There is a reasonable argument that dogs have the best campervan holidays. They wake you up at 6am to go outside, which means you catch the light on whatever coastal road or forest track you are parked on. They have a reason to stop in every place that smells interesting, which turns out to be everywhere in Ireland. And they make you choose camping spots that most people with hotel bookings never find.A significant number of our customers hire specifically because they want to bring their dog, and cannot find a hire company that welcomes them without a significant surcharge or a complicated insurance clause. Our fleet is pet-friendly, the process is straightforward, and dogs are genuinely welcome.Here is what you need to know to plan the trip.Pet-Friendly Campervan HireWhich campervans are best for dogsThe honest answer is that almost any van in our fleet works well, depending on the size of your dog and how many people are travelling view our full fleet to find the right fit.For couples with one or two dogs, the V66 and V69 are compact enough to handle easily on Irish roads but have proper sleeping areas, good storage, and enough floor space for a medium dog to stretch out. Both are popular with couples who travel with a dog as a regular third passenger.For families or larger dogs, the 4-berth Dethleffs or Sunlight A68 gives more room: under-seat storage for a dog bed, easier movement around the van when parked, and more space in the cab area. The 6-berth A72 and A70 are genuinely spacious and suit larger dogs or multiple dogs without any real restriction.All vans are cleaned to a thorough standard between hires. If your dog sleeps on the seat or on the bed, bring a cover. If there is any dog hair or dirt beyond normal wear, there may be an additional cleaning charge. This is listed clearly in the rental agreement.Where to go in Ireland with a dogMost of Irelands best campervan routes are naturally dog-friendly. The beaches, mountains, forests and coastal paths that make this country worth exploring are almost entirely accessible with a dog on a lead.Wild Atlantic Way: The west coast is ideal. Dogs are welcome on virtually every beach along the WAW outside of specific restricted areas in peak summer. Achill Island, Connemaras dog beach at Dogs Bay, the beaches around Clifden, Sligos north coast at Rosses Point, and the Donegal beaches around Bundoran and Dunfanaghy are all genuinely excellent. One couple who bring their dog on every trip called the WAW with a dog the best holiday they had ever had.Wicklow and the South East: The Wicklow Mountains National Park allows dogs on leads on all trails. Glendalough is accessible. Brittas Bay has beach access for dogs outside peak season restrictions. The Wexford coast, particularly Curracloe, is dog-friendly year-round.Kerry and Clare: The beaches at Inch Strand, Maharees and around Dingle are generally dog-friendly. The Burren in Clare is walk-on-lead country and extraordinary terrain for a dog who wants interesting ground.Forests and mountain tracks: Coillte forests across Ireland allow dogs on leads. Killarney National Park has specific dog trails. The Glenveagh National Park in Donegal has walk-in access for dogs in parts of the estate.Dog-friendly campsitesMost campsites in Ireland open all year accept dogs with advance notice, and many are enthusiastic about it. A few things worth knowing before you book:Most sites ask that dogs are kept on leads within the campsite at all times. Some sites have a limit on the number of dogs per pitch. A small number of sites do not accept dogs in peak summer, so always call ahead.Campsites that have come up consistently in customer feedback as good for dogs include Lough Key Forest Park in Roscommon (convenient for customers collecting from our Roscommon depot), Connemara Caravan and Camping Park at Letterfrack, Bayview Caravan Park at Achill Sound, and Nore Valley Park in Kilkenny.For wild or free camping, where you pull off the road and stay somewhere quiet, dogs are an advantage. They give you a reason to walk whatever ground you are parked on, and the spots that suit this kind of camping are generally remote enough that nobody minds.What to pack for your dogThe van has everything you need. What to bring for your dog:Lead and collar with up-to-date ID tagFood and water bowls (or collapsible versions)Enough food for the trip with a small surplusDog bed or blanket. Something familiar helps dogs settle in a new space.Poo bags (Irish countryside, please)Any medication or regular treatmentsCover for the van seating if your dog tends to climb on furnitureThe fridge keeps wet food fresh. There is storage under the seats and in the overhead lockers. Most customers find the van has more than enough space for dog gear even on a longer trip.Booking a dog-friendly hireJust let us know you are bringing a dog when you book, by phone or in the booking notes online. There is no additional hire charge for bringing a well-behaved dog. Our pet-friendly campervan hire page has the full details of what is covered, what is expected, and how we handle the deposit for pet hires.Our pet-friendly fleet is available from both our Roscommon and Greystones depots. If you collect from our Greystones depot, the Wicklow coast and mountains are on your doorstep from the first evening. If you are collecting from our campervan hire in Roscommon depot, you are 45 minutes from the start of some of the best dog walking in the country at Lough Key Forest Park, and less than two hours from the west coast beaches.Campervan holiday offersThe post Dog-Friendly Campervan Holidays in Ireland appeared first on Craic N Campers.