Touring in Ireland with a dog

[Smify]

We were considering a tour of Ireland but have been told that dogs are generally not welcome in pubs. Does anyone have experience of this?

 

[Mick and Ruth]

We did the complete coastline north and south over 8 weeks last year. I would recommend joining The Irish Motorhome Group Facebook page very friendly and helpful. They have a map with dog friendly pubs in the folders section.
We struggled if honest, we went into one particular empty pub on the Dingle midweek and asked could we have a meal and was there an area we could sit with our black Labrador. We were asked if she was well behaved I said "Yes she will go under the table and won't move". "OK then sit over there and if anyone comes in and asks, tell them it's an assistance dog!
A lot of places it was a straight "No" inside but if they have an outside area you should be OK, but when the music starts about 10pm it gets loud.
Most of the Irish dogs we saw were workers running alongside tractors or sat in the back of the flat back truck outside a bar, and that's their relationships with dogs.
Would we go again? Definitely!! people are brilliant, funny and country is beautiful,

 

[Onemanandhisdog]

I nearly went to Ireland for a month this year until someone reminded me my dog would have to be muzzled. Wasn't aware of the pub issue, but at least that's the same rule for all.

 

[HarryML7]

I nearly went to Ireland for a month this year until someone reminded me my dog would have to be muzzled. Wasn't aware of the pub issue, but at least that's the same rule for all.

Muzzling is dependent on the breed. I believe the offical line is " Unless its a restricted breed it is not required to wear a muzzle by law" and as the op found not every pub welcomes dogs but there are definitely some that do. Its best to ask around.

 

[Northernraider]

Watch where you're walking them too especially if off the leash .

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[Onemanandhisdog]

Muzzling is dependent on the breed. I believe the offical line is " Unless its a restricted breed it is not required to wear a muzzle by law" and as the op found not every pub welcomes dogs but there are definitely some that do. Its best to ask around.

Yes, exactly. They have their own version of a dangerous dogs list, of which Rhodesian Ridgeback is one of them. Despite mine being pinned to a wall by a snarling spaniel (which isn't on the list) and not reacting other than wagging his tail, he would still have to be muzzled. I wouldn't do that to him, looking at it from his point of view it's like he was being punished - for what? That is why I said at least the pub rule was for all, not just one view of a dangerous dog. I was going there to look at properties for sale but to be honest, they can poke it.

 

[Mick and Ruth]

Yes, exactly. They have their own version of a dangerous dogs list, of which Rhodesian Ridgeback is one of them. Despite mine being pinned to a wall by a snarling spaniel (which isn't on the list) and not reacting other than wagging his tail, he would still have to be muzzled. I wouldn't do that to him, looking at it from his point of view it's like he was being punished - for what? That is why I said at least the pub rule was for all, not just one view of a dangerous dog. I was going there to look at properties for sale but to be honest, they can poke it.

I'm the same... we have travelled 22 Countries and will never muzzle our dog, she's a placid old Labrador who we have only heard bark once in 11 years and that was through joy when our daughter came back from Uni. So if the dog is not welcome I spend my money else where?

 

[JohnT UK]

Went over in sept with our 2 spaniels, ranged from a landlady running at me and shutting the door in my face shouting no dogs in Kildare, through to a total welcome and we prefer dogs to some humans in the singing pub. Best to ask first

 

[Sticky Biscuit]

We had 3 week in S Ireland this year and were suprised on how many places were not dog friendly. Including some countryside walks where dogs were not allowed even on a lead. Just returned from a fly drive in S Island New Zealand and where it was even more non dog friendly. Thinking UK is an outlyer..

 

[Tropla]

We did the Wild Atlantic Way with our cockerpoo a few years ago & also found that Ireland was not dog friendly in pubs or on public transport. Also dogs were banned on some walks i.e The cliffs of Moher.

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[smallg]

We were there for a month this year with our doggo in County Claire and Limerick and it's pretty much like the UK in terms of dogs.

Some places were very dog friendly, with treats behind the bar etc... others not. Same goes for restaurants. City venues are probably less likely to be accommodating like the UK in that respect.

Never saw a dog with a muzzle on the entire time we were there. Pretty much an unenforceable rule, I guess given the low population density and general absence of garda outside of bigger towns and cities and laid back nature of the ones we came across.

