15. Plan for Limited Public Transport Coverage
While trains are generally dog-friendly, buses and rural connections can be more restrictive, often depending on the driver’s discretion. Relying solely on public transport might be challenging, so having a car offers much more flexibility when traveling with a dog.
14. Research Dog-Friendly Car Rentals Early
If you are planning to rent a car, it is worth noting that many, but not all rental car companies in Ireland allow dogs, so always check pet policies in advance. Some require dogs to be in carriers or on seat covers. Generally, pets must be restrained or crated, and vehicles returned clean to avoid additional cleaning fees. Fees vary by company, so I would suggest reaching out to get a concrete answer before confirming.
13. Visit Outside Peak Times
Popular attractions like the Cliffs of Moher, Slieve League or Killarney are often quieter in the mornings or shoulder seasons, making them more enjoyable for both you and your dog. If your dog is not a fan of crowds, it is best to keep this in mind and plan your day accordingly. Personally I am an early riser so i love to explore new places in the morning before beaches, cities or attractions get crowded.
12. Check Out Some Dog-Friendly Pubs & Cafes
Ireland’s cafe culture is thriving, and it’s hard to resist a freshly brewed coffee, an artisan sandwich, or a warm cinnamon roll while you’re out and about. Fortunately, there are plenty of dog-friendly cafes that adore canine visitors. Pub culture on the otherhand is in our DNA, and one of the must-visit dog-friendly pubs is Pat Cohan's in Cong, County Mayo - fans of The Quiet Man can't miss this famous watering hole!
Tip:KABO Coffee in stunning Connemara, Co. Galway give free puppicinos and treats as well as a dog discount if you bring your dog in - taking dog-friendly to the next level!
11. Pay Attention To Signs
Certain areas can be quite strict when it comes to leash control, with hefty fines in place if you are caught letting your dog run free. Personally, I always see what the locals are doing or ask somebody if this is tolerated or if there are certain areas to let your dog go off leash. The rules generally vary, so pay close attention.
While trains are generally dog-friendly, buses and rural connections can be more restrictive, often depending on the driver’s discretion. Relying solely on public transport might be challenging, so having a car offers much more flexibility when traveling with a dog.
14. Research Dog-Friendly Car Rentals Early
If you are planning to rent a car, it is worth noting that many, but not all rental car companies in Ireland allow dogs, so always check pet policies in advance. Some require dogs to be in carriers or on seat covers. Generally, pets must be restrained or crated, and vehicles returned clean to avoid additional cleaning fees. Fees vary by company, so I would suggest reaching out to get a concrete answer before confirming.
13. Visit Outside Peak Times
Popular attractions like the Cliffs of Moher, Slieve League or Killarney are often quieter in the mornings or shoulder seasons, making them more enjoyable for both you and your dog. If your dog is not a fan of crowds, it is best to keep this in mind and plan your day accordingly. Personally I am an early riser so i love to explore new places in the morning before beaches, cities or attractions get crowded.
12. Check Out Some Dog-Friendly Pubs & Cafes
Ireland’s cafe culture is thriving, and it’s hard to resist a freshly brewed coffee, an artisan sandwich, or a warm cinnamon roll while you’re out and about. Fortunately, there are plenty of dog-friendly cafes that adore canine visitors. Pub culture on the otherhand is in our DNA, and one of the must-visit dog-friendly pubs is Pat Cohan's in Cong, County Mayo - fans of The Quiet Man can't miss this famous watering hole!
Tip:KABO Coffee in stunning Connemara, Co. Galway give free puppicinos and treats as well as a dog discount if you bring your dog in - taking dog-friendly to the next level!
11. Pay Attention To Signs
Certain areas can be quite strict when it comes to leash control, with hefty fines in place if you are caught letting your dog run free. Personally, I always see what the locals are doing or ask somebody if this is tolerated or if there are certain areas to let your dog go off leash. The rules generally vary, so pay close attention.
10. Dog-Friendly Beach Access
Outside of peak season, dogs are generally welcome on most beaches in Ireland without restrictions. In summer, though, it’s important to watch for signs that indicate specific times for dogs, typically in the mornings and evenings. There are a few exceptions, so if you’re unsure, just check the signs or ask a local.
9. Pack for 4 Seasons
Irish weather can change quickly. Even in summer, you may experience sunshine, wind, and rain in the same day, so pack accordingly for both you and your dog. I rely on the Regatta raincoat when walking in Irelands heavy downpours and a cooling mat when the temperature rises - which certainly can happen in Ireland.
8. Research Dog-Friendly Spots
Nowadays, many parks, beaches, breweries, cafés, and even some castles welcome dogs. Planning ahead helps avoid disappointment when you arrive. If you follow my Instagram page, you will know that I was once refused entry into a pub in Sligo during a storm - so don't get into this situation.
7. Bring Plenty of Water
Believe it or not, not every hiking trail or beach has easy access to fresh water. There have been many times where I did not have enough water for both of us, so don't make this mistake. A collapsible travel bowl is one of the most useful items you can carry. If you are hiking near a river or lake, this is ideal, so if the sun is shining maybe plan a hike close to water.
