Finding somewhere to enjoy a pint without leaving your dog behind is getting easier in Ireland, with more pubs opening their doors to well-behaved four-legged visitors.
While dog-friendly policies can vary from one pub to another — and some may only allow dogs in certain areas — there are some great options around the country where you can enjoy a drink with your pup by your side.
From a lively Dublin pub with a serious love of dogs to a seaside spot in Bray and a historic pub in Kinsale, here are five dog-friendly pubs (in no particular order) in Ireland worth adding to your list.
While dog-friendly policies can vary from one pub to another — and some may only allow dogs in certain areas — there are some great options around the country where you can enjoy a drink with your pup by your side.
From a lively Dublin pub with a serious love of dogs to a seaside spot in Bray and a historic pub in Kinsale, here are five dog-friendly pubs (in no particular order) in Ireland worth adding to your list.
Gimli posing at the famous 'Quiet Man Pub" in Cong, County Mayo where I grabbed a lovely Guinness
1. M.J. Hoban's, Westport, Co. Mayo
If you're visiting Westport with your dog, M.J. Hoban's is another dog-friendly option to add to your list. The gastropub, located on the Octagon, is currently listed as dog friendly, with outdoor seating and a beer garden.
There's also recent confirmation from visitors that dogs are welcomed inside. A June 2025 review specifically describes bringing a dog inside for drinks and later staying for food, with the reviewer noting that the dog was made very welcome.
That makes M.J. Hoban's a particularly handy choice if you're exploring Westport and don't want to leave your pup behind.
Address: The Octagon, Westport, Co. Mayo, F28 N902
2. MeMa's, Dublin
Right in Dublin city centre, MeMa's combines craft beer, cocktails, pizza and a lively atmosphere with something dog owners will appreciate: dogs are currently welcome.
The pub's own website describes it as dog friendly and also highlights its beer garden and weekend DJs, making it a fun option if you're looking for somewhere with a little more atmosphere.
A current dog-friendly listing also confirms that dogs can sit inside, with all sizes and breeds welcome, provided they are kept on a lead.
Address: Rotunda, Dublin 1
3. The Martello Bar, Bray
Fancy combining a seaside walk with a drink? The Martello Bar in Bray is a great option for dog owners exploring the Wicklow coast.
Located directly on Strand Road overlooking the sea, the pub and restaurant welcomes dogs in its covered outdoor pergola. It's an especially handy stop after walking along the Bray seafront, with views towards Bray Head while you enjoy a drink or something to eat.
Just bear in mind that the current information specifically refers to the covered outdoor area, so it's worth checking where dogs can sit when you arrive.
Address: 47 Strand Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow
4. The Blue Note, Galway
Galway has no shortage of lively pubs, but The Blue Note in the West End is particularly worth knowing about if you're exploring the city with your dog.
Current dog-friendly information confirms that well-behaved dogs are welcome, including inside the pub and in its covered outdoor seating area. There's even a selection of dog treats, including dog beer and steamed sausage beef rolls.
There is one important caveat: the pub can become very busy on weekend nights, and dogs are recommended to stay home during those particularly crowded periods. For a more relaxed visit with your pup, a weekday is therefore likely to be the better choice.
Address: 3 William Street West, Galway
5. The Bulman, Kinsale, Co. Cork
The Bulman is one of Kinsale's best-known pubs and enjoys a spectacular setting close to the water and Charles Fort.
Even better for dog owners, the pub's own website currently confirms that dogs are welcome downstairs in the bar. Dogs aren't permitted in the upstairs restaurant because of health and safety requirements, so make sure you choose the bar area if you're bringing your pup.
That makes The Bulman a particularly good stop if you're exploring Kinsale and want to combine a coastal walk with a drink in a traditional Irish pub.
Address: Summercove, Kinsale, Co. Cork
6. Sullivan's Taproom, Co. Kilkenny
If you're exploring Kilkenny with your dog, Sullivan's Taproom is a great place to stop for a drink and something to eat.
Located on John Street in the heart of Kilkenny, the taproom is known for its craft beer, handmade pizzas and lively atmosphere. Its beer garden is currently dog friendly, with covered and heated outdoor seating making it possible to visit with your pup throughout much of the year.
