I love the feeling of salty air on my face and a happy dog by my side. I have spent years traveling across this beautiful island with my furry best friends. I am a mature traveler who believes that a holiday is not a holiday if the dog stays at home. Ireland is truly a haven for those of us who love the sea and our pets.
I want to share my personal guide to the best dog friendly beaches in ireland has to offer. I have walked these sands and seen the wagging tails myself.
First of all, I must say that planning is the key to a great trip. I often check a dog friendly beaches ireland map before I leave the house. This helps me find the perfect spot for a long walk or a quick splash. Ireland has over 3,000 kilometers of coastline to explore. However, not every beach is the same. Some are vast and wild.
Others are small and hidden. Plus, you need to know the rules. Many beaches have Blue Flag status. This means they are very clean and safe. Though, it also means there are rules for our dogs during the summer.
1. Ballinesker Beach, County Wexford
I always start my list with Ballinesker Beach. It is a place of history and beauty. This beach is famous because the movie Saving Private Ryan was filmed here. I felt a deep sense of awe when I stood on those sands. The beach is miles long and has very soft, golden sand. It is a dog friendly paradise. My dog loved the space to run off-leash.
Additionally, this beach connects to Curracloe Strand. Together, they form a 16-kilometer stretch of coastline. That is about 10 miles of walking for you and your dog! I found the sand to be very gentle on paws.
There is a car park, but it can get full in the summer. I suggest you arrive early in the morning to get a spot. Later, you can rinse your dog at the outdoor shower station. This helps keep the car clean from sand.
2. Banna Beach, County Kerry
I think Banna Beach is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It stretches for over 10 kilometers. This beach is part of the North Kerry Way.
It is an unspoilt beauty with blue flag status. I found that dogs are welcome on the mat if you join a beach yoga class. “Can your dog Downward Dog?!” is a question I often hear there.
I always stop at the Salty Souls Café in the car park. It is a quirky café in a vintage caravan. The owner, Jason, is very friendly. They offer free dog treats and clean water for your pets. I usually enjoy a hot chocolate while my dog has a biscuit.
Gradually, the day just fades away as we walk the long shoreline. Therefore, Banna is a top choice for any dog owner.
3. Dog’s Bay, County Galway
Next, I must mention a very special place near Roundstone. Dog’s Bay is a horseshoe-shaped bay in the Connemara region. It is one of my favorite dog friendly beaches in ireland. The sand is not made of rock. On the contrary, it is made of tiny fragments of sea shells. These are called foraminifera shells. This makes the sand bright white.
The water is turquoise and crystal clear. It feels like a tropical paradise. However, there are no toilets or bins at this beach. You must be a responsible owner and take your rubbish home.
I also advise you to keep your dog under control near the dunes. These dunes are very fragile. They protect the land from the sea. On top of that, I often see cows in the nearby fields.
4. Portmarnock Beach, County Dublin
If you are looking for Dog friendly beaches Dublin, look no further than the Velvet Strand in Portmarnock. It is a vast expanse of soft sand over five kilometers long. I find it is perfect for a long walk near the city.
First of all, you should know the summer rules. From June 1st to September 15th, dogs are restricted in the Blue Flag area between 11 am and 7 pm.
You can still walk your dog on a leash through the access routes to reach the non-restricted areas. I saw many people following these rules to keep the beach clean. Additionally, the council warns that one dog foul can contaminate an area the size of a tennis court. Therefore, I always carry extra waste bags.
5. Benone Strand, County Londonderry
I have spent a lot of time searching for dog friendly beaches in northern ireland. Benone Strand is a true gem. It is a seven-mile stretch of golden sand. You get amazing views of the Benevenagh mountain and the coast of Donegal.
I found this beach to be very popular with both locals and visitors. You can even drive your car onto the sand in some parts of the Causeway Coast. Similarly to other spots, there are restrictions from May to September.
But even then, there is so much space that you will not feel crowded. Plus, the sea air is very refreshing for both you and your pet.
6. Enniscrone Beach, County Sligo
I recently visited Enniscrone Beach in northwestern Ireland. It is a 5-kilometer shoreline that is perfect for a sunset stroll. I found that leashed dogs are very welcome here.
The local hotels are also very welcoming. I stayed at the Ocean Sands Hotel. They have eight ground-floor rooms just for dog owners. They even have a doggy dining area.
