Lurchers, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Jack Russells, Bichon Frise, Scotties and many more have bounded out of car boots, leaped from back seats or carefully stepped from the driver’s side (yes really!) on arrival to Wood Smoke Cottage. It is one of the guests’ arrival moments that I enjoy the most. The dogs sniff madly, run around in circles, and tear around the garden, before finally having a good root around in the Burren rocks surrounding the cottage. Their owners are relieved to have arrived too, tired from the journey and looking forward to the little break away, happy that they could bring their beloved canine family with them.

Our cockapoo, Luna also has to come check on the new arrivals. There is usually a quick hello, before she gets down to the business of play and starts the zoomies, dying for her new friends to let loose too! Our large meadow just off the driveway to the cottage is the ideal spot to play with the dogs off leash to really give them a good run – we even provide the ball, a launcher or a hurley if you are so disposed!

We are located just off a green road, with the odd tractor for company, so our guests can don their walking shoes, a rain jacket, the dog’s lead and off they stroll out the entrance gates towards the village. Passing gorse bushes, fields full of inquisitive cattle, mounting the little rise on the road to get a view of rock and sea in the distance.

In springtime, if you peep over stonewalls you may find a glimpse of orchids or the blue stunner that is the gentian. Now, while walking in the winter, the landscape brings shifting light, with showers, rainbows and plenty of rosy cheeks! Every season here really does have its own unique beauty. Being on the edge of the Burren, there are oodles of opportunities to explore mountains and trails within a short drive.

Seashore adventures abound here too. We are only a short ten-minute drive from Bishops Quarters beach, where you’ll often have the place to yourselves with sand dunes, stretches of sand and pebble, views across to the Martello tower and the light shining often on Connemara. Regardless of weather, I find it always quite beautiful. A little further along the road, another lovely stroll follows the Flaggy Shore in New Quay for wild Atlantic vistas and if fortunate, you may spot the swans. Take a breath now if you can to read Seamus Heaney’s wonderful Postscript – this special place certainly does make for glad hearts.

For waves and drama, Fanore beach is wonderful. Dogs seem to go a little crazy on this beach. Someone once told me it is to do with the negative ions released by crashing waves on sand. All I know is that when dogs get on that beach, they are exuberant and joyful. There is a moment of complete exhilaration that is a pleasure to watch.

In a gentler moment, sipping a nice pint, enjoying a bowl of mussels, outside Monks on the Pier, with your dog napping at your feet is one of the simple pleasures here. There are many others to discover; the gardens and tearooms at the Burren Perfumery, divine hot chocolate at Hazel Mountain Chocolate, a plate of oysters at Linnanes at New Quay, and further afield, the very dog-friendly Moher Café provides truly excellent coffee, treats and a delightful gift shop.

Later, when you tire of walks along the beach, or scrambling up mountains, take your dog’s lead (because somehow they always know where to find the best place) and snuggle in front of your blazing fire, mug or glass in hand as you rest – it really is a dog’s life here at Wood Smoke Cottage!

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