There is something about autumn that makes a cosy cabin break with your dog feel completely irresistible. Crisp morning walks, muddy paws by lunchtime, then settling inside somewhere warm while the relaxing sound of rain pattering against the timber walls sets the mood.
Across Ireland, there are some incredible dog friendly cabins, lodges, and glamping stays built for winding down. Some sit tucked deep in quiet woodland, others overlook calm lakes or sit just a short stroll from the beach. Think wood burning stoves, hot tubs, outdoor baths, and a few properly off grid escapes if complete quiet is the main objective.
We have pulled together 15 dog friendly cabin stays across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland that are tailor made for an autumn break.
While we try our best to keep Best Bark as up to date as we can, dog policies can change, so it is always best to double check directly with the provider before booking.
Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges on Best Bark
Killyhevlin sits beside Lough Erne on the edge of Enniskillen and has several pet friendly ways to stay, including hotel rooms, Lakeland Studios and self catering lakeside and woodland lodges.
For an autumn break with the dog, we would be looking at the lodges. They give you more space and privacy, with an open plan kitchen and lounge leading onto private lakeview decking. You can head out for a lakeside walk around the hotel grounds before coming back somewhere warm with views across the water.
The Lakeland Studios are another option for couples, with a fully equipped kitchen and their own balcony or terrace.
Killyhevlin also puts you in a handy spot for exploring more of Fermanagh, with plenty of countryside and dog friendly walking spots around the Lakelands.
Check the hotel’s latest dog policy when booking, as pet friendly accommodation needs to be selected specifically.
CABÜ by the Lakes, County Cavan
CABÜ by the Lakes on Best Bark
CABÜ feels made for autumn.
Set within Killykeen Forest Park on the shores of Lough Oughter, the cabins are surrounded by woodland that completely changes colour as the season turns. There are one, two and three bedroom cabins, with selected dog friendly options that need to be booked in advance.
Many of the cabins have log burners, kitchens and private outdoor space. Around the site you can book hot tubs, saunas, spa treatments, boat hire, kayaks and other activities. Or forget all of that and spend the day walking through the forest with the dog before heading back to light the fire.
Dog friendly cabins include useful touches such as water bowls, and there are plenty of walking routes around the surrounding forest.
This is one we have stayed at ourselves with Vito, and the setting is a big part of what makes it special.
The Cabin Under The Hills, County Waterford
The Cabin Under The Hills on Best Bark
If your idea of an autumn break involves a wood burning stove, woodland and almost no reason to leave the property, this one deserves a look.
The Cabin Under The Hills is set on Cappoquin Estate in County Waterford, with views across the River Blackwater and towards the Knockmealdown Mountains. The cabins are designed as secluded nature stays, with wood burning stoves, private decks and outdoor fire pits.
Dogs are very welcome inside with no size restrictions. There are traffic free farm lanes, woodland paths and riverside walks from the property, plus bowls, treats and paw towels waiting at the cabin. Guests are simply asked to bring their dog’s own bed or blanket.
There is also a woodland sauna on the estate, which feels particularly appealing once the temperature starts dropping.
Narrow Water Lodges, County Louth
Narrow Water Lodges on Best Bark
Just outside Omeath, Narrow Water Lodges gives you easy access to Carlingford, the Cooley Peninsula and the Carlingford Lough Greenway.
The lodges are modern and comfortable rather than rustic, with king size beds, private bathrooms, kitchenettes and outdoor seating. They make a good base if you want to spend most of the day exploring before coming back somewhere warm and easy in the evening.
Dogs and cats are permitted in designated pet friendly accommodation. Best Bark currently lists a limit of one dog per lodge, with no size restrictions. A pet fee and additional cleaning charge apply, so check the current total when booking.
The nearby Greenway is an obvious option for a long autumn walk before heading back to put your feet up.
Willowtree Glamping, Annalong
Willowtree Glamping on Best Bark
For a Mournes escape, Willowtree Glamping has a mix of luxury log cabins, shepherd’s huts and yurts in Annalong.
The big autumn draw here is the private hot tubs. You can spend the day walking in the surrounding countryside, come back to cook outside or toast marshmallows, then finish the evening in the hot tub under the stars.
Pets are accepted across all of Willowtree’s accommodation for a £20 charge per stay. Dogs are not permitted on furniture or beds. The site is adults only, so this one works particularly well for a couple looking for a break with their dog.
Wild Hideaways, West Cork
Wild Hideaways is one of the more grown up stays on this list.
Set in the Mealagh Valley near Bantry, this adults only retreat has six private eco lodges surrounded by countryside. Each lodge sleeps two and comes with its own kitchen, patio, fire pit and private outdoor hot bath. There is also a shared sauna and cold plunge.
Dogs and cats are welcome, with current pet fees starting at €15 for one pet. Pets need to stay on leads around the grounds because of the rewilded landscape and local wildlife.
For autumn, the combination of West Cork walks, an outdoor bath and a cabin you can retreat into afterwards is hard to argue with.
Loughmourne Glamping Pod, County Antrim
Loughmourne Glamping Pod on Best Bark
Set in the hills outside Carrickfergus, Loughmourne Glamping Pod is a good option if you want a countryside break without travelling too far from Belfast.
The glamping accommodation includes its own terrace, private bathroom and hot tub, with room for up to four guests. Current accommodation listings also allow one pet.
You are well placed for exploring the County Antrim countryside, then heading back to the pod for a hot tub once the temperature drops.
