In the Spring next year, I am taking my dogs to Ireland for three weeks. I am going with some friends and we are renting dog friendly cottages in three different counties.

I do all the research on where we can go with the dogs. One of the places we really want to visit, is the National Stud. There is a lot to see, including foals, museum and the Japanese Garden. To do it justice needs several hours and we are planning our visit for on our way back to Rosslare.

I was concerned about the dogs, as I couldn't find any mention on the Stud's website with regard to dogs being allowed or not. If we had to take turns to stay with them by the cars, we may not have time for us all to see everything.

I emailed the Stud's tourist dept asking if they would be allowed to walk around, under control on leads, or if they have a kennel facility.
I thought I would share with members the really nice answer I received:

Really looking forward to welcome you to Irish national stud, myself and my staff will do everything possible for you to 
have a lovely time and yes you can certainly take your dogs with you as long as they are on their leads ,
Have a very merry Christmas
And see you in 2010

Best wishes

I thought how good it was to receive such a positive response!   I am now looking forward to our trip even more! :)

Best wishes.

it is a wonderful place

Awe that's very nice of them! We have been to Ireland a fair few times with our dogs and find a lot of places over there are very welcoming and accommodating. The last time we were there, we popped into a local pub and they told me I was more than welcome to bring my dog in. They also told me I should let him off the lead to stretch his legs and have a wander round the pub! Not a good idea as he's a Lakeland Terrier who steals and 'kills' anything that isn't tied down!

The first year we went, we were aloud to stay in a cottage where they don't normally have dogs (they let them stay as they are 'clean' show dog who don't shed!). The owner popped round after we had been at a show all day, knocked on the front door and got no reply so she let herself in to find one of my 'lovely, well behaved' dogs on her back, wedged down the back of the cream settee, fast asleep with her legs in air lol. She has also thrown all the cushions on the floor to make herself extra comfy! Luckily, the lady completely fell in love with dogs after they licked her to death and she didn't mind them bouncing all round the sofas lol (thank god!). They always seem to know how to show you up! lol

It really is a fabulous place, especially the Garden. I love visiting there and next time I might just bring the dog aswell!

I can't see your Avatar properly so I don't know what kind of dogs you have. There is the Restricted Breeds Act in Ireland which requires the muzzling and leashing of a good few breeds including Staffie, GSD, RW, Doberman etc. Just in case you didn't know.

Thank you Otterhound, I think you mentioned that last time I posted something about this trip. I have retrievers- flatcoat and golden, so no problem, but certainly a good idea to highlight this, as some people may not be aware of the restrictions in Ireland. :)

Best wishes