Gimli at Keem Bay, Achill Island, County Mayo
This is a piece I have wanted to write for a while, so let's get started!
I’ve travelled to 104 countries, with Gimli joining me for 35 of them. Along the way, I’ve realized that some places are incredibly dog-friendly, while others aren’t at all. This has a big influence on how I travel, since living full-time on the road with my dog means I plan where I visit, stay, and eat based on how welcoming each destination is to dogs.
Simply put, if my dog isn’t welcome, I’m not interested.
Honestly. Ireland doesn’t often make the cut for the world’s most dog-friendly spots, mainly because there are plenty of restrictions on where dogs are allowed. Sure, it has breathtaking beaches like Keem Bay, rugged mountain trails, and charming towns you can sometimes enjoy with your pup—but honestly, I think those should be the baseline for dog-friendliness, not the end goal.
But after travelling extensively with my dog and comparing Ireland with countries such as the UK, Italy, Norway and the Netherlands, I've discovered that the reality is a little more complicated.
So, how dog-friendly is Ireland really?
The answer really depends on where you go, what you’re looking for, and how you define “dog-friendly.” For me, dog-friendliness has its own meaning—because, after all, everyone sees it a little differently. In my opinion, simply tolerating my dog or letting us sit hidden away in a corner doesn’t qualify as “dog-friendly,” and I know I’m not the only one who feels this way.
The DogsTrust Dog Census 2024, revealed that there were over 23,000 dog owners in Ireland and that number is growing steadily. They also revealed that the most popular breeds of dog in Ireland were
So, with so many dog owners in Ireland actively looking for dog-friendly spaces, plenty of businesses are missing out on a big opportunity. Compared to other countries, this is a significant gap in the market.
Like me, it is DogsTrust mission to advocate for more dog-friendly spaces in Ireland and my challenge this summer is to seek out, review and document the best dog-friendly finds that pet pawrents can actually rely on.
I’ve travelled to 104 countries, with Gimli joining me for 35 of them. Along the way, I’ve realized that some places are incredibly dog-friendly, while others aren’t at all. This has a big influence on how I travel, since living full-time on the road with my dog means I plan where I visit, stay, and eat based on how welcoming each destination is to dogs.
Simply put, if my dog isn’t welcome, I’m not interested.
Honestly. Ireland doesn’t often make the cut for the world’s most dog-friendly spots, mainly because there are plenty of restrictions on where dogs are allowed. Sure, it has breathtaking beaches like Keem Bay, rugged mountain trails, and charming towns you can sometimes enjoy with your pup—but honestly, I think those should be the baseline for dog-friendliness, not the end goal.
But after travelling extensively with my dog and comparing Ireland with countries such as the UK, Italy, Norway and the Netherlands, I've discovered that the reality is a little more complicated.
So, how dog-friendly is Ireland really?
The answer really depends on where you go, what you’re looking for, and how you define “dog-friendly.” For me, dog-friendliness has its own meaning—because, after all, everyone sees it a little differently. In my opinion, simply tolerating my dog or letting us sit hidden away in a corner doesn’t qualify as “dog-friendly,” and I know I’m not the only one who feels this way.
The DogsTrust Dog Census 2024, revealed that there were over 23,000 dog owners in Ireland and that number is growing steadily. They also revealed that the most popular breeds of dog in Ireland were
- Jack Russell (10%)
- Labrador (8%) - & Gimli is one of them
- Collie (7%)
So, with so many dog owners in Ireland actively looking for dog-friendly spaces, plenty of businesses are missing out on a big opportunity. Compared to other countries, this is a significant gap in the market.
Like me, it is DogsTrust mission to advocate for more dog-friendly spaces in Ireland and my challenge this summer is to seek out, review and document the best dog-friendly finds that pet pawrents can actually rely on.
Gimli at Valentia Island, County Kerry
What Makes a Country Dog-Friendly?
In my experience when people talk about dog-friendly destinations, they're usually referring to several factors:
Don't get me wrong, Ireland performs very well in some of these areas but still lags behind countries such as the United Kingdom (one of the most dog-friendly countries I've ever been to) when it comes to everyday access.
Things Ireland does right?
Where Ireland can improve?
In my experience when people talk about dog-friendly destinations, they're usually referring to several factors:
- Whether dogs are welcome indoors in cafés, pubs and restaurants
- Access to accommodation
- Public transport policies
- Availability of off-lead spaces
- Dog-friendly attractions and activities
- Cultural attitudes towards dogs
Don't get me wrong, Ireland performs very well in some of these areas but still lags behind countries such as the United Kingdom (one of the most dog-friendly countries I've ever been to) when it comes to everyday access.