Wild Strawberry Shepherd’s Hut, County Galway
View Wild Strawberry Shepherd’s Hut on Airbnb
If you want the slightly more rustic side of cabin life, this solar powered shepherd’s hut sits on farmland between Moycullen and Oughterard in County Galway.
Inside there is a small wood burning stove, which immediately earns autumn points. Outside you have a private hot tub, separate fire pit and barbecue area. The hut sleeps up to three guests and pets are allowed.
The location puts you around 20 minutes from Galway city and close to Lough Corrib, while still giving you that properly rural feeling when you get back to the hut.
It is simple, cosy and a little bit wild, which is exactly what some cabin weekends should be.
LakeLands Harbour Cabin, County Tipperary
View LakeLands Harbour Cabin on Airbnb
This log cabin sits directly on the eastern shore of Lough Derg near Garrykennedy, surrounded by mature woodland.
There is private harbour access, a woodland walk, lake views and room for up to six guests. The private hot tub can currently be added to a stay for an additional charge, while private sauna sessions can also be booked.
Airbnb currently includes LakeLands Harbour Cabin within its pet friendly accommodation in Ireland, although specific dog limits or charges are not stated on the public listing.
For an autumn break, having the lake and woodland right outside the cabin gives you plenty to do without having to plan a packed itinerary.
Hill View Lodge, County Kilkenny
View Hill View Lodge on Airbnb
Hill View Lodge is a glamping pod in County Kilkenny with mountain and valley views, a private hot tub, fire pit and outdoor pizza oven.
Inside there is a kitchenette, shower and wood fired stove, so you can still get the cosy cabin feeling even if the weather outside is doing its worst. The lodge sleeps up to four guests and the Airbnb listing states that pets are welcome.
It is around ten minutes from Mount Juliet Estate and close to countryside trails and villages, giving you options for heading out during the day before coming back for an evening beside the fire.
Cosy Cabin by the Beach, County Donegal
View Cosy Cabin by the Beach on Airbnb
This Donegal cabin has taken the autumn brief rather seriously.
Set in Lettermacaward, it has a private sauna looking towards the ocean and an outdoor bath that can be filled hot or cold. Dooey Beach is only a few minutes away, with plenty of other walking and hiking options around this part of Donegal.
Airbnb currently includes the cabin among its pet friendly Donegal stays. The public listing does not give a specific pet limit or additional fee, so confirm that with the host before booking.
Beach walk with the dog, sauna, hot outdoor bath, bed. That is a fairly solid autumn Saturday.
Fiadh Rua Cabin, County Leitrim
View Fiadh Rua Cabin on Airbnb
Fiadh Rua is a secluded timber cabin in Kinlough, County Leitrim, surrounded by woodland.
The cabin is designed for two and has an open plan interior, king size bed on a mezzanine level and a private hot tub outside. Pets are allowed according to the current Airbnb listing.
It is the sort of place that suits a slower weekend. Take the dog out for a walk, come back, get into the hot tub and accept that you will probably achieve absolutely nothing productive for the rest of the day.
Exactly as it should be.
Wren’s Nest, County Kilkenny
For something properly off grid, Wren’s Nest is tucked among the trees at the back of a wild cottage garden in Burnchurch, County Kilkenny.
There is no mains electricity. Lighting is solar powered, there is an outdoor shower and the cabin is surrounded by birds, plants and countryside. Guests can cook in the outdoor kitchen and eat outside, with the property working particularly well as a base for walking and cycling in the surrounding area. Pets are allowed.
This one is less about luxury extras and more about switching everything off for a couple of days. Bring books, decent boots and probably a very good coat.
Log Cabin in the Woods, County Wexford
View Log Cabin in the Woods on Airbnb
The name does most of the explaining here.
This Finnish inspired log cabin sits within woodland on a farm near Enniscorthy. It is deliberately simple and peaceful, with a sauna included and the sound of the surrounding woods replacing most of the usual background noise.
The cabin sleeps two and pets are allowed.
For anyone who likes the idea of an autumn stay that genuinely feels removed from everyday life, this is one of the more stripped back options on the list.
Goleen Harbour Sherkin EcoCabin, West Cork
View Sherkin EcoCabin on Airbnb
Down in Goleen, the Sherkin EcoCabin looks across towards Fastnet Rock and the surrounding West Cork coastline.
The sustainably built tiny house sleeps up to four, with a flexible sleeping layout, kitchen and plenty of windows for taking in the views. Guests can book the hot tub and sauna in advance or spend the evening around the site’s large outdoor fire pit.
Goleen Harbour specifically allows pets in its Sherkin and Fastnet EcoCabins. Dogs need to stay on leads around the site, cannot be left unattended and should have their own beds brought from home. A pet cleaning charge applies.
With coastal walks, West Cork scenery and somewhere warm to come back to afterwards, this would make a lovely later autumn escape.
Ready for a cosy weekend away?
Cabin breaks work particularly well for dog owners because so many of them put you straight into the countryside. You can head out for the morning, let the dog enjoy a proper walk and still be back beside the fire before it gets dark.
And with autumn leaves, quieter beaches and fewer crowds, this might be one of the nicest times of year to do it.
You can find more dog friendly accommodation across Ireland, as well as dog friendly parks and walks and dog friendly cafés on Best Bark.
Before booking any stay, check the accommodation’s latest dog policy directly. Limits, charges and rules can change.
