Top Activities For Dogs In Ireland

Introduction

Ireland has long been considered as one of the most beautiful and interesting countries in the whole world. Apart from its natural beauty and tourist destinations, Ireland is also known as a pet-friendly country, where residents and visitors can travel with their furry friends tagging along. In fact, a recent survey shows that 20% of the country’s population has a dog in their household, which goes to show that the Irish have a soft spot for canines. There is a vast range of dog-friendly activities that you and your four-legged friend can do, regardless of which region you are living in or visiting. Below are some of the top examples of dog-friendly activities in Ireland.

Check out the Capital

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

1 - 8 hrs

Items needed

Leash

Activity description

The city of Dublin is undoubtedly one, if not the most popular city destination in the entire Republic of Ireland. The capital city of Ireland has a lot to offer for residents, tourists, and their canine pets. Whether it is to grab a bite, get your pooch pampered or simply to take in the beautiful sights, there is bound to be an activity for you and your dog to do. Dublin is home to a number of pet grooming centers and doggy spas, dog-friendly restaurants, hotel and pubs and even some beaches where your dog can run around and swim in.

Step

1

Explore the city

Finding something to do in Dublin is easy enough; just go online and do a search on the different activities that you can try with your dog. However, if you have the time and energy, the best way is still to explore the city on foot with your pup in tow. There is nothing more thrilling than discovering new, dog-friendly venues to visit. It is also a good way to spend some bonding time with your dog while getting a workout in at the same time.

Step

2

Try out an activity or two

Once you figure out what activity you would like to try first or if you find an interesting place while exploring, go ahead and try it. Fancy giving your dog a makeover? Places such as the Bow Wow Boutique and Glamour Dogs are worth checking out. Want to do some shopping? The Marlay Park Farmers Market can be your go-to destination. With all the choices available, you could easily spend an entire day doing dog-friendly activities around Dublin.

Dog-friendly Café

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Leash

Activity description

Visiting cafés is always a good idea, especially if you can bring your best furry bud with you. Luckily, Ireland is home to a number of cafes that are welcoming to both dogs and their owners. In fact, some of these cafes even have special treatments for dogs. Some popular options include the Fumbally Café and the Cake Café, both of which not only serve great food but are also very welcoming of dogs. The Pupp Café is also a favorite among dog owners. From the name alone, you already know that this place is accommodating to patrons and their pet dogs. Prices of these cafés range from cheap to moderate but they are surely worth every penny.

Step

1

Do your research

Whichever dog-friendly café you decide to visit normally depends on some considerations and whatever it is you are looking for. To narrow down your search, the Internet is always a good option. Review and travel sites such as TripAdvisor and Yelp are a great way to find out more about these dog cafés and what they offer. If you are visiting, you can ask the locals for some recommendations.

Step

2

Pay a visit to the café

When you find the café that you would like to check out, you may contact them and find out about their menu items, rules and other relevant information. If needed, make a reservation ahead of time to ensure that you and your dog will have a spot waiting for you. If you are feeling spontaneous, you can simply show up in your chosen café. You may even go café-hopping and start checking out multiple cafés in a day.

Go on a "Staycation"

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Easy

12 - 48 hrs

Items needed

Leash

Activity description

Ever wanted to stay at a hotel with your furry buddy? Have you ever had to leave your dog behind on a holiday trip? This is a dilemma that a lot of dog owners have faced at some point in their lives. Fortunately, in dog-friendly places such as Ireland, you can now easily enjoy a “staycation” with your dog, regardless if it is in within your city or out of town. There is an abundance of accommodation options that cater not only to humans but also to their four-legged friends. Aside from hotels, other places such as bed and breakfasts, inns and even cottages are now more dog-friendly and lenient when it comes to bringing of dogs along. This activity can be done in any weather, even during rainy days when you just want to stay indoors. The prices of accommodation may vary, depending on location and facilities offered.

Step

1

Find an accommodation

If you want to go on a “staycation” with your dog, you first have to filter through your options. When choosing an accommodation, there are lots of factors to take into consideration. There are some who would like to stay at a modern hotel while some might prefer a more rustic atmosphere in a B&B. Other things to consider include your budget, location and facilities, among others.

Step

2

Book a place

When you find the perfect place to stay, contact the property and book a stay. Calling ahead of time allows you to check the availability of the property and gives you the chance to find out certain rules that you need to be aware of. It also lets you decide whether the place is the one you want to stay at or if you would like to check out other options.

Step

3

Enjoy your stay

On the day of your “staycation”, prepare the stuff you have to bring. Do not forget to pack some food for your dog and to bring a leash, in case there are some rules about having your dog on a leash during your stay. Take advantage of the many facilities offered by your accommodation. For instance, the Fullerton Arms and Marine Hotel have dining areas and special rooms for dogs. Meanwhile, The Inn on the Coast features some great walking routes and gives out treats and a “Good Behavior Certificate” for your dog.

More Fun Ideas...

Go for a Stroll

Walking your dog is highly recommended; it serves as a workout and also allows you to spend some much needed quality time with your pup. Furthermore, it gives you a chance to explore Ireland on foot. There are some excellent walking routes in Ireland, such as the Causeway Coast Way, Florence Court and Divis Ridge Trail. Just be sure to ask about the rules of the place regarding keeping dogs on or off leash.

Visit the Beach

More than its mountains and trails, Ireland is also teeming with beautiful beaches. Discover these coastal areas with your puppy. You can bring some toys for your dog to play with or plan a picnic by the shore. You can even go for a swim to cool off. Some of the most popular beaches in Ireland include Murlough Beach, Inch Beach, Keem Beach and the aptly-named Dog’s Bay. The best time to visit the beaches is during the summer, when the weather is warm and the sun is out.

Conclusion

The Republic of Ireland has so much to offer for humans and their canine friends. Whether you live in this beautiful nation or are simply passing through, there is no shortage of places that you can check out with your dog. Check out any of these dog-friendly activities and enjoy some “paw-fect” bonding time with your pup.