Going to the dogs

CANINE TOURISM:HOTELS THAT accept canine bookings surely only exist in the US, right? Well, no: dog-friendly destinations are on offer in Ireland, too. Cashel House Hotel, near Roundstone in Connemara, has had up to seven dogs as guests on a single night, says Ray Doorley, the hotel's manager.

Being dog-friendly has turned out to be a clever marketing strategy, he admits. Many families book holidays at the hotel for the very reason that they can't bear to leave Fido behind.

Not only are kennels expensive, "but you can't always be sure what's happening to your dog", says Doorley.

There's a limit of two dogs per booking, they are not allowed in public areas, such as the bar, and they must be kept on a lead.

"Guests love coming through the lobby to the front door, showing off their dogs. Usually the dog gets more attention than the person," he says.

Cashel House Hotel is highlighted in The Ruff Guide: Ireland's Best Dog Walks and Holidays, by Karen Creed.

She lists and reviews dog-friendly walks, beaches and hotels in the counties of Kerry, Limerick, Donegal, Wicklow and Connemara, as well as in west Cork, and offers accommodation tips.

To order a free copy of The Ruff Guide, write to: Pedigree JointCare+ Ruff Guide, PO Box 7808, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin. You can also obtain one by e-mailing JointCare@ edelman.com.