Things Ireland does right?
- Fantastic dog-friendly walks
- Access to popular beaches during dedicated times in the peak season (usually before 11am and after 6pm)
- Access to most beaches at any time during the off peak season
- A growing number of dog-friendly accommodation options
- Dogs are allowed on some transport in Ireland (but this is inconsistent and often restrictive)
- A growing number dog-friendly cafes and visitor attractions
Where Ireland can improve?
- Public transport access for dogs is still very limited compared to countries like the UK
- Inconsistent policies for dogs in cafés, pubs, and restaurants despite regulations allowing businesses to decide
- Lack of clear signage or online information showing where dogs are actually welcome
- Patchy beach rules that vary by county and are not always clearly communicated
- Few indoor dog-friendly spaces, making rainy days more difficult when travelling (If you have seen my Instagram reel, I mention how I was refused entry into a Sligo pub with my dog during a storm)
- Limited “official” dog-friendly listings or national certification system for businesses
- General uncertainty for travellers, often requiring phone calls or guesswork before visiting places (believe me, i have been there and done that many times)
- Less cultural normalisation of dogs in everyday indoor public spaces compared to the UK
Gimli at beautiful Benbulbin in Co. Sligo
The Rule Change That Many People Still Don't Know About
One of the biggest misconceptions about travelling with a dog in Ireland is that dogs are not allowed inside cafés, pubs and restaurants. For decades, that was largely true and it seems from my experience, many business owners still don't realise they can make the decision.
A few years ago, my mum asked a business owner if she could bring her dog inside. The owner explained that, while they loved dogs and wished they could allow them, unfortunately, they couldn’t. But the truth is, they actually can!
In November 2017, regulations dating back to the 1950s were repealed, allowing food businesses to decide for themselves whether they wanted to permit dogs in customer dining areas. Dogs are still prohibited from food preparation and storage areas, but businesses can now welcome dogs into seating areas if they choose to do so.
This was a significant step forward for dog owners and today we can see a rise in the number of cafes, pubs and restaurants allowing dogs to enter with their owner.
Yet nearly a decade later, many people – including some business owners – still believe dogs are prohibited indoors due to "health regulations". In reality, the decision usually comes down to individual business policy rather than Irish law. And what about retail establishments where there is no food? Unlike the UK, where dogs can go shopping with you to places like Regatta, Lush, TK Maxx and Mountain Warehouse to name but a few, Ireland rarely allows dogs of all sizes into shops (small dogs that can be carried are a different story).
One of the biggest misconceptions about travelling with a dog in Ireland is that dogs are not allowed inside cafés, pubs and restaurants. For decades, that was largely true and it seems from my experience, many business owners still don't realise they can make the decision.
A few years ago, my mum asked a business owner if she could bring her dog inside. The owner explained that, while they loved dogs and wished they could allow them, unfortunately, they couldn’t. But the truth is, they actually can!
In November 2017, regulations dating back to the 1950s were repealed, allowing food businesses to decide for themselves whether they wanted to permit dogs in customer dining areas. Dogs are still prohibited from food preparation and storage areas, but businesses can now welcome dogs into seating areas if they choose to do so.
This was a significant step forward for dog owners and today we can see a rise in the number of cafes, pubs and restaurants allowing dogs to enter with their owner.
Yet nearly a decade later, many people – including some business owners – still believe dogs are prohibited indoors due to "health regulations". In reality, the decision usually comes down to individual business policy rather than Irish law. And what about retail establishments where there is no food? Unlike the UK, where dogs can go shopping with you to places like Regatta, Lush, TK Maxx and Mountain Warehouse to name but a few, Ireland rarely allows dogs of all sizes into shops (small dogs that can be carried are a different story).
Things are slowly starting to change, and it’s great to see.
Big shoutout to The Range for leading the way with their amazing dog-friendly policy across Ireland and The UK —we absolutely love it!
Big shoutout to The Range for leading the way with their amazing dog-friendly policy across Ireland and The UK —we absolutely love it!
Where Dogs Are Allowed?
Businesses may permit dogs in customer seating areas provided they have procedures in place to ensure food safety and prevent access to food preparation areas.
This means:
The key word is "potentially".
Unlike some countries where dog access is commonplace, Irish businesses are not required to allow dogs but thankfully places like Rye River Café in Kilcock County Kildare are more than happy to welcome pooches and their pawrents.
Businesses may permit dogs in customer seating areas provided they have procedures in place to ensure food safety and prevent access to food preparation areas.
This means:
- Dogs can potentially be allowed inside cafés.
- Dogs can potentially be allowed inside pubs.
