ireland’s best dog walks and holidays -...
TRANSCRIPT
The Ruff GuideIreland’s best dog walks and holidays
in assocation with
Do you hate leaving your dog in kennels when you go on holiday? Or are
you fed up with braving busy, polluted roads when taking your pooch for
a walk? Recognising dog owners’ passion for their canine companions,
Pedigree® JointCare+™ has devised this innovative guide to dog-friendly
Ireland.
Ireland’s best dog walks & holidaysNot only does our booklet reveal some of the most dynamic dog walks around Ireland but also includes recommendations of where to holiday. The very best of dog’s Ireland is revealed in this booklet, through the firsthand experience of Irish travel writer and dog owner Karen Creed. The energetic journalist and her four-legged friend, Figo, a seven year old Cocker Spaniel took off on a six-week adventure around Ireland to sniff out their favourite places.
Editor’s TailFor a dog lover, there is nothing worse than having to look into your dog’s eyes as you head off on a holiday. The easiest way to avoid ‘the look’ is to take your dog with you! Travelling with a dog can be great fun, simply adding to the pleasure of time away. When I mentioned to friends I was taking Figo on an adventure to “discover dog’s Ireland”, they thought I was venturing on the impossible. Nonetheless, I was eager to pursue this challenge and pass on my delightful discoveries to fellow dog owners.
Figo and I focused on six popular areas of Ireland – Kerry, Cork, Connemara, Limerick, Donegal and Wicklow. The walks I selected were for their interest and scenic beauty, but especially for their dog friendliness. I also tried to select areas where we could avoid roads, not have to struggle with awkward field boundaries, or where I would have to carry a muddy Figo over fences. The routes varied from short nature trails to miles of sandy shores, coupled with a few challenging mountain treks.
While every dog owner has their favourite walk, I hope this booklet will inspire you to take your dog on some alternative ‘walkies’ or even extend it into a holiday as I did. Dogs are great walking companions, personal trainers and listeners, essentially, they are the perfect holiday partners.
Love Karen & Figo
Discover Dog’s Ireland
The Pedigree®
JointCare+™ SixWeek ChallengeFigo is an energetic dog but at seven years old he is not as sprightly as when he was a puppy. As part of our adventure, we took on the Pedigree® JointCare+™ Six Week Challenge – to put the skip back in his step.
Giving him a treat each day eased his stiffness and helped him to bound his way easily through my chosen routes, even when the going got tough for his breathless owner! At times, I wondered who was taking who for the walk!
Our first day
Torc Mountain
Torc Mountain provides an exhilerating hill walk with incredible views of the valley below. While coach loads of tourists ascend the beautiful Torc Waterfall, Torc Mountain Walk enables the dog walker to enjoy stunning panorama in relative solitude. Good walking shoes and a leash for your dog is essential. Because of the wildlife there are strict rules that dogs must be kept under careful owner supervision.
Once we found the way up to the Old Kenmare Road (go up past Torc waterfall and turn right at the car park), the route is easy and no navigational skills are required. The path up the mountain was relatively easy and the sleepers zig zag their way up the mountain at a very handy, gradual pace. The path follows the contours and winds its way up gently, with beautiful viewing points (offering some respite for the weary) on the way to the summit. Figo bounded along most of the way.
Torc Mountain is over 500 metres high and it was a good two-hour walk from where we started. Once we got to the top, we were rewarded with splendid views of the valley below. While it may not be as challenging as other Kerry mountains, it’s a good place to take your dog if you want a two-hour walk amongst beautiful scenery.
Week 1: Kerry It’s said that ‘in Killarney, you will find a different
walking route for every day in the year”. This may be
an exaggeration, but only just. The tourist town has
countless dog friendly loop walks, some that can be
completed in just thirty minutes while others take four
or more hours. Bear in mind your dog will need to be
on a leash for many of them. There are also numerous
mountain treks and scenic beach strolls a short drive away.
