If you’re in the mood for a hearty meal, a great pint or cracking live music, Luker’s Bar is the place to be. Situated alongside panoramic views of the River Shannon and a 16-arch stone bridge, the bar serves food seven days a week, has an open hearth fireplace and hosts gigs and weddings in a 1,000 capacity venue. It’s 100% dog-friendly.
Located in Milk Market Lane, this is one of the coolest spots in the Kingdom’s capital and well worth a visit if you’re passing through. Much more than just a café, it is a creative venue where you could find yourself at anything from a wine-tasting event or pop-up vintage market to an indie music gig or even a microwedding. Dogs are always welcome, and the owner’s dog is usually curled up on the window seat, ready to greet new friends.
When the name is literally about dogs, you know you’re entering pet-friendly territory. Wild Tails Café in Kilkenny prides itself in providing a cosy atmosphere where you can grab a great cup of coffee with your furry best friend by your side. Treats and water bowls are on hand for excitable pups and if you’re in the market for a new lead or harness, check out the brand’s excellent accessories range online.
A popular tea shop/café in the Westend of Galway city, The Secret Garden is a wonderful spot to take a break with your pet at your feet. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area as well as the indoor lounge with water bowls available on request. There’s a fantastic selection of teas and homemade treats for you to enjoy as you watch your pooch lap up their drink.
Your dog will think all their birthdays have come at once if you take them to Ards Forest Park for the day. The park covers about 1,200ac and is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to exploring – sand dunes, beaches, salt marshes, salt water lakes, and seemingly endless woodlands. Water-loving canines will be thrilled to find the sea at this forest park and there are several trails which offer hikers an opportunity to experience it in all its glory. Entry and parking fee is €5.
Dog parents planning a trip to Westport should check out the Wyatt Hotel in the heart of the bustling town. Popular with visitors and locals alike, this three-star boutique hotel has six dog-friendly rooms as well as a restaurant – Cobbler’s Bar and Courtyard – which welcomes furry family members. The rooms have a dog bed and exterior access located on the lower ground floor.
Dog-friendly rooms are subject to a €30 supplement and must be booked directly.
With homemade baked goods and quality coffee, this adorable café is extremely popular in the local Dublin 14 community. The staff love to see customers bringing their pets along for a puppucino or doggy treat and frequently post photos of them to the business’ Instagram account. Good vibes all round.
This pet-friendly, adult-only retreat is an ideal destination for solo travellers seeking to switch off and enjoy a stylish, peaceful stay by the sea. A once-forgotten 1960s motel, it has been transformed by sisters Aislinn and Nicole O’Shea into a California-cool, coastal idyll – perfect for pet-owners who want to make special memories.
Prices start from €200 per night for a pet friendly seaview room.
For a glorious getaway, take the whole family to Delamont Country Park, located on the shores of Strangford Lough. Stunning views abound and be prepared to embrace the peaceful atmosphere that wraps around you as soon as you arrive. Dogs are welcome throughout the 200ac parkland, walking trails, caravan and camping areas, though they must remain on a lead.
However, there is a dedicated dog exercise field where they can run freely. Entry and parking fee is £5/(about €6).
Famous for its craft beers, spirits, epic trad sessions and quiz nights, Tully’s Bar has everything you need for a great night out and, as well as that, lunch is served from Monday to Saturday. It describes itself as a ‘very dog-friendly bar’ and Finbar, an adopted black lab who is the pub’s resident canine, effectively runs the show. Proper order.
Again, the canine welcome is built into the name of this establishment. Black Dog Coffee in Enfield, Co Meath, embraces dogs of all ages, serves puppucinos and dog treats, and even has a Dog Wall of Fame. Just a short stroll from the Royal Canal, it’s the perfect pit stop after a bracing walk with your dog. For bonus points, there’s also a great selection of doggy gifts available from local Irish artists inside.
There is a wonderful dog-friendly culture in Carrickmacross thanks to the Dog Park which opened in May 2023, an initiative of Tidy Towns to help tackle dog foul on footpaths. The area has seating and a fenced off-leash section that allows dogs to run and play freely under the supervision of their owners. The park is free to use and there are also bins around to dispose of anything your dog leaves behind.
Carrickmacross Dog Park ensures a secure and enjoyable experience, plus, you’ll find poop bags available.
For a quiet getaway in the countryside, Nellie’s Cottage B&B offers an excellent pet-friendly accommodation option. The peaceful home-away-from-home offers all the comforts you could want while still embracing being in the very heart of nature.
Visit Killykeen Forest Park for a scenic walk along the shores of Lough Oughter for an outing that will keep you and your dog very happy. Booking direct: €95 per night B&B for two guests. Cabin is €120 with special offers for two or three nights.
There are very few dogs that don’t love a beach to roam and Banna Beach is one of the country’s finest. And now there’s a caravan café with tasty treats and beverages in the main carpark that caters for humans and canines alike to ensure everyone’s needs are met after a brisk walk or a bracing swim in the epic waves. It’s open daily from 10am.
For a luxurious and unforgettable trip to nature with your favourite furry friend, a visit to Wild Hideaways in west Cork is a must. Described as the ‘perfect destination for eco-conscious nature-seekers’, it gives you all the comforts of a posh hotel without the same impact on the environment.
Surrounded by breathtaking trails, the Wild Atlantic Way is literally on the doorstep so you and your pooch will be spoiled for choice when it comes to where to take your daily constitutional. The perfect place to escape everyday life and build memories with your precious pup. Prices start from €209 during the summer months.
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