- Dogs can potentially be allowed inside restaurant dining areas.
- Dogs cannot enter kitchens or food preparation areas.
The key word is "potentially".
Unlike some countries where dog access is commonplace, Irish businesses are not required to allow dogs but thankfully places like Rye River Café in Kilcock County Kildare are more than happy to welcome pooches and their pawrents.
Ireland vs The UK: Which Is More Dog-Friendly?
As someone who has travelled extensively with a dog, the UK remains one of the most dog-friendly countries I have visited.
Dogs in Pubs
Dogs in Cafés and Restaurants
Public Attitudes
Perhaps the biggest difference is cultural. In fact, locals in the UK, were utterly shocked when i told them about or dog policy in Ireland, which honestly puts people off traveling here. This has to change!
As someone who has travelled extensively with a dog, the UK remains one of the most dog-friendly countries I have visited.
Dogs in Pubs
- In the UK, walking into a country pub and finding several dogs asleep beside the fire is completely normal. You often don't need to ask for permission, since it would be very rare (and possibly frowned upon) to be refused with a dog.
- In Ireland, dog-friendly pubs certainly exist and their numbers are growing, but they are still far less common and often concentrated in larger cities or tourist destinations. You definitely need to ask each place before entering which is a key difference.
Dogs in Cafés and Restaurants
- While Ireland's laws are now similar to the UK's, the culture hasn't fully caught up, but the number of dog-friendly eateries are growing - slowly but surely.
- Many UK businesses actively advertise themselves as dog-friendly and provide water bowls, treats and designated dog areas.
Public Attitudes
Perhaps the biggest difference is cultural. In fact, locals in the UK, were utterly shocked when i told them about or dog policy in Ireland, which honestly puts people off traveling here. This has to change!
- In the UK, dogs are cherished as loyal companions who are part of their owners’ everyday lives. It’s something rarely taken for granted. After spending the winter of 2025 there, I learned from locals that it would be unthinkable not to welcome dogs, as they’re considered family—a mindset that still has some catching on to do in Ireland.
- In Ireland, attitudes are changing rapidly, particularly among younger generations, but there is still more hesitation around dogs in indoor public spaces. Out and about, dogs are adored by Irish people and I have experienced this first hand, but incorporating them into your daily life is tricky.
Gimli in Killarney, Co. Kerry
So, Is Ireland Really Dog-Friendly?
My honest answer is kind of — but with an asterisk. While the UK (the most dog friendly country I've visited gets a 9/10, I would give Ireland a 5/10.
Ireland is incredibly dog-friendly when it comes to outdoor adventures, scenic walks, beaches and pet-friendly accommodation. However, it is not yet as seamlessly dog-friendly as the UK, where bringing your dog into a pub, café or shop often feels entirely normal.
The good news is that things are changing and that is the aim of our Dog-Friendly Wild Atlantic Way Travel Series. I want to discover the hidden spots in Ireland that are excited to welcome both you and your dog. Ireland has so much to offer, but unfortunately, when I talk to fellow dog owners from abroad, many are hesitant to visit if it means their furry friends aren’t welcome—and I completely get that..
The 2017 rule change opened the door for businesses to welcome dogs, and every year more cafés, pubs, hotels and attractions are embracing dog owners. The demand is clearly there, and attitudes are becoming more positive.
For now, Ireland sits somewhere between a traditional pet-owning culture and a modern dog-friendly travel destination. And if that progress continues, Ireland could become one of Europe's best destinations for travelling with a dog.
My honest answer is kind of — but with an asterisk. While the UK (the most dog friendly country I've visited gets a 9/10, I would give Ireland a 5/10.
Ireland is incredibly dog-friendly when it comes to outdoor adventures, scenic walks, beaches and pet-friendly accommodation. However, it is not yet as seamlessly dog-friendly as the UK, where bringing your dog into a pub, café or shop often feels entirely normal.
The good news is that things are changing and that is the aim of our Dog-Friendly Wild Atlantic Way Travel Series. I want to discover the hidden spots in Ireland that are excited to welcome both you and your dog. Ireland has so much to offer, but unfortunately, when I talk to fellow dog owners from abroad, many are hesitant to visit if it means their furry friends aren’t welcome—and I completely get that..
The 2017 rule change opened the door for businesses to welcome dogs, and every year more cafés, pubs, hotels and attractions are embracing dog owners. The demand is clearly there, and attitudes are becoming more positive.
For now, Ireland sits somewhere between a traditional pet-owning culture and a modern dog-friendly travel destination. And if that progress continues, Ireland could become one of Europe's best destinations for travelling with a dog.
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