Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Ireland

Gougane Barra National Forest Park is pet-friendly. An area of wild and beautiful scenery, this magnificent park covers more than 339 acres of land. Located at the edge of the Sheehy mountains, hiking is afoot for you and your pooch at this place of natural beauty. Dog owners are reminded to keep pups leashed and to clean up any mess left behind.

Cliffs of Moher in Doolin, IE, pet friendly. One of Ireland's most loved natural attractions, the cliffs are home to a number of different trails for you and your pooch to explore together. The breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, situated in County Clare along the Wild Atlantic Way, have faced the Atlantic for over 350 million years. Please note that Fido cannot join you inside the visitor center.

Merrion Square is pet-friendly. Bring your leashed pup on the paved trails of this historic Dublin park. On your wanders, you'll discover an sculpture of famed writer, Oscar Wilde; lovely trees and events throughout the year. Take a break on a bench and soak in the historic culture. Dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess that is left behind.

Mizen Head Signal Station is pet-friendly. Bring your pooch along to see the coastal views on the pet-friendly trails that lead to this signal station. The paved trail is fun and easy for most levels of walker to enjoy. Dogs are welcome, although they must be picked up after along the way.

Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin, IE is pet friendly. Ireland's National Cemetery is the final resting place of more than 1.5-million people, including Michael Collins, the revolutionary leader, Luke Kelly, the folk musician, and many more important Irish figures. Leashed dogs are invited to accompany their owners on a walk on the paved pathways that lead to different elaborate headstones around the 124-acre cemetery on the Northside of the city.

The Irish National War Memorial Gardens is a pet-friendly memorial park in Dublin, IE. The gardens were built in memory of the 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in World War I. The garden consists of paved pathways, sunken rose gardens, herbaceous borders and grassy spaces. Leashed dogs are welcome on the main lawn, but are not allowed in the Rose Garden or in the fountains.

Lough Gur Visitor Centre & Lakeshore Park in Limerick, IE is pet friendly. Home to the oldest stone in Ireland, the area is of historical and archaeological significance. Leashed dogs are welcome on the lakeside trails and on tours to learn about the area's highlights. You'll also find a lakeview playground, entrance point coffee kiosk and can book a private guide, too.

Brigit's Garden & Café is a pet-friendly botanical garden in County Galway, IE. Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the Celtic-themed gardens surrounded by 11 acres of wildflower gardens. Afterward, find a table at the light-filled garden café and enjoy refreshments with a view of the garden.

Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden in County Galway, IE is pet-friendly. Located an hour from Galway, Kylemore Castle was built in the late 1800s and features the largest walled gardens in Ireland. While dogs are not permitted inside the abbey itself or on the shuttle bus, pups on a leash are invited to explore the grounds by your side.

Doneraile Court and Estate is a pet-friendly historical landmark north of Cork, IE. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners on a walk through the gorgeous gardens and parkland estate of North Cork's "real-life Downton Abbey." Located on the banks of the Awbeg River, this picturesque estate is a great place to go for an afternoon stroll with your pooch.

Lismore Castle Gardens is the oldest cultivated gardens in Ireland and a pet-friendly attraction in Waterford, IE. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners in the gardens that sprawl over ten acres set within the outer defensive walls with three distinct parts: the Reilig Garden, the Upper Garden, and the Lower Garden.

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Located in Clonmel, IE, the Suir Blueway is a scenic, dog-friendly riverside trail perfect for long walks with your pup. This peaceful route follows the River Suir, with access points including Carey’s Slip, which this address directs visitors to. The Blueway stretches 53 km from Cahir to Carrick-on-Suir via Clonmel, featuring 21 km of walking and cycling paths and 32 km of navigable waterway for kayaking or canoeing.

Curraghchase Forest Park, located near Kilcornan, IE is pet-friendly. With more than 740 acres to explore, leashed dogs are welcome in the parkland, on the trails that lead through mixed woodland and alongside lakes, and at the arboretum at Curragh Chase. The former home of the de Vere family still has a grand house sitting on the hill overlooking the main car park and a man-made lake. There are six walking trails that range from an easy loop trail, multi-use pathways, the Curragh Trail and the Glenisca Trail.

Limerick Greenway, part of The Great Southern Trail, in Limerick, IE is pet friendly. This popular rail-trail invites leashed dogs to discover the beauty of the countryside in County Limerick. The trail is just under 25 miles in length and starts in Rathkeale, leading to Ardagh, Newcastle West, Barnagh, Templeglantine and Abbeyfeale, alongside the Allaghaun River.

The Cliff Path Loop, which is a part of the Howth Head Walks, is a pet-friendly trail on the coast near Howth and Dublin, IE. You and your leashed pooch can follow the green arrows to get a great view of Lambay Island, Ireland’s Eye and Dublin Bay as you walk around this 5-mile loop trail.

Fitzgerald Park is a pet-friendly outdoor recreation area in Cork, IE. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners on a stroll throughout this city park, which sprawls over 18 acres and features a fountain, sculptures, manicured landscaping and walking paths.

Stephenstown Pond is a pet-friendly park in Dundalk, IE, where your leashed pooch can join you for a walk along the trail that surrounds a beautiful wildlife pond. After a stroll, head to the park's very own eatery, The Willow Tree Cafe, for a snack you can enjoy on the outdoor tables. Other amenities at the recreation space include a playground, nature walk and Agnes Burns cottage.

We are a working sheep farm but combine this with several great trails ranging from a gentle meander around the pastures, a stroll along the river and the falls and on to mountain trails taking anything from 2 to 7 hours. We welcome 'Fido' and only ask that he/she/they are kept on the lead close to the livestock. Once out on the open trails then its 'away you go'.Our website has details of all the walks. Bring a picnic, spend as long as you like. A lovely day for all ages and Fido will love it. Lots of water and so much space. We are just 35 minutes drive from Kenmare, Co. Kerry.

Wicklow Mountains National Park is pet friendly. Located south of Dublin, in Wicklow, IE, this protected area is the country's largest national park and the only one in the east. Here, you can explore moderate trails like Spinc and Glenealo Valley, Crone Wood and Maulin Mountain Loop, and White Hill and Djouce, along with a variety of other pathways that welcome leashed dogs. From the trails, you'll experience wide-open vistas, mountain roads, mighty lakes and wooded valleys, and can visit historic sites like St Kevin’s monastic settlement at Glendalough.

Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens in Cork, IE is pet friendly. Once the home of the Smith-Barry family, the property is now operated by The Irish Heritage Trust and the public is now welcome to explore the grounds. Leashed dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas, which include the arboretum, gardens and plant collections.