Dog Activity Holidays in Ireland

Take Your Dog Abroad and Discover Ireland

LONDON, July 22, 2010 - Dog activity holidays are increasingly popular with Brits according to
the Dogs Trust (www.dogstrust.org.uk)

Clarissa Baldwin, Dogs Trust CEO, says:

"We're lucky to have this great, dog-friendly destination on our
doorstep. Dogs love a change of scenery just as much as their owners and I
think Ireland makes a wonderful holiday destination for them. They don't need
a pet passport, ferry transfers are quick and easy and the stunning
countryside and coasts are every holidaying hound's dream! Our top tip is to
make sure you do your research before you go and check the beach is
dog-friendly."

Holidaying in Ireland with your pet is easy by ferry. Your pet can either
remain in your car (which is free) or spend the journey in one of the
on-board kennels so you can visit if necessary. It's easy on the pocket too
with prices starting at a mere EUR20 to add a dog kennel to your ferry travel
arrangements.

Once in Ireland, there are numerous hotels and B&Bs which welcome dogs,
such as Rathmullan House in Donegal who have a special doggie hotel room or
The Twelve in Galway, where your pet can stay in luxury surroundings. B&B
Ireland has over 150 members who accept pets into their homes all over the
country. See www.bandbireland.com for more details.

Ireland is also renowned for its beautiful scenery, with breathtaking
views. When choosing where to go for walks or days out with your dog, take
your pick from expansive beaches to imposing mountains, alongside
pet-friendly national parks.

You can also meet other pet owners. Why not enter your dog in the Bantry
pet races on Friday nights in July and August? Or head to the Sunday market
in the Peace Park in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin where a wide range of pooches meet
up!

Top events for dogs:

Agricultural shows are a great day out. You can bring your dog and even
enter them in competitions with the locals

Northern Ireland

Fermanagh County Show, 3 - 4 August
(www.discoverireland.com/gb/ireland-things-to-see-and-do/whats-on/listings/product/?fid=NITB_17433&WT.mc_id=gb_pr_150710_rel_sea_dogs_fermanagh)

Clogher Valley Show, in County Tyrone 28th July
(www.cloghervalleyshow.com/)

Republic of Ireland

Tullow Agricultural Show, County Carlow, 15th August
(www.discoverireland.com/gb/ireland-things-to-see-and-do/listings/product/?fid=FI_55842&WT.mc_id=gb_pr_150710_rel_sea_dogs_tullow)

Iverk Agricultural Show, County Kilkenny, 28th August
(www.discoverireland.com/gb/ireland-things-to-see-and-do/listings/product/?fid=FI_14869&WT.mc_id=gb_pr_150710_rel_sea_dogs_iverk)

Travelling to Ireland by sea this summer is plain sailing, with 15 ferry
routes from Britain to Ireland and 277 crossings each way every week. You can
be there in as little as 90 minutes, so you can begin your holiday straight
away and start soaking up the Irish culture.

Whatever you choose to do and why ever you choose to stay, Ireland has a
holiday which the whole family will enjoy! So get packing, and don't forget
to pack the dog biscuits!

Getting there and around:

There are 15 sea routes from Britain to Ireland. Most of the major car
hire companies have desks at ferry terminals at cities across Ireland. For
further information on these, plus bus and train services in Ireland, visit
the Discover Ireland website
(www.discoverireland.com/gb/ireland-plan-your-visit/getting-there/?WT.mc_id=gb_pr_150710_rel_sea_dogs_gettingthere)

Crossings to Ireland from the UK are operated by Stena Line, Irish
Ferries, Isle of Man Steam Packet, Norfolkline Irish Sea, P&O Irish Sea and
Fastnet Line.

About Discover Ireland

Discover Ireland is the body that welcomes visitors to Ireland and
encourages them to 'go where Ireland takes you'. The Discover Ireland website
and phoneline offer a wealth of information and support for tourists who wish
to visit Ireland.

For more info on dog friendly holidays in Ireland:
www.discoverireland.com/gb/about-ireland/experience-ireland/dog-friendly-holiday/?WT.mc_id=gb_pr_150710_rel_sea_dogs_doghol2

(Due to the length of the above URLs, it may be necessary to copy and
paste these hyperlinks into your Internet browser's URL address field. Remove
the space if one exists.)

For further information on Tourism Ireland, contact Consolidated PR on +44(0)20-7781-2300 or: Orla ONeill | orlao at consolidatedpr.com | +44(0)20-7781-340; Charlotte Andrews | charlottea at consolidatedpr.com| +44(0)20-7781-320