Knockreer Gardens
There is nothing like having a dog on holiday to get you out and about. Our first walk in Killarney was bright and early, before most of the town had even stirred from slumber. Knockreer Gardens was a refreshing wake up walk, just a five minute stroll from our hotel. Even in dull weather, it is postcard perfect with vibrant flowers, perfectly manicured lawns, and avenues flanked by cherry blossom trees. Some of the routes in the gardens are closed off to dogs so it was important to keep Figo on a leash for this particular outing.
These gardens seem to be a popular choice among early risers as we encountered several dog walkers en-route. It is relatively flat terrain through most of the garden routes with just some uphill. There are a few different paths but I took no particular direction, as every turn had a different distraction. Figo seemed just as content to ramble down random paths, stopping at the river for a splash about (almost dragging me in with him!). These gardens are ideal for a brisk walk – approximately 45 minutes in my case - or just a
leisurely stroll.
Inch Beach With miles of golden sandy beaches in Kerry, it was a case of tossing a coin to decide which one to take Figo for a walk. Famous for being the place where an inch is actually three miles long, I chose the popular Inch Beach, a 40-minute drive from Killarney. It was a blustery day but the strong winds did not deter Figo or I from power walking along the foamy shore. This beach is particularly famous, having been chosen several times as a film location for movies such as “Ryan’s Daughter” and “Playboy of the Western World”.
The stretch of beach is so vast that your dog can revel in their own large territory of sand. Figo was feeling brave and ventured into the freezing water a few times, the waves lapping back and forth beckoning him in further. While Inch is exposed to strong sea breezes, this beach offers a good hour’s walk back and forth. Figo and I took on the more challenging sand dunes on the way back which took longer than walking along the levelled shore. There is nothing quite like finishing exercise with a treat, so Figo sat quietly with his Pedigree® JointCare+™ chew as I warmed up with a coffee at a beachfront café.
Top Tip!Dogs are sometimes allowed on trails, but not in public gardens or visitors’ centres.
Torc Mountain
Easy
Easy to moderate
Moderate
Moderate to challenging
Challenging
Difficult
Difficulty Rating
Where dogs are welcome: Randles Court Hotel, Killarney
Kerry is a haven for the walking enthusiast so deciding what part to explore was based on where I could find a dog friendly property.
A simple internet search directed us to the Randles Hotel in Killarney. Set in the vibrant town centre, pets of all shapes and sizes have graced the hotel’s sleeping quarters over the years (for no extra charge). The Randles family only make the simple request that guests have their own bedding and are house trained. It was obvious how pet-friendly this hotel was not just from their warm welcome to us, but to other guests arriving with their dogs.
There are certain bedrooms designated for guests and their pets at the back of the hotel. While the view of horses from our bedroom window sent Figo slightly hyper, the room was spacious enough for him to sleep comfortably.
The only downside of a room at the back of the hotel was each time we took Figo outside we had to take him all the way through to the front of the hotel (down the lift and through the lobby). That said, Figo seemed to revel in the relaxed atmosphere of the hotel and certainly felt at home with all the attention staff and guests bestowed on him!
Randles Hotel Killarney Tel: 064 39300
or visit: www.randleshotels.com
Week 2: West Cork Every summer West Cork draws walkers in droves. It is no
surprise given the glorious sandy beaches and mountain
peaks. Its beautiful and mystical forests will also challenge
you and your dog to undertake long and adventurous walks.
It’s easy to navigate your way around most routes as there
are well marked signposts across the lowlands right through
to higher mountain passes.
Farran Forest Park
Farran Wood, just 18 kilometres west of Cork city, is one of the most charming dog walks. The distractions for our favourite pooches are endless with river, rabbit holes and woodland. Rich in animal and bird life, there are also a few secret trails through the forest that will appeal to the more inquisitive dogs. It is ideal if you come here with your family as it has a play area for children, plenty of scope for dogs to run about and picnic areas spread throughout the park.