This makes it one of the best spots for dog friendly beaches in ireland has available. On top of that, the beach is wide and long, giving dogs plenty of space to run off-leash.
7. Long Strand Beach, County Cork
For those visiting the south, Long Strand Beach is a must-see. It is 1.5 miles long and is a very famous surfing beach. I love this spot because it is a year-round dog-friendly beach.
I enjoyed a great meal at The Fish Basket at the end of the beach. They serve local fish and chips. The outdoor tables are dog-friendly. I sat there with my pup and enjoyed the views of the Wild Atlantic Way. However, I must warn you about the strong currents in the water. I do not let my dog swim too far out here.
8. Barley Cove, County Cork
I think Barley Cove is one of the most unique beaches I have ever seen. It was formed by a tsunami back in 1755. I reached it by walking across a floating pontoon bridge and a wooden boardwalk.
The beach is a Special Area of Conservation. The sand is pristine and the area is rarely crowded. It is a year-round dog-friendly beach. I felt like I was in another world while walking there. At that time, I realized how lucky we are to have such wild places.
9. Fanore Beach, County Clare
If you follow a Dog friendly beaches clare guide, you will always find Fanore Beach. It sits right on the edge of The Burren. The beach is part of a large dune system.
I found that there are some restrictions in the summer between 11 am and 6 pm. But outside of those hours, it is a great place to play.
I saw many limestone boulders on the sand that were moved there by ice sheets 15,000 years ago. Additionally, O’Donohues Pub is just across the road and serves great fish and chips. They have dog-friendly picnic tables outside.
10. Portstewart Strand, County Londonderry
Portstewart Strand is a National Trust site. It has two miles of golden sand. I think it is a wonderful place for walking and splashing in the waves.
The National Trust gives it a one pawprint rating. This means dogs are welcome, but there are rules to protect the 6,000-year-old dunes. I always keep my dog on a lead in the dunes to protect the wildlife. Later, I usually head to Harry’s Shack. It is right on the beach and is very dog-friendly.
11. Narin-Portnoo Strand, County Donegal
I believe Narin-Portnoo Strand is a gem in the heart of Donegal. It is over 2 kilometers long. I drove up the road above the beach to see the panoramic views. It was breathtaking.
First of all, you should know that dogs are only allowed in specific zones during the summer peak hours. However, Dooey Beach is just a 20-minute drive away. It is a year-round dog beach that is very quiet. Similarly, the town of Bundoran nearby has many dog-friendly cafés like Buoys and Gulls.
12. Keem Bay, Achill Island, County Mayo
Keem Bay is one of the most photographed beaches in the world. It is a small, secluded horseshoe-shaped bay. The white sand slopes gently into turquoise water.
I found that dogs must be on a leash here. There is a ban on dogs in the Blue Flag area during the day in the summer. But I visited in the early morning and it was very peaceful. I even saw some old cottages from an abandoned village nearby. Plus, the water quality here is excellent.
13. Brittas Bay, County Wicklow
I often visit Brittas Bay because it is only an hour from Dublin. These are the Dog friendly beaches Wicklow locals love the most. The beach has very fine sand and beautiful dunes.
Wicklow has specific bye-laws for dogs. There are Blue Shaded Areas on the maps where dogs are not allowed during the summer. But there is still plenty of space for a long walk.
I recommend visiting in the early morning or late evening. Additionally, The Avon at Blessington Lakes is a great place to stay nearby with your pet.
14. Rossbeigh Beach, County Kerry
Rossbeigh Beach is a seven-kilometer stretch of sand on the Ring of Kerry. It offers amazing views of the Dingle Peninsula. I found the open spaces to be perfect for a game of fetch.
The dunes behind the beach are great for exploring. I also like that there is a lot of room so my dog does not bother other people. Similarly to other Kerry beaches, it is a place where you can really feel the wild nature of Ireland.
15. Port Path, Portstewart to Portrush
Finally, I want to suggest a walk rather than just a beach. The Port Path is a 6.5-mile coastal walk. It connects Portstewart and Portrush. I walked this with my dog and saw the most amazing sea views.
We passed by several small beaches like Whiterocks. It is a medium-length walk that will tire out even the most energetic pet. Therefore, it is a great way to end a holiday.
Is Irish Beach Dog Friendly?
You might ask, is irish beach dog friendly? The answer is mostly yes, but you must be smart. Every county has its own rules.