It's also a handy stop if you're exploring the city's Medieval Mile, with the taproom just a short walk from Kilkenny Castle. For dog owners, I'd recommend visiting during the day or early evening when the atmosphere is likely to be more relaxed, particularly if your dog isn't comfortable around large crowds. I have visited here during Octoberfest as well as craft beer festivals and Gimli was adored.
Address: 15 John Street Lower, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny, R95 H2CE
7. Pat Cohan's Bar, Cong, Co. Mayo
If you're exploring Cong and the surrounding Mayo countryside with your dog, Pat Cohan's is a great pub to know about.
This historic pub, which is famously associated with The Quiet Man, currently welcomes well-behaved dogs on leads at dedicated tables indoors. Dogs can also join you at an outdoor table, with a lovely view of Cong village.
It's a particularly good option for dog owners exploring Cong, as you can combine a walk around the village and its woodland trails with a drink or meal at this atmospheric pub. Don't miss their world famous seafood chowder and deliciously creamy Guinness!!
Address: Main Street, Cong, Co. Mayo, F31 XR57
8. O'Connors Traditional Pub, Killarney, Co. Kerry
If you're exploring Killarney with your dog, O'Connors Traditional Pub is a great place to stop for a pint. This lively traditional Irish pub is known for its live music, cosy atmosphere and central location on High Street.
While there isn't a formal dog-friendly policy published online, recent Google reviews and photos show dogs being welcomed inside, making it a popular choice for dog owners visiting Killarney.
Address: 7 High Street, Killarney, Co. Kerry, V93 DV26
If you're visiting Westport with your dog, M.J. Hoban's is another dog-friendly option to add to your list. The gastropub, located on the Octagon, is currently listed as dog friendly, with outdoor seating and a beer garden.
There's also recent confirmation from visitors that dogs are welcomed inside. A June 2025 review specifically describes bringing a dog inside for drinks and later staying for food, with the reviewer noting that the dog was made very welcome.
That makes M.J. Hoban's a particularly handy choice if you're exploring Westport and don't want to leave your pup behind.
Address: The Octagon, Westport, Co. Mayo, F28 N902
2. MeMa's, Dublin
Right in Dublin city centre, MeMa's combines craft beer, cocktails, pizza and a lively atmosphere with something dog owners will appreciate: dogs are currently welcome.
The pub's own website describes it as dog friendly and also highlights its beer garden and weekend DJs, making it a fun option if you're looking for somewhere with a little more atmosphere.
A current dog-friendly listing also confirms that dogs can sit inside, with all sizes and breeds welcome, provided they are kept on a lead.
Address: Rotunda, Dublin 1
3. The Martello Bar, Bray
Fancy combining a seaside walk with a drink? The Martello Bar in Bray is a great option for dog owners exploring the Wicklow coast.
Located directly on Strand Road overlooking the sea, the pub and restaurant welcomes dogs in its covered outdoor pergola. It's an especially handy stop after walking along the Bray seafront, with views towards Bray Head while you enjoy a drink or something to eat.
Just bear in mind that the current information specifically refers to the covered outdoor area, so it's worth checking where dogs can sit when you arrive.
Address: 47 Strand Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow
4. The Blue Note, Galway
Galway has no shortage of lively pubs, but The Blue Note in the West End is particularly worth knowing about if you're exploring the city with your dog.
Current dog-friendly information confirms that well-behaved dogs are welcome, including inside the pub and in its covered outdoor seating area. There's even a selection of dog treats, including dog beer and steamed sausage beef rolls.
There is one important caveat: the pub can become very busy on weekend nights, and dogs are recommended to stay home during those particularly crowded periods. For a more relaxed visit with your pup, a weekday is therefore likely to be the better choice.
Address: 3 William Street West, Galway
5. The Bulman, Kinsale, Co. Cork
The Bulman is one of Kinsale's best-known pubs and enjoys a spectacular setting close to the water and Charles Fort.
Even better for dog owners, the pub's own website currently confirms that dogs are welcome downstairs in the bar. Dogs aren't permitted in the upstairs restaurant because of health and safety requirements, so make sure you choose the bar area if you're bringing your pup.
