With more households becoming pet owners in 2021, the demand for dog-friendly facilities has never been higher. Fortunately, West Limerick is home to several places for you to visit with your beloved pooch and Sharon Noonan invited participants on the West Limerick Food Series 2 to share their suggestions to enable you to plan your visit to 'pawfection'.
Tea n Tales in Abbeyfeale is famous for its yummy doggychinos and word on the street is that owners are being hounded by their pets to go there before embarking on a long walk on the nearby Limerick Greenway, Ireland's newest off-road cycling and walking trail along an old railway line.
The Limerick Greenway is also home to the latest dog-friendly spot in West Limerick. Platform 22 is part of the Barnagh Greenway Hub which boasts incredible amenities including bike hire, crazy golf, a playground, as well as kennels for the dogs needing a little break.
In Newcastle West Sonas Health Foods is a popular coffee stop for dog owners with outdoor window seating. It stocks organic dog treats which can be washed down thanks to the water bowl at the entrance.
In terms of accommodation, the luxurious Fanningstown House in Adare is a 5 bedroom gated self-catering detached house with a garden that welcomes well-behaved small dogs as guests with their human owners.
For the discerning diner, the multi-award-winning Mustard Seed, recipient of the Georgina Campbell "Pet-Friendly Hotel of the Year" accolade, welcomes guests and their well-behaved pets. Room options include a Deluxe Suite with doors opening onto the garden for convenience and lots of space for your pet’s sleeping arrangement. The Courtyard Mews is also ideal with added spaciousness and direct access to the Mustard Seed’s 10 acres of beautifully manicured gardens.
Your four-legged friends will relish an invigorating escape to the nearby Knockfierna, The Hill of Truth, which overlooks the Mustard Seed and the village of Ballingarry. Be sure to pack an extra-long lead and enjoy a gentle hike to the top. At almost 1000 feet, Knockfierna is the highest point in Co Limerick with breathtaking panoramic views that stretch as far as the Shannon Estuary. You can even book a tour with Fáilte Ireland-approved guide Jørgen Hartogs.
Celtic Eco Park in Adare is a dog-friendly location and boasts spacious surroundings which make for a thrilling run-around. Top tip, the staff will happily take your dog for a stroll on request!
In Adare, the prettiest village in Ireland, stop off at Café Logr to order an Old Barracks coffee for yourself and a doggiechino for Rover or grab a coffee at the Treehouse at the Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel after walking the looped track and perusing Mary’s Organic Garden.
Limerick Milk Market is renowned for its dog-friendly site with water bowls dotted around for thirsty visitors. It is also home to stallholder Happy Food At Home who makes vegan dog treats to order as well as birthday “pupcakes.” Keep an eye out for the Happy Dog at Home train and treat range.
The West Limerick Food Series 2 is a networking and training initiative for food/ drink producers and growers, café owners, restaurateurs and chefs, hoteliers, B&B owners, tour guides/operators, retailers, publicans, tourist attractions, and food/drink enthusiasts in the West Limerick area. It is delivered by The Discovery Partnership on behalf of West Limerick Resources.