While you can venture along the guided pebbled routes, I chose the shortcuts through the forest, much to Figo’s devilish delight. Some of these unmapped forest paths are steep and you need to take care not to trip over the hidden roots. The appeal of this park is not just for the walks, but the fascinating wildlife enclosure, which is home to ducks, wild fowl and beautiful red deer. If your dog is excitable like Figo, seeing the animals may send him hyper – it is easy to scurry past the enclosure if you’d rather avoid such encounters. The circuit of the forest takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on the pace you take. The only downside of taking a walk here is that you have to pay an entrance fee at weekends (€5 per car).
Gougane Barra
Figo was only two years old when I first took him on this walk. Back then as a sprightly pup, he bounded his way through the trees, over the fences and down the steep mountainous cliffs. While he was less sprightly this time round, he enjoyed this walk upland, sniffing his way through the more rugged parts. For the dog walker, Guogane Barra is an area of outstanding natural beauty. The source of the river Lee flows into Gougane Barra Lake, which is surrounded by towering cliffs, and capped by heather and boggy upland heaths. From my holiday base in Bantry it took about 25 minutes to get to the park.
The walk is a high level circuit around the mountains, which surround the lake. Ideally it should be reserved for a clear day as much of the high ground is relatively bland and there is always the danger of straying too near the steep cliffs. There is a short cut down into the forest park below in case of difficulty. The start and finish of the walk are characterised by tracks but the upland route is mainly pathless, so I would never do this walk alone. The circuit can be done in either direction. Although I had to hoist Figo over some fences along the way, this and the slightly treacherous descent are the main obstacles of the walk. At the top you can get a good view of the lake below.
This walk took us about two hours at a relatively good pace. From the lower car park there is a choice of several other walks, including the nature trail which is quite short – less than one kilometre.
The Sheep’s Head Way Officially, dogs are not allowed on the Sheep’s Head Way, but provided they are under control (i.e on a leash) there is flexibility. This famous walk encompasses the Sheep’s Head Peninsula and the greater Bantry area in West Cork. Its beauty was recognised in 1997 as it was voted “The Best Walk in Ireland” by Walking World Ireland magazine.
The route is mostly off road which many dog walkers will prefer for safety and scenic reasons. Expect open hillside and easy to follow signposts along the route. In keeping with the special beauty of the peninsula, only stone and oak directional markers have been used. You can choose to do this walk from the Square in Bantry and then head out west on the northern side of the peninsula all the way to Sheep’s Head. However, there are also five loop walks which run north /south and can be used to lengthen or shorten a day’s journey.
Where dogs are welcome: Carbery CottagesHotels generally offer limited access to you and your pets (most allowing dogs in the bedrooms only) so self-catering homes are an ideal alternative if you want more scope for your dog to run about. Carbery Cottage in Bantry has an ideal set up, close to many walks in this part of Cork and situated on the route of the Sheep’s Head Way, which runs past their main gate.
This purpose-built B&B and adjoining self-catering cottage creates a great first impression and they extend a warm welcome to your four-legged friends. Dogs of all shapes and sizes are welcome, and the Cottages also offer enclosed runs which are great if you are feeling less than energetic yourself!
Carbery Cottage, West Cork Tel: 027 61368,
email: [email protected] or visit:
www.carbery-cottage-guest-lodge.net
Gougane Barra
Taking a break!
Muddy muts? Invest in a car seat cover to protect car seats from dog hair & muddy paws. Even the sweetest smelling pup can track dirt onto a clean car seat.
Week 3: Limerick As soon as you venture into the Limerick countryside you
will see the magnificent expanses of mountain and valley.
There are routes that are physically and culturally rewarding
for novices and experienced walkers alike. Some of the walks
we ventured on were like something out of a fantasy novel with
steep hills, breathtaking rock structures and calming waterfalls.
There are some fantastic adventure paths through woodlands too.
Knockfierna Hill It’s great to be able to start a walk direct from your front door. From our holiday abode, The Mus-tard Seed in Ballingarry, we were able to venture on our first adventure to Knockfierna Hill without having to get in the car first. You can see the hill from the hotel; it’s actually so high it can be seen for several miles around. Before setting out a guest recalled to me the intriguing tale behind it. It is known locally as the mountain of Donn of Truth. When people are curious to know whether it will rain, they look at the top of Knockfierna, and if they see a vapour or mist, they know that rain will follow. They believe that Donn, the Chief of the Mountain, and his aerial assistants are collecting the clouds, and that he holds them for a short time to warn the people of the approaching rain. I could see some mist as we set out, and hoped Donn would be kind enough to let Figo and I finish our walk before he released the rain clouds!
