Sea dogs head for Irish shores

With the ‘No Dogs on the Beach’ restrictions now lifted across Ireland, autumn is a great time for dogs – and their families – to head across the Irish Sea and enjoy some bracing ‘walkies’ along miles of golden sands.

Irish Ferries is happy to carry dogs free of charge on its ferries between Holyhead and Dublin or Pembroke and Rosslare; pooches can either stay in the car for the journey or travel in special on-board kennels. Dogs planning a holiday in Ireland will be relieved to know that they require neither a ‘pet passport’ nor special injections.

The operator also features self-catering holiday homes where pets are welcome. For example, a five night stay at the Woodside Holiday Homes in Co Wexford – minutes from a three-mile sandy beach - costs a total of £349 for two adults up to mid October; the family dog travels and stays free as do up to four children! Price includes return Pembroke/Rosslare or Holyhead/Dublin cruise ferry crossings for car and passengers. See irishferries.com for more details.