrooms en suite and superb lounge areas with magnificent views of Scotland. Well trained small dogs are welcome in ground floor apartments only.

The Salty Dog Hotel & Bistro - Co. Down

The Salty Dog Hotel has pet friendly since opening back in February 2012. The owners came from working in hotels across the water that had been pet friendly and thought nothing of it. It came as a bit of a surprise to find themselves trend setters in Northern Ireland by allowing dogs to eat with their owners in the lounge area of the hotel. We welcome any dog, regardless of size, weight or breed, as long as they are cute, adorable and well-behaved and they can stay in any of our rooms. There is a one off charge, £5 of this goes to local animal shelter, Assisi, to help Doggos who aren't fortunate enough to have owners that take them away.

Marine Hotel Ballycastle - Co. Antrim

The Marine Hotel in Ballycastle, in the heart of the Causeway Coast, has dedicated rooms and areas set aside for families staying with their pets. Your furry friend will be given the special guest treatment on arrival, with a Doggy Welcome Basket of Treats. You can also enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner with your little friend in our Library area. A short walk from the hotel is Ballycastle Beach, the perfect place to take your dog for a nice brisk walk.

Lime Park Cottages - Co. Antrim

Nestled amongst the earthy moors outside the village of Armoy lies a hidden gem. Originally a busy rural farm, the eighteenth century outbuildings of Limepark have been passionately restored by it's current owners John and Melanie Ward. At Limepark nature is all encompassing. Every window has a view either of the surrounding countryside or the immediate fauna. The Wards' horses are kept nearby, and you could easily while away the hours on a lazy afternoon watching the family's dogs, cat and chickens idly strolling past your door. Dogs welcome by arrangement.

The Fullerton Arms - Co. Antrim

Located along along the breath-taking Causeway Coastal Route, The Fullerton Arms Hotel is the ideal starting point for all your adventures. The perfect getaway with your 4-legged friend offering both a dog-friendly dining area and a room available for them to rest their head for the night.

Inn on the Coast, Portrush - Co. Antrim

Situated on the Causeway Coastal Route between the harbour towns of Portrush and Portstewart in County Antrim is The Inn on the Coast. This hotel offers spacious accommodation with excellent walking routes nearby. There are dedicated pet-friendly rooms on the ground floor for up to two dogs. Your pet is welcome at the seating area of the foyer and in the reception, where you can relax and enjoy a drink or meal. The Inn even awards a Good Behaviour Certificate and a treat for your furry friend on check out

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