I love to travel. My dog loves to travel too. Dog Friendly Ireland is a dream come true for people like us who want to explore the world with a four-legged friend. I have spent a lot of time wandering the green hills and rocky coasts of this island. A trip here is a special experience.
First of all, you must realize that a dog friendly ireland road trip takes a bit of planning. Is it worth the effort? Absolutely. The landscapes are stunning, and the welcome is often warm. I want to share my personal guide to making your dog friendly ireland holidays the best they can be.
I will start with the most important part: getting there and the rules you must follow.
Getting to the Emerald Isle
I chose to travel by sea. Therefore, the dog friendly ireland ferry was my first big decision. I initially looked at the route from Holyhead to Dublin. However, the weather was bad at that time. I changed my plan to the route from Fishguard to Rosslare. This turned out to be a great choice. I used Stena Line. They offer pet-friendly cabins on several routes, including Liverpool to Belfast, Holyhead to Dublin, and Fishguard to Rosslare.
My cabin was quite comfortable. It had a clean floor with no carpet, which is smart in case of accidents. Additionally, it had four bunks and a private bathroom. I paid 250 pounds for a one-way crossing with my motorhome and the pet cabin. Plus, I did not have to leave my dog alone in the vehicle. Your dog stays right by your side. You must follow a few rules, though. A maximum of two pets are allowed per cabin. You should also bring your own beds and bowls. First of all, make sure you dog friendly ireland book your cabin early. These spots are in high demand.
Paperwork and Rules
You cannot just show up at the port. Your dog needs the right papers. My dog has a microchip. This is a legal requirement. Also, a rabies vaccination is a must. You must get this done at least 21 days before you travel. If you are coming from Britain, you need a tapeworm treatment. A vet must give this to your dog between one and five days before you arrive in Ireland.
I have an EU pet passport for my dog. This makes things easy. If you do not have one, you will need an Animal Health Certificate. I suggest you find a vet who does not charge too much for this. I heard of people paying 200 pounds, but you should not pay more than 110 to 120 pounds. When I arrived at Rosslare, two officials checked my dog’s microchip and paperwork. The process was very straightforward.
Transport Within Ireland
I usually drive, but you can use public transport too. Irish Rail is quite friendly to pets. Small dogs can travel for free on your lap. They must stay on a lead or in a basket. Larger dogs are allowed too. However, they must go in a guards van on Intercity services. You must pay a fee for this. Dogs on the restricted breeds list must wear a muzzle.
The rules for buses are different. Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus only allow guide and assistance dogs. I find this a bit of a shame. Trams, or the Luas, allow animals only if they are in an enclosed carrier. Therefore, a car is usually the best way to see the country with a dog.
Where to Stay: Dog Friendly Ireland Accommodation
I have found some amazing dog friendly ireland hotels during my travels. Luxury and dogs can go together!
- Castlemartyr Resort, Co. Cork: This is a five-star manor on 220 acres. They have a pet concierge! They can find you walkers or sitters.
- Cabu by the Lakes, Co. Cavan: I loved the log cabins here. They even provide doggy life jackets for rowing boats.
- The Rabbit Hotel, Co. Antrim: This boutique spot has a resident dog named Florence. The rooms have dog pillows and even outdoor bathtubs.
- Tankardstown House, Co. Meath: They give every dog a “VIP” (Very Important Pooch) welcome package. The courtyard cottages are beautiful.
- Carton House, Co. Kildare: Dogs get treats, a bowl, and a mat in the room. Plus, they offer a dog minding service.
My Favorite Dog-Friendly Walks
Ireland is famous for its walks. I have explored many of them. Here is a dog friendly ireland map of my top picks.
Munster Adventures
Ardmore Cliff Walk, Co. Waterford: This is a 3.9km easy trail. It takes about one hour. I saw the ruins of the Samson shipwreck and passed St. Declan’s Well from the 5th century. The views over Ardmore Bay are cracking. Later, I had a meal on the terrace at the Cliff House Hotel.
Dunmore East Cliff Walk, Co. Waterford: This is a 5km coastal trail. The views of the Irish Sea are stunning. You must keep your dog on a lead at all times here.
