Dog-Friendly Activities in Ireland

Secret Street Tours is a nonprofit and unique pet-friendly tour company based in Dublin, IE. Leashed and well-behaved dogs are welcome to join their owners on an excursion of cultural and historic landmarks led by guides who have been affected by homelessness, who will tell you their story as they fill you in on Dublin's.

The monastery of Clonmacnoise, meaning "Meadow of the Sons of Nós", is pet-friendly. It's situated in County Offaly, Ireland on the River Shannon south of Athlone. Clonmacnoise was founded in 544 by St. Ciarán. Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the grounds, as long as they are cleaned up after.

Marina Market in Cork, IE is pet friendly. The largest indoor market in the area hosts 35+ full-time food vendors. Pups can enjoy a refreshing bowl of water at one of the market’s hydration stations and join you throughout.

Phoenix Park is the largest enclosed park in any capital city in Europe. This pet-friendly park boasts a variety of walking paths and trails for you to enjoy with your pooch. Dogs must be on-leash at all times in the park. Make sure your pooch is close by and under control as the park is also home to a herd of fallow deer, who shouldn't be approached. Certain areas in the park are off limits to dogs and their owners. Keep an eye out for signage when you're exploring the park. Phoenix is open every day of the week, all day.

A Tiny Hidden Beach, also known as Howth Secret Beach, is pet-friendly. Bring your dog for a wander on this pebbly windswept beach with great views and seclusion.

dog park

All good dogs go to Killiney Hill. At least they ought to. It’s dog heaven. A beautiful park to walk your dog off the lead. It has spectacular views of Killiney Bay.

Suitable for: Most. Either walks has a good bit of an incline, but the main paths are laid out in tarmac and stone steps where they get steep.

Potential dangers: You won’t want to leave.

Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners as they visit The Donkey Sanctuary, set in the beautiful rolling countryside of County Cork located just outside the village of Liscarroll in Ireland. Over 5,200 donkeys from all parts of Ireland have been rescued since The Donkey Sanctuary opened. You can walk along any of several well-maintained paths with educational placards along the way and view different groups of donkeys in the fields.

Fitzgerald Park is a pet-friendly outdoor recreation area in Cork, IE. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners on a stroll throughout this city park, which sprawls over 18 acres and features a fountain, sculptures, manicured landscaping and walking paths.

Cliffs of Moher in Doolin, IE, pet friendly. One of Ireland's most loved natural attractions, the cliffs are home to a number of different trails for you and your pooch to explore together. The breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, situated in County Clare along the Wild Atlantic Way, have faced the Atlantic for over 350 million years. Please note that Fido cannot join you inside the visitor center.

Gougane Barra National Forest Park is pet-friendly. An area of wild and beautiful scenery, this magnificent park covers more than 339 acres of land. Located at the edge of the Sheehy mountains, hiking is afoot for you and your pooch at this place of natural beauty. Dog owners are reminded to keep pups leashed and to clean up any mess left behind.

Merrion Square is pet-friendly. Bring your leashed pup on the paved trails of this historic Dublin park. On your wanders, you'll discover an sculpture of famed writer, Oscar Wilde; lovely trees and events throughout the year. Take a break on a bench and soak in the historic culture. Dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess that is left behind.

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is pet-friendly. You can take your dog to walk around the folk park with you and enjoy a lovely day out. The only place Fido isn't welcome is inside the castle itself. They are open every day of the week from 9:00am to 8:30pm.

Mizen Head Signal Station is pet-friendly. Bring your pooch along to see the coastal views on the pet-friendly trails that lead to this signal station. The paved trail is fun and easy for most levels of walker to enjoy. Dogs are welcome, although they must be picked up after along the way.

Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin, IE is pet friendly. Ireland's National Cemetery is the final resting place of more than 1.5-million people, including Michael Collins, the revolutionary leader, Luke Kelly, the folk musician, and many more important Irish figures. Leashed dogs are invited to accompany their owners on a walk on the paved pathways that lead to different elaborate headstones around the 124-acre cemetery on the Northside of the city.

Explore historic Cong Abbey with your pooch. Leashed dogs are welcome on the wooded walks around the abbey grounds and the grassy hills around the historic building. Dog owners are reminded to clean up after pups and to keep them under control.

The Irish National War Memorial Gardens is a pet-friendly memorial park in Dublin, IE. The gardens were built in memory of the 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in World War I. The garden consists of paved pathways, sunken rose gardens, herbaceous borders and grassy spaces. Leashed dogs are welcome on the main lawn, but are not allowed in the Rose Garden or in the fountains.

City Kayaking is a pet-friendly kayak rental company in Dublin, IE. Go for a paddle with your pooch along the River Liffey in the heart of Dublin City. The trips are led by experienced local guides, and kayaks are very stable, making them suitable for beginners and pups. Along the way, you'll be able to paddle underneath the iconic O'Connell and Ha'penny bridges.

Wicklow Mountains National Park is pet friendly. Located south of Dublin, in Wicklow, IE, this protected area is the country's largest national park and the only one in the east. Here, you can explore moderate trails like Spinc and Glenealo Valley, Crone Wood and Maulin Mountain Loop, and White Hill and Djouce, along with a variety of other pathways that welcome leashed dogs. From the trails, you'll experience wide-open vistas, mountain roads, mighty lakes and wooded valleys, and can visit historic sites like St Kevin’s monastic settlement at Glendalough.

Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens in Cork, IE is pet friendly. Once the home of the Smith-Barry family, the property is now operated by The Irish Heritage Trust and the public is now welcome to explore the grounds. Leashed dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas, which include the arboretum, gardens and plant collections.