It took about an hour and a quarter to climb the hill. While Figo could walk all day, his breathless owner huffed and puffed part of the steeper ascent. We took a well-earned rest at the summit (951 feet high) and enjoyed the view. So far no walk has been too much for him, probably due to his daily intake of Pedigree® JointCare+™.
Ballyhoura Loop Walks Loop walks are great for dog walkers as you can return to the start point without retracing your steps. There are 22 such walks to choose from throughout Ballyhoura Country. The walks are about a 20 minute drive from The Mustard Seed, and we picked up a map for the walks in one of the local shops. There is a walk here for every type of enthusiast, whether you are interested in a country stroll or an uphill challenge.
The shorter circular way-marked walks have been built into the course of the Ballyhoura Way. They are all colour-coded, with many places of interest to visit along the way. Figo and I ventured on the Green Walk which is about 6.5 kilometres. It is easy to walk along this route and incorporates all the best elements of the area with woodlands, glens and rivers, lakes and forest parks. Along the way we were exposed to some spectacular views across the Ballyhoura and Galtee Mountain ranges. All loop walks are fully marked and have illustrated panels and specific map guides providing historical, heritage, flora and fauna information. I would recommend this route for a pleasant dog walk that incorporates some education along the way.
Where dogs are welcome: The Mustard Seed It’s refreshing to discover several luxury hotels around Ireland are welcoming dogs with open arms. Such is the case with The Mustard Seed in Limerick. The fine Victorian country house hotel is located in the tranquil village of Ballingarry, near Adare.
They appreciate that for some guests holidays would not be the same without the family dog. Peaceful countryside with opportunities for delightful walks is all around the Mustard Seed and the air is enchanting. As well as boasting space and elegance, the hotel has a wealth of comfort and amenities.
All 16 bedrooms are beautifully decorated and furnished, but if your dog is big, clumsy or excitable, ask the staff to hide away their porcelain ornaments.
There are seven acres of lawns surrounding the hotel, which was ideal for exercising Figo in the morning before breakfast. I would recommend paying a bit extra for one of the large bedroom suites as they have private access to outside, meaning you don’t have to bring your dog through the hotel lobby on every trip outdoors.
With the abundance of glorious food on offer, I would have rolled home if Figo wasn’t taking me out to exercise!
The Mustard Seed, Ballingarry, Limerick
Tel: 069 68508 or visit: www.mustardseed.ie
Top Travelling Tips• Private self-catering accommodation
can be the perfect solution for dog owners as there is plenty of space and no extra costs involved.
• If you are travelling by car, a light meal for your dog two to three hours before you leave is advised.
• Keep your dog cool and comfortable. If you are travelling by car, always keep a car window open so your dog has fresh air and when you park, try to find a nice patch of shade.
• Stay hydrated by carrying water for both you and your dog. You can use your hand as a water dish for him, and or we suggest using collapsible cups or inflatable water dishes.
• Stop at least every two or three hours so your dog can relieve him or herself.
Knockfierna Hill
Ready for more!
Week 4: Connemara Connemara lives up to the classic postcard image of the
thatched cottage with a mound of turf stacked at the side.
The scenery and fresh sea air are enough reason for walkers
to visit this part of the West. For dogs it is the acres of land they
can ramble through, and in Figo’s case his close encounters with
wandering sheep! The only downside of Connemara is the
unpredictable weather. One minute it can be sunshine, and in
thenext the heavens will open. A major draw for dog walkers,
however, is the number of dog friendly properties in one cluster.
