2022 Award Winners PET FRIENDLY DESTINATION OF THE YEAR 2022

Carbery Cottage Guest Lodge Durrus Co Cork

In Ireland we lag way behind our UK neighbours when it comes to pet friendliness; if you google an area in Britain looking for somewhere to stay, chances are that pet friendly options will pop straight up. Water bowls are put out at doors and in bars wherever you go and dogs are genuinely welcome almost everywhere. 

Well-maintained gardens, plenty of parking and beautiful views all make a great first impression at Mike Hegarty and Julia Bird’s handsome B&B and adjoining self-catering cottage –and not only does their hospitality extend to your four-legged friends, but they’ve even created a walk around their land for all guests to enjoy. “Our house is your house, Relax and Enjoy” proclaims the message on their website - and they really mean it. It’s a lovely, comfortable place to stay (the spacious bedrooms and bathrooms have all been upgraded recently) and everything about the house and the way it is run is guest-focused – especially if you have your four-legged friend(s) with you. Mike is a qualified dog trainer and, although guests travelling without dogs are still just as welcome, they have recently developed a 60-metre exercise area and they’re among the very few places in Ireland who actively encourage dogs, without breed or number restrictions. With or without pets, Carbery Cottage would make a wonderfully relaxed holiday base, and with very good food too - there’s a BYO garden bar and evening meals are available by reservation, Magic.