PawDeal

Hello, you wonderful community of dog lovers and intrepid travellers!

The last few weeks have been a glorious, sun-drenched, tail-wagging blur for me and my gorgeous five-year-old Vizsla, Phoebe. We’ve swapped the green fields of Ireland for the vibrant landscapes of Spain, embarking on an epic three-week, 5,000-kilometre road trip. Now that we’ve shaken the sand from our paws, I’m thrilled to share the highs, the lows, and the hilarious moments of our journey with you all.

The Great Ferry Standoff

Our adventure kicked off under a starry sky in Wexford, boarding the Brittany Ferries ship bound for Bilbao. We’d snagged a surprisingly spacious four-bed, pet-friendly cabin, which quickly became our cosy den. I’d heard whispers that some dogs, especially females, get a bit of… stage fright… on the ferry.

I was armed with puppy pads and a can-do attitude. What I wasn’t ready for was Phoebe’s iron will. For a full 28 hours, our girl went on a potty strike! Despite our most theatrical encouragement on the designated doggy deck, she and a few other canine divas were simply not impressed. Just as real worry started to creep in, we docked in Bilbao. The moment her paws touched solid Spanish earth, it was business as usual. What a pro!

Toledo: Pools, Paella, and Ancient Streets

With Phoebe officially relieved, our real adventure began. We hit the open road, pointing the car south towards the majestic, ancient city of Toledo. We lucked out with the most incredible pet-friendly Airbnb, a rustic gem nestled amongst sprawling vineyards. The undisputed highlight for Phoebe? The swimming pool. She spent blissful afternoons launching herself in, a ginger streak against the blue water, to cool off from the glorious Spanish heat. For the humans, Toledo was a feast for the senses – a labyrinth of sun-baked cobblestone streets and breathtaking architecture that we joyfully lost ourselves in.

Sun-Chasing on the Coast

After soaking up the history, we craved the coast. We journeyed south to the Costa de la Luz and checked into the wonderfully welcoming, pet-friendly Hilton in Islantilla for a blissful week. This became our perfect launchpad for exploring! With Phoebe as our happy co-pilot, we took fantastic day trips, from the glamour of Marbella to the historic heart of Seville. We even zipped across the border for a taste of Portugal’s stunning Algarve coast in Albufeira. The drives were short and scenic, proving just how easy it is to explore diverse regions with your furry best friend in tow.

A Glimpse of Granada’s Glory

All good things must come to an end, and soon it was time to start the trek home. We broke up the journey with a stop in Granada, with one goal in mind: to witness the legendary Alhambra. Top Tip: book your tickets months, not weeks, in advance! We learned this the hard way and found it completely sold out. Undeterred, we spent a magical afternoon with Phoebe exploring the vast, beautiful public grounds, marvelling at the intricate architecture from afar and soaking in the palpable history of the place. No ticket required for that!

The Final Tally

Over three incredible weeks, we covered a staggering 5,000 kilometres. The return ferry from Bilbao felt like a flash, and before we knew it, we were breathing in the familiar, fresh air of Ireland.

This wasn’t just a holiday; it was a true adventure that deepened the bond between me and my best girl. We returned home with a car full of memories and a phone full of photos. If you’ve ever flirted with the idea of a grand European road trip with your dog, my advice is simple: do it.

Spain, you were a dream. ¡Hasta luego!