Muckross Lake Loop, Co. Kerry: This is a longer walk at 15km. It is a moderate hike in Killarney National Park. I saw the Meeting of the Waters and the 400-year-old yew tree at Muckross Abbey. It takes about four hours. Additionally, you can add the Torc Waterfall loop for more views.
Moylussa, Co. Clare: This 9.2km trail is the top-voted dog-friendly walk on some sites. It starts in the Ballycuggaran Forest. My dog loved taking a dip in Lough Derg.
Connacht Coastal Trails
Westport Greenway, Co. Mayo: This is a short 2.6km easy walk. It follows an old railway line. Gradually, you reach the quay where you can get a coffee.
Nephin, Co. Mayo: This is a tough 7.7km hike. Nephin is the second highest mountain in the province. The views of the lakes from the top are breathtaking.
Diamond Hill, Co. Galway: You can bring dogs here! It is a 7km hike in Connemara National Park. I kept my dog on a short lead. The paths are well-kept.
Slish Wood Forest Walk, Co. Sligo: This 4km walk is strenuous but worth it. I saw oak trees that are 250 years old. The bluebells and wild garlic in spring are lovely.
Leinster and the East
Ticknock, Fairy Castle Loop, Co. Dublin: This is a 5.5km easy loop. It offers panoramic views of Dublin Bay. It is a magical experience for a dog friendly ireland day.
Royal Canal Maynooth, Co. Kildare: If you want a flat surface, this is perfect. The towpath is 130km total, but the Maynooth to Kilcock stretch is 6km each way. I saw many docked canal boats and pretty stone bridges.
Howth Cliff Walk, Co. Dublin: This is a famous 10km coastal trail. Is it safe? Yes, if you use a lead. The cliffs are high, so I was very careful. Similarly, you can find many dog-friendly pubs in Howth village.
Dining Out with Your Dog
I noticed a big trend lately. More pubs and cafes are welcoming dogs. However, you should always check first. Many places only allow dogs in outdoor areas.
Dublin’s Best Spots
- Barbers Bar, Stoneybatter: They love dogs here. They even have a “doggy wall of fame”. In the words of the owners, they are “the dog’s boll*x”.
- The Dog House, Howth: Pups can curl up on their own double bed here. The decor is unique and colourful.
- Urbanity, Smithfield: They make homemade doggy treats from squash. Their mascot is a blue Staffy named Fia.
- PYE, Dundrum: This place has a doggy vending machine! It sells toys and beer-biscuits.
- Humphreys, Ranelagh: They have a Polaroid wall for their canine guests. You can get small treats at the bar.
- Angelina’s, Baggot Street: They have puppucinos on the menu. The views of the canal are lovely.
Cork’s Canine Gems
- The Marina Market: This is a huge open-air market. It is very dog-friendly. Many stalls have treats ready.
- Coughlan’s Bar: A historic pub with a charming garden. The staff usually bring out water bowls.
- The Anglers Bar: This is a riverside venue with a massive beer garden. It is perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
- The Kingsley Hotel: They have a “Paws & Unwind” package. It includes a special dog menu.
The Heritage Site Reality Check
I want to be honest with you. Many famous sites do not allow dogs. I learned this the hard way. ** لذلك**, I checked 30 sites to find the truth.
The Reality:
- Cliffs of Moher: Dogs are allowed on leads. The drop is 214 meters, so keep them close!
- Glendalough: This is very dog-friendly. The monastic ruins and lake trails are brilliant.
- Giant’s Causeway: Dogs on leads are welcome on the basalt columns.
- Hill of Tara: You can walk your dog on the hill. It is basically a big field with great history.
- Kilkenny Castle: Dogs are allowed in the massive parklands, but not the building.
- Newgrange: No dogs allowed at all. Not even in the visitor center.
- Blarney Castle: No dogs allowed in the gardens or the castle. This is a big disappointment.
- Rock of Cashel: Dogs cannot go up onto the Rock. You can only see it from the car park.
- Trinity College: No dogs allowed on the grounds.