Cashel Hill Cashel Hill stands towering behind the Cashel House Hotel. On clear days it has fabulous views over the bay and beyond, and is well worth the trek. To access the hill you first have to walk on the road for a few hundred metres before turning right and through a large steel gate. This route is typically Connemara-style with a grassy road flanked by stone walls on either side. The initial incline was one of the most challenging parts of the walk. Figo diverted off track in a few tugs of war, trying to pull me towards the sheep in the nearby fields!
True to Connemara weather, as we walked up the hill, the gloomy morning clouds vanished and the sun came out. The path became stonier as we ascended up the summit. While the views were beautiful, unfortunately the blustery wind would not allow us to stay there for long! The walk took just over an hour from the hotel and back.
Cashel House Garden Walk Connemara offers numerous walks but I was initially drawn to explore the sprawling gardens of my holiday base. While invariably a walk through the fifty acres of Cashel House Hotel won’t get your heart racing, your dog will adore sniffing his way through the wooded hillside and magnificent gardens.
There are a few different areas to explore on site, including The Secret Garden. It’s as appealing as its name suggests – a walled area with a stunning collection of flowers and trees. While you might need to take caution that your dog does not take any of the heads off the beautiful flowers, there is also a loop walk through the wooded hillside which I found more suitable and enjoyable to walk with Figo.
We followed the gloriously green Beech walk which took us down to the stream. Foals and mares can be seen from here sometimes. As we ventured further uphill the garden becomes more exotic with bamboo and other exotic plants. There is a seat perched in this part of the garden where you can sit (if your dog is patient) and enjoy the views down below.
Where dogs are welcome: Cashel House Hotel This luxury country hotel has the all-important feature of being pooch friendly. As well as taking your dog around the hotel’s beautiful gardens, there are open field walks without even having to get into your car. The hotel even has a special booklet outlining recommended walks in their vicinity.
The bedrooms are spacious and allow dogs enough scope to roam about and not feel claustrophobic. Figo loved our bedroom as it overlooked the gardens with the birds keeping him distracted. For the dog owner, the food was enough to get excited about, and they even offered a fry up for Figo at breakfast! Of course, they were joking, but you can tell the staff will go to any lengths to ensure your dog is as happy a guest as you are.
Cashel House Hotel Tel: 095 31001 or visit:
www.cashel-house-hotel.com
Top Tip!Try to create a travelling enviroment that is as close to “home” as possible. This means trying to feed your dog the same food at the same time you feed her at home.
Dogs Bay
Scenic Connemara
Gurteen Beach and Dogs Bay
This is an invigorating loop walk on two unusual beaches and the headland between them. It is a 15-minute drive from Cashel House Hotel to Gurteen car park where we started the walk. Good footwear is a must as there are low rocks in a few places and it can be slippery if it rains.
The walk which is mainly along sand and grassy headland takes around three hours. Even on a dull day it has to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the west. Figo enjoyed diving into the rock pools, and bounding over the sand dunes, while I kept an eye out for possible sightings of seals and dolphins. I did see a hare zoom past, which fortunately missed Figo’s usually sharp radar.
The beach was almost deserted which was surprising on such a cool, clear day – there were just five people on the entire walk. When we arrived at the headland we took a short rest at the fragile dune habitat. Only for Figo trying to tug me back the same route we had come, I had a glance behind to some incredible views. Although we took on the longer route of seven kilometres there is also a loop of four kilometres which takes about one and half hours.
Where dogs are welcome: Harvey’s Point HotelDisplaying a picture of a cute pooch on their site is enough to indicate that Harvey’s Point is dog friendly. Blessed with one of Ireland’s most beautiful locations, on the shores of Lough Eske, this hotel first opened in the late 1980s, with chalet-style buildings linked by covered walkways and pergolas. It has a distinctly alpine atmosphere reminiscent of Switzerland – a style that suits the site well, with the open low-level design allowing views of the lake and mountains from most areas of the hotel.
The courtyard rooms are available to guests arriving with pets, and while they are separate from the hotel, they are not inferior in comfort or luxury. Dogs are not allowed further than the lobby of hotel but their cocoon of comfort should be enough to keep them happy on holiday. There is also easy access outside to the courtyard area from the bedrooms.
