Having lived in Ireland, I like to visit there as often as possible ... such a beautiful country with the most amazingly friendly people! I've also discovered that the Irish love their dogs .... and sometimes those dogs are allowed to be quite independent especially in rural areas.
Here are a few new pals I found along the byways on my last trip over to Ireland .... some are scruffy, some spoiled rotten, some are lonely, some have serious jobs, but all surely must be loved.
The two characters to the right are Rocky & Swanky -- they live on the County Kerry farm where my grandfather was born in 1886 (my ghostly reflection is in the cottage's window). As a border collie and a Jack Russell terrier, they represent two of the most popular breeds in Ireland. In the photo below, Swanky is obviously trying to win the "ugliest dog" contest -- even with his smile.
Just a bit further North we came across this cutie on Kells Beach -- he wanted us to play catch with a rock he found in the sand. I just love the look of this little guy! 
In County Limerick we found more new pals, some who were waiting patiently for their masters ...
This fellow looked so lonely that we asked his master if we could take him for a walk down to the river ...
Now isn't he having much more fun?
And this lucky collie oversees magical Lough Gur in County Limerick, where I had a Bed & Breakfast business for 4 years ...
But my favorite Irish dog of all is my own Darby O'Gill (D.O.G.) who's a Border Jack (border collie-Jack Russell mix) and was born & raised in Lough Gur but emigrated to the U.S. (now 14 yrs young).
Have you come across cute dogs during your travels? If so, please share your photos in your comment!
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Hi Maureen
Beautiful country shots along with your four footed friends. We had a border collie for a number of years. They are amazing dogs, great with the kids and do they love to chase and fetch any kind of a ball.
You know, I think these are the first photos of Ireland's beach I've ever seen. It is a beautiful land and I'd love to see Ireland and Scotland...one day. But, for now thanks for sharing your journey and the many friends along the way.
P.S. Cute name for your dog. We had a friend that had an Akita and named him De-O-Ge :)
When I lived in Northern Ireland, we had a Bernese Mountain Dog, Sasha. She made up her mind to use the pebbles on the beach to do her business each morning regardless of the size of the waves crashing in. She never did learn to not turn your back on the sea!
Lovely shots bringing back many memories for me - thanks.
I love to read a great post like this one. Please keep them coming!
Maureen- Don't have any photos to share but seeing the beautiful ones you took in Ireland makes me miss my Brittany.
some great looking dogs! and some ugs....gottal love them all! My daughter would get all dogs if she could.
Guy ~ border collies are so smart! As you said they're wonderful with kids, and love to play ball. Thanks for stopping by.
Lee & Carol ~ I hope that you get the chance to visit Ireland (and Scotland too -- another country with gorgeous scenery). The beaches in Ireland are hauntingly beautiful.
Susan ~ Sasha must have been lovely -- Bernese Mountain Dogs have always been a favorite to see at dog shows. She obviouly felt pretty at home when on the beach! Glad you enjoyed the photos of Ireland.
Jeremy ~ OK -- will do!
Kathy ~ Oh, I hope you're not too sad. Think of all the good memories ....
Dan ~ It's true, ugly or handsome -- dogs are wonderful, loyal pals. Your daughter sounds like I was when I was growing up!
I just got back from Ireland about a month ago. Went with my two brothers and my dad. Landing in Shannon and stayed in Limerick for two nights. Headed to the cliffs of moher then north to castlebar. Then down to Dublin. My favorite part of the trip was by far the people and the Guinness! The Guinness there was much smoother than any I've ever had in the states. Driving the car on the small roads was an adventure!!! And so much history!!!
Darin ~ Sounds like you had a "grand" trip to Ireland! Aren't the Cliffs of Moher amazing? Yes, the people are so warm and make you feel like family right away. I've heard many people say the same thing about the Guinness ... once it travels over here to the US, it's not the same as the smooth pint you get in Ireland! Hope you get back there one day.
Great dog pics - I thought there were Irish Sitters in Ireland. Dogs on the Isles always seem happy.
If Swanky was smiling, I'd hate to see his frown.
Dogs everywhere are generally the same: friendly unless abused.
Maureen - thanks for sharing the pics and taking a moment of your time to respond to my comment!
Ed ~ Surprisingly, most of the Irish setters you see are at dog shows (not as pets). However, my family raised champion Irish setters in California years ago....we sold one to Walt Disney studios for their movie "Big Red."
Jim ~ My cousin kept telling me that was Swanky's "smile" but I'm with you -- I thought he wanted to tear into me! You're right about dogs being friendly -- in Ireland, just like the natives.
Darin ~ My pleasure! I love to hear about others' experiences in Ireland.
Hi Maureen, they are sooo cute. How was your trip to Irleland, would love to hear more
What a lovely way to start my day with your beautiful pictures. I wish I had my camera ready when we were in France last week because we got a kick out of several of the local dogs in Arles.
Barbara ~ I love visiting Ireland -- and lived there for 8 years starting in 1996 so I return as often as I can. It's a special place!
Kathy ~ We'll look forward to seeing some next time! I know the French bring their dogs everywhere, even in restaurants, and they're usually very well-behaved.
Hi Maureen - Swanky looks like he falls in the category of "ankle biter"!
I think my favorite is that little brown and white beauty sitting in the window, framed by white lace curtains. The "SLOW" shot is another one....."what do you mean...SLOW??!!" ;=)You are a great dog photographer.
Well that sure was super cutie you ran into on Kells Beach Maureen. I've never been to Ireland but it looks absolutely beautiful, thanks the dog tour!
Janis ~ Swanky is an ankle biter for sure .... And that cute doggie in the window? Her owner asked if we would mail her a copy of that photo after we got home, and we did! She said lots of tourists take a photo of her dog, but that ours was the first she rec'd a copy of ... she loved it. I know you're a great dog and cat photographer too.
Cyn ~ You'd love it there, the hiking, the scenic beauty, the warm and friendly people ... and of course their dogs.
What a great photo theme for a vacation! Sundance (my Sheltie) and I really enjoyed looking through your pics.
John ~ I'm happy to hear that you and Sundance enjoyed the Irish dogs. No matter where you travel, dogs are universally wonderful!