From Dublin’s historic landmarks to a pet-friendly movie theater in Galway, this spellbinding Irish itinerary is made even easier thanks to Irish Rail which accepts dogs on select trains and Intercity buses.
Tours and More in Historic Dublin
Fido’s Irish expedition begins in the bustling capital of Dublin, where pups can explore the grounds of historic Dublin Castle, constructed in the 13th century at the highest point of the city center. Afterward, Irish Water Spaniels can head to the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship and hop in a kayak with their owners to paddle down the River Liffey in a rental from City Kayaking. Or, keep walking down memory lane at the Irish National War Memorial Gardens, dedicated to Irish soldiers who died in World War I. Then, try to spot the Irish President and his Bernese Mountain Dogs through the fence of the palace at Phoenix Park, and enjoy miles of gorgeous trails together. Finish your self-guided walking tour on the paved pathways that wind around 124 acres at Glasnevin Cemetery and enjoy a pot of tea at The Tower Cafe.
You and your pooch can see a different side of Dublin on a pet-friendly tour. Secret Street Tours are led by guides who have experienced homelessness and will take tourists to some lesser-visited areas, while Alternative Dublin Street Art Tour is a chance to see and hear about the beautiful murals and street art dotted around Dublin. Your playful little friend can learn all about Ireland’s own mischievous residents at the National Leprechaun Museum of Ireland. This pet-friendly museum boasts interactive exhibits like giant furniture that will make Fido feel like a leprechaun, and it operates tours that dig into the mystical world of Irish storytelling and more.
From Dublin to the Sea
Leave the big city behind to discover the isle’s natural beauty starting with off-leash fun in the fenced space at St Anne’s Park. Continue your journey east to the historic coastal village of Howth, where you’ll find peace and seclusion far from the crowds on A Tiny Hidden Beach. Then let a DoDublin tour guide lead the way on a Howth Hike Adventure along the coast. After Howth, head south to Killiney Hill where you’ll discover stunning views of Killiney Bay and can both enjoy a treat from Killiney Hill Tea Rooms. Now it’s time to venture inland to Wicklow to witness the oddities at Victor’s Way Sculpture Park, before spending time at St. Kevin’s monastic settlement at Glendalough, and on the pet-friendly trails at Ireland’s largest national park, Wicklow Mountains.
Ireland’s Oldest City Awaits
Fido’s journey continues south to the oldest city in Ireland, Waterford. En route, let your Kerry Beagle loose on the awesome agility equipment at Arklow Dog Park. When you finally arrive, learn about the city’s 1000+ year history with Waterford Walking Tours. This insightful tour led by experienced historical geographer, Jack Burtchaell, will guide you down a path that started with Vikings from Norway and leads to Waterford’s National Monuments, Cathedrals and more. Then, take a different kind of historic journey on board Waterford Suir Valley Railway, a 40-minute pet-friendly scenic train ride on a narrow gauge railway that runs alongside Kilmeaden Castle, lime kilns and a Viking settlement.
“Have you seen a big green ogre anywhere?”
Photo by Facebook.com/TheDonkeySanctuaryIrelandDiscover Cork
Begin your tour of Ireland’s second city at Marina Market, the largest indoor market in the area with over 35 full-time food vendors, and where pups can enjoy a refreshing bowl of water at one of the market’s hydration stations. If you want to keep shopping, snag vintage deals with your dog in tow at nearby Nine Crows Cork. Next, head out of the city to see the beautiful floral displays at Fota House, Arboretum and Gardens. Then, learn all about the Titanic’s final stop before its fateful journey to the U.S. on The Titanic Trail Guided Walking Tour in Cobh. Fido can leave Cork via Viking Longship or by riding shotgun in a rental van from Iconic Campervan Rentals in nearby Kinsale. Hop in your pet-friendly VW campervan rental and drive to your next destination on Wild Atlantic Way, the world's longest signed coastal drive at 1,600 miles. Be sure to stop at the Signature Discovery Point, Cliffs of Moher - Visitor Centre to see one of Ireland’s most breathtaking sights.
Meet Donkeys and Step Back in Time
If you want to take a more direct route to Limerick, split the journey up by visiting a selection of incredible pet-friendly attractions. Start with The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland where you can meet 150 donkeys and mules who currently call the sanctuary home, then continue to Old Irish Ways, a pet-friendly museum that reflects on life in the area over the past 200 years. You’ll want to pencil in more time to appreciate the incredible archaeological sites at Lough Gur, where leashed pups are welcome to explore The Great Grange Stone Circle, Ireland’s oldest and largest stone circle, Carraig Áille Stone Forts, Lough Gur Wedge Tomb, the remains of a chapel called Teampall Nua and the Spectacles Field Systems.
Lope With Your Lab Around Limerick
There once was a dog called Fido who refused to simply lie low. Instead, he said, “Let’s go quick!” and dragged the whole pack to Limerick. This large city in Munster boasts a variety of activities to keep dogs and humans busy for a few days. Limerick Milk Market is an all-weather market under a canopy that welcomes pups to peruse the stalls for goods, including the fresh and delicious treats on sale from The Barking Baker. Once he’s fueled up, your pooch can bark encouragement as you cruise along Limerick Greenway in a bike and trailer rental from LiKe Bikes or Locomotion Bike Rental. As you head north from the city in search of more fun, pay a visit to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, home to a living village that features more than 30 traditional buildings.
“Can you please stop wagging your tail?”
Photo by Facebook.com/palasgalwayGoldens Love Galway
Park up with your pooch in Galway, a historic harbor city on Ireland’s west coast at the confluence of the River Corrib and the Atlantic Ocean. See where the river begins on Lough Corrib during a lake cruise with Corrib Cruises which offers daily tours. Passengers depart from Ashford Castle and Lisloughrey Pier and can take in the sights on the lakeshore along the way. Follow the river to the ocean and enjoy an afternoon of play at Dog’s Bay Beach. This aptly named beach welcomes pups to wander in the golden sand of one of the country’s most picturesque stretches of shoreline. In the evening, settle down for a not-so-quiet pet-friendly screening at Pálás Cinema. This downtown movie theater near the docks hosts regular movie nights for canine cinephiles.
Take a Leap to the Aran Islands
Before you depart County Galway, pay a visit to the Aran Islands of Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer. The picturesque islands were used for filming for “The Banshees of Inisherin” and offer a scenic escape from the mainland. The coolest way to reach the islands is on a short but sweet scenic flight with Aer Arann Islands. Departing from Connemara Airport, the flight takes less than 10 minutes, or you can enjoy a longer scenic flight with views of Galway Bay, the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher below. If you don’t like heights and don’t mind a boat ride, you can reach any of the islands year-round with your dog on board Arann Islands Ferry. When you arrive, take a traditional pony & trap tour of Inishmore, the biggest island, with Thomas Faherty Tours. Or, go on a self-guided journey in a bike and trailer rental from Aran Bike Hire instead.