Harvey’s Point Hotel, Lough Eske,
Donegal Town Tel: 074 9722208
or visit: www.harveyspoint.com
Week 5: Donegal Donegal is a dream for anyone who loves walking, from
leisurely strolls along river banks to more demanding
mountain hikes. From the town centre to the outlying urban
areas, as well as the surrounding countryside, it’s an ideal
location for the energetic dog and owner.
Lough Eske
I had previously cycled the loop of Lough Eske while on holiday in this part of Donegal. Walking with Figo offered a second chance to soak up this beautiful part of the northern county. A few kilometres to the north of Donegal Town, Lough Eske sits at the foot of the majestic Bluestack Mountains, with waterfalls at both North and South. It is one of the loveliest lakes, both peaceful and picturesque, with islands and a majestic castle in its ruins.
To add to its appeal, there is a dog friendly hotel located right on the lake shore – Harvey’s Point Hotel. You can start the walk from the front door of the hotel and it takes you right around the lake in a loop. The lake is three miles in width at its widest point. The whole area is tranquil and the road that encircles it is ideal for dog walking as it is safe with few cars driving past.
The walk is also vibrant in terms of wildlife and archaeological sites and offers striking views of the lake. There are a few uphill parts that tested my leg strength and Figo’s stamina, but we liked this walk so much we did it twice!
Top Accommodaton Tips• Private self-catering accommodation
can be the perfect solution for dog owners as there is plenty of space and no extra costs involved.
• Find out in advance what a hotel means by “pet-friendly” or “pets allowed.” Some hotels can charge a pet damage deposit.
• Some hotels assign pets only to smoking rooms so pack room deodoriser spray or other room fresheners your dog is accustomed to. This will help to minimise the stale odour of smoke and cut down on your pet’s inquisitiveness.
• Travel with a 4-1 mix of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle to re-move traces of any indoor accidents or lingering doggy smell!
Lough Eske
Figo’s travel essentials
The Bank Walk If you want an interesting stroll that combines town and country, the Bank Walk in Donegal town is a great choice. It takes about two hours if you do the loop. It starts in the heart of Donegal town and winds perfectly into a wooded grove with fine views of Donegal Bay. You follow the west bank for about two kilometres with lovely views all along.
While it is generally a popular route for all types of walkers, it is a sociable one for dogs with plenty of distraction. From the river bank you cross Boyce’s Bridge on the Killybegs Road and up to a quiet road which leads you right back into the town. You can end your walk like we did by soaking up some of the town atmosphere in an outdoor cafe.
Blissful SlumberSomething to block noise will help also if the hotel room doesn’t have sound-proofing. A radio or CD player can provide the right amount of familiarity and keep dogs from barking at every sound they hear.
Week 6: Wicklow Wicklow is not a county to hurry around, but rather to slow
down, feel the atmosphere, and revel in the glorious Garden
of Ireland. That said, there is no shortage of mountains or
coastline to give you and your dog some intense exercise.
The landscape of the coastal plain contrasts sharply with that
of the windswept mountain peaks, dramatic glens and scenic
glacial valleys. As well as challenging mountain peaks, you
and your dog can wander through authentic villages, mature
woodland and green farming pastures.
Lugnaquilla
It may be the highest in the Wicklow Mountains (3000 feet) but don’t let that put you off. Lug (as its known locally) does require good weather and enough energy for a day of hiking.
At this final stage of our adventure (nearing the end of his Pedigree® JointCare+™ Six Week Challenge), Figo was ready to take any walk that lay before him. The lower sections of Lug offer a pleasant and gentle climb but if you like mapped routes it can be hard walking over bog and heather, with no paths.
The mountain can be tackled by a number of routes. If you are looking for a test, approach it from the Glen of Imaal. I approached it from the east (Glenmalure Valley), which is an easy walk along a path with switchbacks up Clohernagh. This gets you onto the ridge which is a simpler route. You can’t avoid the steep climb to the top from the south to Percy’s Table where you need to prepare for extremely strong winds. I picked a fine, clear day for this walk, but when it’s foggy you can barely see your nose. Also on a clear day, views stretch across the Irish Sea to the mountains of Snowdonia in Wales.
