County Mayo is one of Ireland’s best counties for exploring with your dog. From wild Atlantic beaches and forest walks to cosy pubs where you can enjoy a pint after an adventure, Mayo makes it easy to include your four-legged travel companion.
There are plenty of places to bring your dog, from pubs, cafes and restaurants to woodlands, beaches and islands, but below are just a few of our top picks.
Whether you’re road-tripping the Wild Atlantic Way, exploring Westport and Achill Island or heading off the beaten track, here are some dog-friendly spots in Mayo worth adding to your itinerary.
There are plenty of places to bring your dog, from pubs, cafes and restaurants to woodlands, beaches and islands, but below are just a few of our top picks.
Whether you’re road-tripping the Wild Atlantic Way, exploring Westport and Achill Island or heading off the beaten track, here are some dog-friendly spots in Mayo worth adding to your itinerary.
Gimli enjoying the view as we walked around Clare Island
1. M.J. Hoban’s, Westport – A Dog-Friendly Pub Stop in the Heart of Westport
If you’re exploring Westport with your dog, a visit to M.J. Hoban is a must. Located beside the famous Octagon Monument, this traditional Westport pub is known for its welcoming atmosphere, food and live music. We stopped by this great local spot to watch Mayo beat Kerry in the All Ireland Final and what a place to be to witness a momentous event.
Whether you are seeking an indoor dog-friendly spot after a walk along the Great Western Greenway or exploring the colourful streets of Westport, it’s the perfect place to relax with your dog while soaking up the classic Irish pub atmosphere. Dogs are not just tolerated here, they are adored!
Perfect for: A post-walk pint, lunch stop or evening trad session.
Get Directions Here
If you’re exploring Westport with your dog, a visit to M.J. Hoban is a must. Located beside the famous Octagon Monument, this traditional Westport pub is known for its welcoming atmosphere, food and live music. We stopped by this great local spot to watch Mayo beat Kerry in the All Ireland Final and what a place to be to witness a momentous event.
Whether you are seeking an indoor dog-friendly spot after a walk along the Great Western Greenway or exploring the colourful streets of Westport, it’s the perfect place to relax with your dog while soaking up the classic Irish pub atmosphere. Dogs are not just tolerated here, they are adored!
Perfect for: A post-walk pint, lunch stop or evening trad session.
Get Directions Here
2. Achill Seal Caves Caravan & Camping Park – Stay Close to the Wild
For vanlifers and campers travelling with dogs, Achill Seal Caves Caravan & Camping Park is a brilliant base for exploring Achill Island. Located near Dugort, alongside the fabulous Dugort Beach, the campsite welcomes dogs and puts you close to some of Achill’s most dramatic scenery, including beaches, mountain walks and Atlantic views.
With facilities for campers and easy access to the surrounding landscape, it’s ideal for adventurous dogs who love being outdoors.
Perfect for: Campervans, coastal walks and exploring Achill Island.
Get Directions Here
For vanlifers and campers travelling with dogs, Achill Seal Caves Caravan & Camping Park is a brilliant base for exploring Achill Island. Located near Dugort, alongside the fabulous Dugort Beach, the campsite welcomes dogs and puts you close to some of Achill’s most dramatic scenery, including beaches, mountain walks and Atlantic views.
With facilities for campers and easy access to the surrounding landscape, it’s ideal for adventurous dogs who love being outdoors.
Perfect for: Campervans, coastal walks and exploring Achill Island.
Get Directions Here
3. The Wyatt Hotel, Westport – A Dog-Friendly Base for Exploring Mayo
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly hotel stay, The Wyatt Hotel in the heart of Westport is one of Mayo’s best-known options. The hotel offers a limited number of dog-friendly bedrooms, including rooms with direct exterior access and dog beds provided. Its central location means you’re within walking distance of Westport’s shops, pubs and walking routes.
- Please note that dogs are currently not allowed in public areas of the hotel including the main entrance.
Perfect for: A dog-friendly weekend exploring Westport, Croagh Patrick and the surrounding coastline.
Get Directions Here
4. Belleek Woods – Woodland Walks by the River
Belleek Woods is a beautiful spot for a dog-friendly walk, with peaceful woodland trails winding through one of Ireland’s largest urban parks. Located just outside Ballina, it’s a lovely place to escape into nature with your dog, with plenty of trees, riverside scenery and trails to explore.
It’s ideal for dogs like Gimli, who enjoy a good sniff and a change of scenery, while the variety of paths means you can make your walk as short or long as you like.
- Please note that dogs need to be kept on a lead throughout the woodlands.
Perfect for: Woodland walks, active dogs and a peaceful escape from the coast.