That makes The Bulman a particularly good stop if you're exploring Kinsale and want to combine a coastal walk with a drink in a traditional Irish pub.
Address: Summercove, Kinsale, Co. Cork
6. Sullivan's Taproom, Co. Kilkenny
If you're exploring Kilkenny with your dog, Sullivan's Taproom is a great place to stop for a drink and something to eat.
Located on John Street in the heart of Kilkenny, the taproom is known for its craft beer, handmade pizzas and lively atmosphere. Its beer garden is currently dog friendly, with covered and heated outdoor seating making it possible to visit with your pup throughout much of the year.
It's also a handy stop if you're exploring the city's Medieval Mile, with the taproom just a short walk from Kilkenny Castle. For dog owners, I'd recommend visiting during the day or early evening when the atmosphere is likely to be more relaxed, particularly if your dog isn't comfortable around large crowds. I have visited here during Octoberfest as well as craft beer festivals and Gimli was adored.
Address: 15 John Street Lower, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny, R95 H2CE
7. Pat Cohan's Bar, Cong, Co. Mayo
If you're exploring Cong and the surrounding Mayo countryside with your dog, Pat Cohan's is a great pub to know about.
This historic pub, which is famously associated with The Quiet Man, currently welcomes well-behaved dogs on leads at dedicated tables indoors. Dogs can also join you at an outdoor table, with a lovely view of Cong village.
It's a particularly good option for dog owners exploring Cong, as you can combine a walk around the village and its woodland trails with a drink or meal at this atmospheric pub. Don't miss their world famous seafood chowder and deliciously creamy Guinness!!
Address: Main Street, Cong, Co. Mayo, F31 XR57
8. O'Connors Traditional Pub, Killarney, Co. Kerry
If you're exploring Killarney with your dog, O'Connors Traditional Pub is a great place to stop for a pint. This lively traditional Irish pub is known for its live music, cosy atmosphere and central location on High Street.
While there isn't a formal dog-friendly policy published online, recent Google reviews and photos show dogs being welcomed inside, making it a popular choice for dog owners visiting Killarney.
Address: 7 High Street, Killarney, Co. Kerry, V93 DV26
Gimli having a snooze in M.J Hoban's as Mayo won the All Ireland final in the background
Tips for Visiting Dog-Friendly Pubs in Ireland
Even when a pub advertises itself as dog friendly, it's worth keeping a few things in mind before heading out with your pup.
Ireland's dog-friendly pub scene is growing, giving dog owners more opportunities to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat without automatically leaving their best friend at home.
Whether you're exploring Dublin, walking the Bray seafront, visiting Galway or taking a trip to Kinsale, these pubs give you a few great options to try.
Just remember that dog-friendly policies can change, so always check directly with the pub before visiting — particularly if you're travelling a distance with your dog.
Have you found another great dog-friendly pub in Ireland? Let me know — I'm always looking for new places to add to my dog-friendly Ireland recommendations.
Even when a pub advertises itself as dog friendly, it's worth keeping a few things in mind before heading out with your pup.
- Check the current dog policy before travelling, particularly if you're visiting for the first time.
- Some pubs only allow dogs in certain areas, such as outdoor terraces or specific sections of the bar.
- Busy weekend evenings may not be suitable for dogs, even where they are normally welcome.
- Keep your dog on a lead unless staff specifically say otherwise.
- Bring water and make sure your dog is comfortable around other people and dogs.
- If you're planning to eat, check whether dogs are permitted in the dining area or only in the bar.
Ireland's dog-friendly pub scene is growing, giving dog owners more opportunities to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat without automatically leaving their best friend at home.
Whether you're exploring Dublin, walking the Bray seafront, visiting Galway or taking a trip to Kinsale, these pubs give you a few great options to try.
Just remember that dog-friendly policies can change, so always check directly with the pub before visiting — particularly if you're travelling a distance with your dog.
Have you found another great dog-friendly pub in Ireland? Let me know — I'm always looking for new places to add to my dog-friendly Ireland recommendations.
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