6. Plan Ahead
Ireland is getting better when it comes to dog-friendliness but sadly that does not mean that they are welcome everywhere. Call businesses ahead of time or refer to our travel series which is dedicated to helping you easily find dog friendly spots wherever you go.
Outside of peak season, dogs are generally welcome on most beaches in Ireland without restrictions. In summer, though, it’s important to watch for signs that indicate specific times for dogs, typically in the mornings and evenings. There are a few exceptions, so if you’re unsure, just check the signs or ask a local.
9. Pack for 4 Seasons
Irish weather can change quickly. Even in summer, you may experience sunshine, wind, and rain in the same day, so pack accordingly for both you and your dog. I rely on the Regatta raincoat when walking in Irelands heavy downpours and a cooling mat when the temperature rises - which certainly can happen in Ireland.
8. Research Dog-Friendly Spots
Nowadays, many parks, beaches, breweries, cafés, and even some castles welcome dogs. Planning ahead helps avoid disappointment when you arrive. If you follow my Instagram page, you will know that I was once refused entry into a pub in Sligo during a storm - so don't get into this situation.
7. Bring Plenty of Water
Believe it or not, not every hiking trail or beach has easy access to fresh water. There have been many times where I did not have enough water for both of us, so don't make this mistake. A collapsible travel bowl is one of the most useful items you can carry. If you are hiking near a river or lake, this is ideal, so if the sun is shining maybe plan a hike close to water.
6. Plan Ahead
Ireland is getting better when it comes to dog-friendliness but sadly that does not mean that they are welcome everywhere. Call businesses ahead of time or refer to our travel series which is dedicated to helping you easily find dog friendly spots wherever you go.
5. Use a Hands-Free Lead For Adventures
A hands-free lead is a game changer when travelling with your dog, especially on hikes, long walks and city sightseeing. The City Leash by Madra World (an Irish brand) is a super popular choice for hands-free moments—whether that’s taking photos, grabbing a coffee, or navigating trails—while still keeping your dog safe and under control.
4. Book Pet Friendly Acommodation Early
Not every hotel or campsite in Ireland allow dogs, and those that do often only have a few "lodges" or dedicated rooms to book. I would advise to book in advance especially in the peak season, but also in the low season season less hotels and campsites are open, so this requires some planning.
3. Research Dog-Friendly Attractions
This will take the hassle out of traveling in Ireland with a dog, especially if you end up somewhere with limited dog-friendly options. I’ve learned that many attractions I assumed weren’t dog friendly actually are. Your dog can join you on a Cliffs of Moher cruise, a sightseeing trip on Lough Corrib, Ireland’s only cable car, and even to Garinish Island—an Italian-style gem in West Cork.
2. There Are Vets Eveywhere
Having travelled throughout Ireland, Europe, and Central America with Gimli, I’ve learned to always note down vets along the way, just in case. We’ve visited vets in every country in Central America since it’s required for paperwork, and in Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal for his yearly vaccines. Luckily, Ireland has plenty of vets, so if anything happens to your pooch, you’re never too far from one—even in rural areas.1. Tapeworm Treatment (to travel to Ireland)
If you’re planning a trip to Ireland with your dog, make sure their rabies vaccination is current and they get the tapeworm treatment within 5 days to 24 hours before arriving in Ireland. This is a requirement when traveling from Europe (France or Spain and the UK). However, coming from Liverpool - Belfast does not require this since it is between the UK.
More info here.
A hands-free lead is a game changer when travelling with your dog, especially on hikes, long walks and city sightseeing. The City Leash by Madra World (an Irish brand) is a super popular choice for hands-free moments—whether that’s taking photos, grabbing a coffee, or navigating trails—while still keeping your dog safe and under control.
4. Book Pet Friendly Acommodation Early
Not every hotel or campsite in Ireland allow dogs, and those that do often only have a few "lodges" or dedicated rooms to book. I would advise to book in advance especially in the peak season, but also in the low season season less hotels and campsites are open, so this requires some planning.
3. Research Dog-Friendly Attractions
This will take the hassle out of traveling in Ireland with a dog, especially if you end up somewhere with limited dog-friendly options. I’ve learned that many attractions I assumed weren’t dog friendly actually are. Your dog can join you on a Cliffs of Moher cruise, a sightseeing trip on Lough Corrib, Ireland’s only cable car, and even to Garinish Island—an Italian-style gem in West Cork.
2. There Are Vets Eveywhere
Having travelled throughout Ireland, Europe, and Central America with Gimli, I’ve learned to always note down vets along the way, just in case. We’ve visited vets in every country in Central America since it’s required for paperwork, and in Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal for his yearly vaccines. Luckily, Ireland has plenty of vets, so if anything happens to your pooch, you’re never too far from one—even in rural areas.1. Tapeworm Treatment (to travel to Ireland)
If you’re planning a trip to Ireland with your dog, make sure their rabies vaccination is current and they get the tapeworm treatment within 5 days to 24 hours before arriving in Ireland. This is a requirement when traveling from Europe (France or Spain and the UK). However, coming from Liverpool - Belfast does not require this since it is between the UK.
More info here.
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