Get Directions Here
5. Clare Island – A Dog-Friendly Island Adventure
Clare Island makes for a brilliant day trip with your dog, offering rugged coastal scenery, beaches, walking trails and plenty of space to explore together. You can easily reach the island from Roonagh Pier with Clare Island Fast Ferries, making it an easy addition to a Wild Atlantic Way adventure.
Once on the island, you can explore at your own pace and enjoy the beautiful scenery, with dogs able to experience the island alongside you. We did an 8km looped trail which was the perfect way to soak up the beauty of the island. This was my first time here and upon finding out that dogs are permitted on the ferry, I jumped at the chance to visit. I cannot wait to return again one day!
Perfect for: Island adventures, coastal walks and a feeling of stepping back in time.
Get Directions Here
6. This Must Be the Place – Dog-Friendly Café in Westport
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly café in Westport, This Must Be the Place is a brilliant find because dogs are welcome inside. That's right, forget about sitting outside on a cold, rainy day, because this spot is truly dog-friendly and not just dog-tolerant. I actually visited years ago and absolutely loved it, so finding out that they now welcome dogs inside makes it even better!
It’s the kind of place that’s perfect for stopping for a coffee or bite to eat while exploring Westport, without having to leave your four-legged travel companion outside. The delicious food, the fabulous ambience, the central location - it is a place well worth saving for your County Mayo itinerary.
Perfect for: Coffee stops, lunch and enjoying Westport with your dog by your side.
Get Directions Here
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly hotel stay, The Wyatt Hotel in the heart of Westport is one of Mayo’s best-known options. The hotel offers a limited number of dog-friendly bedrooms, including rooms with direct exterior access and dog beds provided. Its central location means you’re within walking distance of Westport’s shops, pubs and walking routes.
- Please note that dogs are currently not allowed in public areas of the hotel including the main entrance.
Perfect for: A dog-friendly weekend exploring Westport, Croagh Patrick and the surrounding coastline.
Get Directions Here
4. Belleek Woods – Woodland Walks by the River
Belleek Woods is a beautiful spot for a dog-friendly walk, with peaceful woodland trails winding through one of Ireland’s largest urban parks. Located just outside Ballina, it’s a lovely place to escape into nature with your dog, with plenty of trees, riverside scenery and trails to explore.
It’s ideal for dogs like Gimli, who enjoy a good sniff and a change of scenery, while the variety of paths means you can make your walk as short or long as you like.
- Please note that dogs need to be kept on a lead throughout the woodlands.
Perfect for: Woodland walks, active dogs and a peaceful escape from the coast.
Get Directions Here
5. Clare Island – A Dog-Friendly Island Adventure
Clare Island makes for a brilliant day trip with your dog, offering rugged coastal scenery, beaches, walking trails and plenty of space to explore together. You can easily reach the island from Roonagh Pier with Clare Island Fast Ferries, making it an easy addition to a Wild Atlantic Way adventure.
Once on the island, you can explore at your own pace and enjoy the beautiful scenery, with dogs able to experience the island alongside you. We did an 8km looped trail which was the perfect way to soak up the beauty of the island. This was my first time here and upon finding out that dogs are permitted on the ferry, I jumped at the chance to visit. I cannot wait to return again one day!
Perfect for: Island adventures, coastal walks and a feeling of stepping back in time.
Get Directions Here
6. This Must Be the Place – Dog-Friendly Café in Westport
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly café in Westport, This Must Be the Place is a brilliant find because dogs are welcome inside. That's right, forget about sitting outside on a cold, rainy day, because this spot is truly dog-friendly and not just dog-tolerant. I actually visited years ago and absolutely loved it, so finding out that they now welcome dogs inside makes it even better!
It’s the kind of place that’s perfect for stopping for a coffee or bite to eat while exploring Westport, without having to leave your four-legged travel companion outside. The delicious food, the fabulous ambience, the central location - it is a place well worth saving for your County Mayo itinerary.
Perfect for: Coffee stops, lunch and enjoying Westport with your dog by your side.
Get Directions Here
Gimli and I enjoying a stroll through Belleek Woods in Ballina, County Mayo
Explore More of County Mayo with Your Dog
Want even more dog-friendly places to discover in County Mayo? My County Mayo Dog-Friendly Guidebook is packed with more places to stay, walk, eat, explore and visit with your dog, so you can make the most of your time exploring the county together.
Ready to explore? Grab the full guidebook and start planning your next dog-friendly adventure around Mayo and check out our other guides to see more featured destinations!
Want even more dog-friendly places to discover in County Mayo? My County Mayo Dog-Friendly Guidebook is packed with more places to stay, walk, eat, explore and visit with your dog, so you can make the most of your time exploring the county together.
Ready to explore? Grab the full guidebook and start planning your next dog-friendly adventure around Mayo and check out our other guides to see more featured destinations!