Safety and Legal Responsibilities
You must be a responsible owner in Ireland. The law is quite specific.
Effectual Control: All dogs must be under “effectual control”. This means they should return when you call them. Most people recommend a lead in public places. First of all, your dog must wear a collar with your name and address.
Restricted Breeds: Some breeds have extra rules. These include:
- German Shepherds
- Rottweilers
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers
- Dobermanns
- English Bull Terriers
- Japanese Akitas
If your dog is on this list, it must wear a muzzle in public. It must stay on a short lead (less than 2 meters). Plus, the person leading the dog must be over 16 years old. Additionally, the XL Bully is now banned from sale or breeding as of October 2024.
Farmers and Livestock: This is very serious. I never let my dog off a lead near sheep. Farmers are very protective of their animals. They have a legal right to protect their livestock. Some signs even say dogs may be shot if they worry sheep. I always look for signs and respect private land.
Health and Emergencies
I always hope for a safe trip. However, it is good to be prepared. There is a 24/7 emergency vet service called EMERGE. They have hospitals in Summerhill, Co. Meath and Little Island, Cork. You can call them at 046 955 7551 for the Meath branch.
Finally, I want to remind you to “Bag it and bin it”. Dog waste is a big issue in public places. ** لذلك**, always carry waste bags and take them with you if you cannot find a bin.
Exploring Ireland with a dog is a great adventure. It requires more work than a normal holiday, but the memories are worth it. Your dog does not care about how old a tower is. They just want to be with you. They want to sniff new smells and run on the beach. Gradually, you will find your own favorite spots in this beautiful country.
A trip to Ireland with your dog is like a long walk through a storybook; every turn reveals a new green field or a hidden castle to explore together.
I get a lot of questions about my travels across the sea. People want to know the small details that make a trip easy. First of all, I have gathered the most common questions I hear. I want to answer them for you now.
FAQ
Is Ireland a dog-friendly country?
Ireland is a wonderful place for a pet holiday. Many people find it a top destination because of the luxury stays and nature walks. However, it is not as progressive as the United Kingdom or France yet. Some people still keep dogs outside, and some beaches have strict rules. Therefore, it is a mix of warm welcomes and specific limits.
How dog friendly is Dublin?
Dublin is changing for the better very fast. You will see a huge rise in dog ownership and pet-friendly policies. Many shops like Penneys and Tesco now allow dogs inside. Plus, areas like Dublin 7 have many pubs where pets can join you. It is much easier to navigate the city now than it was ten years ago.
Can I immigrate to Ireland with my dog?
Yes, you can move to Ireland with your pet. You must follow the health rules for travel. Your dog needs a microchip, a rabies vaccine, and a pet passport or health certificate. Additionally, you must contact the port of entry at least 24 hours before you arrive to arrange a check. Plan well in advance for this big move.
Are dogs allowed in pubs in Ireland?
Dogs are allowed in many pubs, but it is up to the owner of the pub. Some places love pets and offer water and treats. However, some pubs that serve food might only allow dogs in a beer garden or outdoor area. First of all, you should always ask the staff before you bring your dog inside.
What are the rules for dogs in Ireland?
Every dog must be under effectual control at all times. Your pet needs a license and a collar with your name and address. On top of that, you must pick up after your dog in public places. Certain restricted breeds must also wear a muzzle and stay on a short lead.
What country treats dogs the best?
Ireland is a top choice for luxury treatment for pets. Some hotels offer pet concierges and special dog menus. Though, the United Kingdom and some parts of Europe are often described as more inclusive for dogs in daily life. Every country has its own way of showing love to animals.
Concluding Words
A dog friendly ireland road trip is a fantastic way to see the beauty of the island. You can find many dog friendly ireland hotels like the Castlemartyr Resort that treat your pet like royalty. Gradually, the country is becoming more open to pets in pubs and shops.
You must follow the rules for effectual control and paperwork to keep everyone safe. Finally, always remember to check the local dog friendly ireland map for the best walks in places like Glendalough or Howth. Your pet will love the fresh air and the green hills. Plus, you will make memories that last a lifetime.