I always check the local signs. Blue Flag beaches are the most strict. They usually ban dogs between 11 am and 7 pm in the summer months. This is to keep the water clean. Research shows that dog waste is a major cause of water pollution. So, I always “Bag it and Bin it”. Plus, some breeds are restricted by law.
These include Rottweilers and Bull Terriers. These dogs must wear a muzzle and be on a short lead at all times in public.
Essential Gear for Your Beach Trip
I never go to the beach without a few important items. I usually shop at places like Gary’s Pet World to get what I need.
- Fresh Water and a Bowl: Dogs get very thirsty in the sun. Do not let them drink seawater as it can make them sick.
- Doggy Sun Cream: Dogs can get sunburnt too, especially on their noses and ears.
- Floating Toys: I use a KONG Aqua toy because it is easy to see in the waves.
- Compostable Poo Bags: I prefer the Earth Rated brand because they are strong.
- A Long Lead: Some beaches require leads, so a strong one is vital.
- Microfibre Towel: This is a lifesaver for drying off a soggy dog before they get in the car.
Where to Stay: Dog Friendly Beach Accommodation
If you are looking for a dog friendly beach house ireland or a hotel, there are some amazing options. I have found that more and more places are opening their doors to pets.
I highly recommend the Castlemartyr Resort in County Cork. They are a five-star hotel that loves dogs. They even have a pet concierge service. They can arrange dog walkers or sitters for you. Another great spot is The Rabbit Hotel and Retreat in County Antrim. They have a resident dog named Florence who greets all the guests.
If you prefer something more rustic, look for dog friendly beach cottages ireland like Kribben Cottages in County Down. Or try Cabu by the Lakes in County Cavan. They have luxury log cabins where you can take your dog out in a rowing boat. They even provide doggy life jackets!
FAQ
Are dogs allowed on beaches in Ireland?
Yes, dogs are allowed on many beaches, but you must check the local rules. Local councils use bye-laws to manage these areas. You will find that some beaches have limits during the busy summer months.
What beach is the most dog-friendly?
Ballinesker Beach in Wexford is often called a dream for dogs. It is a very wide beach with plenty of space for pets to run. Additionally, it ranks as one of the best spots in Europe for furry friends.
Which beach is best for dogs?
I think Enniscrone Beach or Ballinesker are the best choices. They are very long and offer plenty of room for a good run.
Is Ireland a dog-friendly country?
Ireland is a top destination for people who travel with their pets. It is a place that works hard to be a premier spot for pet travel. Plus, many places now offer high-quality stay options for dogs.
Can I take my dog on a beach?
Yes, you can take your dog to the beach. However, you must be careful about Blue Flag rules in the summer. These rules often keep dogs off the sand during the middle of the day.
What is the best place to vacation with dogs?
The Rabbit Hotel in Antrim or Castlemartyr Resort in Cork are excellent. They offer luxury and special services for your pet. Similarly, Cabu by the Lakes in Cavan is perfect for nature lovers.
Why are dogs not allowed on most beaches?
Authorities limit dogs to prevent water pollution. Dog waste can carry bacteria that makes the water unsafe for swimmers.
Is it a good idea to take your dog to the beach?
It is a wonderful idea because it builds great memories. The fresh air and exercise keep your pet happy and fit.
Are dogs allowed on beaches in the UK?
Yes, many beaches in Northern Ireland allow dogs. Ballycastle Beach and Benone Strand are popular spots for a walk.
Can I bring my dog to Ireland on vacation?
Yes, you can bring your pet on a ferry to Ireland. Many people use these routes to start their road trips.
How dog friendly is Dublin?
Dublin is very welcoming to pets. You can take the DART with a small dog and visit many cafés. Killiney Hill is a top spot for a walk with a view.
Is Cliffs of Moher dog-friendly?
The cliffs are dog-friendly if your pet is on a lead. However, dogs are not allowed inside the visitor center.
Conclusion
Ireland is a paradise for dogs and their owners who love the sea. You can find beautiful spots from the Velvet Strand in Dublin to the white sands of Dog’s Bay in Galway. First of all, you must follow local rules to keep the water clean. Wexford and Donegal offer some of the longest and most scenic walks on the island.
Additionally, the luxury hotels and local cafés make the trip easy for everyone. Finally, a beach trip is the best way to keep your dog healthy and happy.