This walk can take anywhere from four to seven hours depending on where you start from and the pace you take. Figo and I managed it in five, with many water stops and small rests along the way.
Where dogs are welcome: Wicklow Mountain RetreatTucked away in the Wicklow Mountains are two cosy cottages where pets are as welcome as their owners.
Wicklow Mountain Retreat is situated just off the road from Hollywood to Glendalough. It is a very peaceful, scenic location and ideal as a touring base and perfect for dog walkers.
There is an abundance of space to take dogs out for walks near the cottage, coupled with the option of driving to several famous mountain walks nearby. The cottages are available to rent all year round with prices start-ing from €180 for two nights.
Granabeg Self-catering Cottages,
Slievecorragh, Hollywood, Co.Wicklow
Tel: 045 864643 or send an email to:
Sugar Loaf I was in search of a mountain that would be easily reached and not overly challenging for either Figo or me. The answer was Sugar Loaf – the most easterly summit in the Dublin and Wicklow area. It started to drizzle as we arrived at the well-trodden base. With so many eroded paths leading up the mountain, it took a bit of figuring out as to which one to take.
We followed the other walkers up what appeared to be the less steep side of the mountain. Sheep often graze on its lower slopes but fortunately for Figo’s sake we did not come across any on our walk! While the start of the walk was partially muddy grasslands, the rocky section of the trail began halfway up. It was at this point where the wind began to show its vigour.
While Figo’s energy for this mountain trek was effortless, dog walkers may find it tough as you approach the summit. The final approach is quite steep and a bit tricky over the lose scree and exposed sharp rocks. But reaching the top is met with worthy views. The clamber down can be dangerous if your dog tends to tug on the lead so take care. Ultimately, it is a refreshing walk that won’t take you longer than an hour and a half if you take it at a good pace.
Bray Head to Greystones
This is my favourite coastal walk to take Figo. He loves being up high, with the breeze blowing at his ears.
The five-mile coastal trek around Bray Head is al-ways a popular one with dog walkers. The impos-ing hill which dominates the coastal town of Bray is the setting for this interesting nature walk.
It starts in Bray with a two kilometres cliff path which connects Bray Esplanade to Greystones Harbour. However the walk is actually best done from Greystones to Bray for two reasons: in order to have the sun behind you rather than in your face, and in order to start of in the location with less frequent transport, and end up at a location where the services are frequent, and your arrival time does not need to be exactly planned.
This trail is scenic, easy to follow and, while it is quite isolated at times, it is accessible. It is mostly gentle climbing, making it a walk in the park for both dog and owner.
Bray Head & Beach
Figo having fun!
Heathy TreatsDon’t succumb to giving your dog an ice cream cone every time you have one. If you want to treat him at the end of a walk, give him a healthy Pedigree treat.
It’s a Dog ThingSome of Ireland’s famous faces reveal their favourite four legged friends and where they take them for walks.
Nikki Hayes 2FM DJ Nikki Hayes has two Jack Russell
Crosses, Fred and Sandy (Frederick and
Sandra when they’re misbehaving).
How often do you walk your dogs?
As often as my schedule allows but at least five days a week
Best dog walk?
The Wicklow Gap as the dogs get a good
stretch and I enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Best dog friendly holiday?
After attending Cois Farraige last year I think I shall take them to it this year as there are some beautiful walks around Kilkee. And they could enjoy the festival at the same time!
Sinead Kennedy RTE presenter Sinead Kennedy has a two
year old Siberian husky called Kai.
How often do you take Kai for walks?
He has to be walked everyday. Huskies are a very active breed as they are traditionally used as working sled dogs. We are lucky that we have a lot of space for him at home so that he can run around.
Best dog walk?
When I take him for long walks we usually go to the beach or my local park – the Regional Park in Ballincollig in Cork. There are plenty of fields to let him run there but the chances of him coming back when called is usually slim, unless I have
some treats stashed in my pocket
Best dog friendly holiday?
