Gimli wearing his Rabitgoo harness - our favourite accessory
If there's one thing I've learned from travelling full-time around Ireland and the world with my dog, it's that having the right gear can make all the difference. From scenic road trips along the Wild Atlantic Way to dog-friendly café stops and overnight stays, a few well-chosen essentials can make travelling with your four-legged companion easier, safer, and far more enjoyable.
In this guide, I'm sharing the dog travel and everyday items I genuinely use and wouldn't want to be without. These aren't gimmicks or unnecessary gadgets—just practical, tried-and-tested essentials that have helped make life on the road with Gimli simpler and more stress-free. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer adventure around Ireland, these are my go-to dog-friendly travel must-haves.
In this guide, I'm sharing the dog travel and everyday items I genuinely use and wouldn't want to be without. These aren't gimmicks or unnecessary gadgets—just practical, tried-and-tested essentials that have helped make life on the road with Gimli simpler and more stress-free. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer adventure around Ireland, these are my go-to dog-friendly travel must-haves.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
My Top 10 Dog-Friendly Must-Haves
10. Dog Treat Pouch
Gimli tends to get easily distracted on walks, so I always bring along some small treats like lamb or beef chunks from Lidl. I toss them into the treat pouch along with a roll of poo bags, and off we go.
Get yours here
Gimli tends to get easily distracted on walks, so I always bring along some small treats like lamb or beef chunks from Lidl. I toss them into the treat pouch along with a roll of poo bags, and off we go.
Get yours here
9. Dog Cooling Mat
I first received one of these mats as a gift in 2020, just before Gimli and I set off on our first trip. It sat in the campervan garage until one sweltering day in Spain when I decided to use it—and I’ve never looked back. They’re fantastic, and paired with some frozen treats, they’re perfect for hot weather.
Get yours here
I first received one of these mats as a gift in 2020, just before Gimli and I set off on our first trip. It sat in the campervan garage until one sweltering day in Spain when I decided to use it—and I’ve never looked back. They’re fantastic, and paired with some frozen treats, they’re perfect for hot weather.
Get yours here
8. Chuck It Ball Launcher
This is my favuorite gadget for trips to the beach or open fields with Gimli, and since we usually travel near water, it’s perfect. It’s a great way to get him swimming and running—just enough to wear him out. And the best part - it's foldable!
Get yours here
This is my favuorite gadget for trips to the beach or open fields with Gimli, and since we usually travel near water, it’s perfect. It’s a great way to get him swimming and running—just enough to wear him out. And the best part - it's foldable!
Get yours here
7. Dog Robe
Swimming and dog robes are a perfect match, especially if you want to avoid that wet dog smell in your campervan, car, or hotel room. Just towel your dog off and slip this robe on until they’re completely dry. It’s super soft and cosy.
Get yours here
Swimming and dog robes are a perfect match, especially if you want to avoid that wet dog smell in your campervan, car, or hotel room. Just towel your dog off and slip this robe on until they’re completely dry. It’s super soft and cosy.
Get yours here
6. Heavy Duty Extendable Dog Lead
These are fantastic, especially for dogs that love being off-leash but face restrictions. They offer the freedom to roam while still following the rules.
Get yours here
These are fantastic, especially for dogs that love being off-leash but face restrictions. They offer the freedom to roam while still following the rules.
Get yours here
5. FURminator Deshedding Tool
Gimli sheds a lot, which is especially helpful in the summer when he loses his undercoat. It makes a big difference when living in a small space.
Get yours here
Gimli sheds a lot, which is especially helpful in the summer when he loses his undercoat. It makes a big difference when living in a small space.
Get yours here
4. Regatta Dog Rain Coat
I love this raincoat. I picked it up on sale, and Gimli wears it every time it rains (which happens often in Ireland). It saves us a lot of drying effort when we return home.
Get yours here
I love this raincoat. I picked it up on sale, and Gimli wears it every time it rains (which happens often in Ireland). It saves us a lot of drying effort when we return home.
Get yours here
3. Collapsible Dog Bowl (Large)
For years I used the small dog bowls which were fine, but for a big dog like Gimli, the larger size is so much handier. I have two, one for food and one for water, which is ideal if we are out for the day or taking an overnight ferry.
Get yours here
For years I used the small dog bowls which were fine, but for a big dog like Gimli, the larger size is so much handier. I have two, one for food and one for water, which is ideal if we are out for the day or taking an overnight ferry.
Get yours here
2. Tractive GPS Tracker
We have been using the waterproof Tractive tracker for about 2 years now and it is amazing. Although Gimli does not usually run off, we sometimes lose each other if i walk faster than him or in certain cases when he follows someone else and their dog.
I can't tell you the number of times I have caught him via the Live tracking before he got close to a busy road. It also tracks their health, sleep and exercise and alerts you if there is anything to monitor.
Get yours here
We have been using the waterproof Tractive tracker for about 2 years now and it is amazing. Although Gimli does not usually run off, we sometimes lose each other if i walk faster than him or in certain cases when he follows someone else and their dog.
I can't tell you the number of times I have caught him via the Live tracking before he got close to a busy road. It also tracks their health, sleep and exercise and alerts you if there is anything to monitor.
Get yours here
1. Rabitgoo No Pull Dog Harness
This is such a fantastic harness that Gimli has been wearing since he was 2 years old. I bought the Rabbitgoo no-pull harness to stop him from pulling during our walks. After trying the Halti collar and other alternatives that didn’t work for us, this no-pull harness was a great find and made such a difference to our walks.
It also has a grab handle at the back for those times when he’s off leash and I need to quickly keep him away from something—mainly from eating cow poop or jumping into a smelly swamp.
Get yours here
This is such a fantastic harness that Gimli has been wearing since he was 2 years old. I bought the Rabbitgoo no-pull harness to stop him from pulling during our walks. After trying the Halti collar and other alternatives that didn’t work for us, this no-pull harness was a great find and made such a difference to our walks.
It also has a grab handle at the back for those times when he’s off leash and I need to quickly keep him away from something—mainly from eating cow poop or jumping into a smelly swamp.
Get yours here
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