Anywhere that has plenty of space for him to run around, preferably by the sea. He’s not much into swimming but he loves all the sights, sounds and smells that he encounters at the beach. Castlegregory Beach in Kerry and Garretstown Beach in Cork is great or there is a little private beach in Kinsale that we like to go to.
Melissa Hill Irish author Melissa Hill has a nine year
old boxer called Homer.
How often do you walk Homer?
We go out walking twice a day, once in the morning around the block and then down to the pier later in the evening. Our house is only a short stroll from Dun Laoghaire’s West Pier, one of Homer’s favourite spots for a brisk, bracing walk. It’s a good three kilometres to the end and back, and he’s absolutely fascinated by the harbour seals that frequently make an appearance in the water.
Best dog walk?
Living in South Dublin means we have the best of both worlds: stunning beachfront walks along Dublin Bay, and the more peaceful woodlands in nearby Wicklow. If we really want to tire ourselves out, we choose one of the more punishing circuits in Glendalough. The combination of forest and lakeside makes for a serene contrast to the hustle and bustle of Dublin, the steep hills test our stamina and there’s always the chance of spotting more wildlife. Homer goes crazy chasing squirrels.
Best dog friendly holiday?
This year I plan to do a weekend in Inchydoney Island Resort and Spa in West Cork. The coastal scenery is amazing and I believe that their self-catering apartments allow pets. So Homer can relax and enjoy the wild Atlantic views while I pamper myself in the spa. Would more could anyone want?
Damian Farrelly 2FM DJ Damian Farrelly has two dogs, Tommy
and Joey. They are both cross breeds that he
rescued from the DSPCA.
How often do you take them for walks? I walk the boys twice a day. They need to be walked twice because they are big dogs, but I really enjoy it.
Best dog walk?
We head off every morning and afternoon down a country lane beside our house in Dublin. It’s about a two mile walk and it is just idyllic on a sunny day.
Best dog friendly holiday?
Unfortunately I am not too aware of many places you can take your dogs on holiday in Ireland which I think is a pity because I’d say there is a huge market out there to cater for. The best option I would know of is if you have a caravan which I do think is ideal as you can go pretty much anywhere around the country.
Nikki
Sinead
Melissa
DamianTop Tip!Your dog’s leash should be handy at all times. Make it a habit to snap the leash to his collar before you ever open a car door.
Dogs On The Go
1. A Collapsible Travel Bowl For dispensing fresh water. Consider bringing water from home or buy bottled water along the way.
2. A Collar with ID TagsJust in case your dog gets separated from you. ID tags should include your dog’s name, your name, and a contact phone number. Also, carry a photo of your dog and get him microchipped so if he does get lost, he can be located.
3. A LeashSo he can join the family in all the adventures. Many places, such as parks and beaches, require dogs to be on a leash.
4. Regular Food Pack plenty of their regular food. Also, a good supply of Pedigree® JointCare+™ will help keep your dog comfortable while on holiday.
5. A Pooper ScooperPack a pooper scooper or disposable sandwich bags to clean up his ‘business’. Zip-closure storage bags are another secure option.
6. Health RecordsA copy of their health records and rabies vaccination certificate. Proof of vaccination may be required by some hotels and resorts. Health records also come in handy if you have an unexpected trip to the vet.
Bringing Back The BounceDogs of all types and sizes can develop
joint problems as they get older. They
become less and less mobile and slow
down. Pedigree® Joint Care+™ treats
were developed with these dogs in mind.
When fed daily, they can help ease joint
stiffness in as little as six weeks. They have
all the ingredients to help keep your dog’s
joints healthy – and it’s got all the taste to
keep them happy too. They’re a deliciously
tasty, meaty treat that your dog will love
getting their teeth into every day.
Sizing It UpHowever big your dog is, you can choose
from three different sizes of soft chews –
small, medium and large, to make sure
they get just the right amount every day.
Take the six week challenge and see
for yourself!
Before setting out on your holiday, make sure that your dog has all the essentials to ensure that the adventure is happy and safe.
small dogsmedium dogs
large dogs
www.pedigreejointcare.com