I did notice that there was dog crap everywhere, however. This despite the signs threatening large fines. Seemed much more prevalent than the UK.

 

[FEC]

Agree with the general view here that Ireland is less dog friendly than England esp in hospitality.
However, a couple of points are worth adding (and in terms of full disclosure, I was born and raised in Belfast but now live in England....and own a Cock-a-poo.) 1. don't let it put you off -you can work around it and the benefits of being there more than outweigh the difficulties. 2. Plan ahead -there are plenty of dog friendly places but they are probably bet 10-15% of hotels and pubs, so find the places that are dog friendly and you will be fine. Just accept you can't go everywhere and will have to work around that. Also, time your meals around the weather if there are outside beer garden options (and no jokes about only eating once a week please!)
3) While there are rules about muzzling in the Republic, I have hardly ever seen this applied and certainly never seen the Garda asking dog owners what breed their dog is or where the muzzle is -not encouraging anyone to break the law.... just pointing out that there might be some flexibility on offer -unless your dog looks like Cujo of course! 4) there is a difference between the Republic and Northern Ireland -which is still in the UK and pretty much same as Britain in terms of muzzling and dangerous breeds etc. It is also in my experience more restrictive than England in terms of access to hospitality -but there are plenty of places that welcome dogs -you just need to know where they are and aim for those. So if you do your research in advance you should be fine.
5) Yes Dog poo is a problem -we don't lift it up enough there, penalties aren't enforced sufficiently and it is very aggravating to go back home and see it not being picked up.
6) Don't let any of these issues prevent you from going there. You will be welcomed, have brilliant Craic, see amazing beaches, meet incredible people, sample a rich history and have the best time -and so will your pooch. More importantly, there is no shortage of Guinness over there unlike in England! Go for it and Enjoy

 

[jp11]

We did the Wild Atlantic Way with our cockerpoo a few years ago & also found that Ireland was not dog friendly in pubs or on public transport. Also dogs were banned on some walks i.e The cliffs of Moher.

I'm from Northern Ireland. Last year I visited Cliffs of Mower (for the first time!) and wasn't prevented from walking my Irish Red Setter. The walk took literally three times longer than it should have done, purely because of American tourists wanting to admire her. She wasn't allowed inside the visitor centre, but I sat outside with her while my wife went in. Certainly, pubs in Ireland are not as tolerant of dogs as in England. But I've found many that are. Restaurants will often usher you into their adjoining bars, where you can get pub grub.

 

[PG’s trips]

Ditto last two comments. Live in NI take collie across Ireland all the time, you will find somewhere that takes dog even if it means outside sometimes. But, praise to English hospitality they are dog friendly champions across the world.

 

[SimonF]

Last time I was at the Cliffs of Moher, when we went on to cliff top path there were signs requiring dogs to be on a lead. I did a quick risk assessment…

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[Onemanandhisdog]

certainly never seen the Garda asking dog owners what breed their dog

Bit of a giveaway when it's a Ridgeback, although people do ask what breed he is sometimes, but they also ask if he's had an operation or if I cut his hair like that!
I'm afraid it has put me off, I don't want to plan a trip like a military operation around something which isn't a problem everywhere else I go. Sure, it might be OK, but I might also get in to a lot of grief or incur fines. As well as being muzzled they have to be kept on "a short strong lead" not much of a holiday for man's best friend.

 

[janeb]

We were considering a tour of Ireland but have been told that dogs are generally not welcome in pubs. Does anyone have experience of this?

We went several years ago, toured around and found the same as others on here. Lots of dogs roaming around without owners in some towns, dogs are treated as working animals even when they clearly aren't, left outside in all weathers too. Found that some pubs, cafes etc would only let you in with a dog if they had an outside area where you could sit, if you want to sit next to the dirty beer barrels and bins ! Also, you can sit outside on pavements at specific tables, but not good if weather is bad. We would go again, but would research dog friendly places first, as we were ushered into a tea room to go through to the lovely garden area, only to have abuse hurled at us from "gentlemen" sitting in cafe, saying no dogs, get out, not allowed. So yes, lovely, but do your research ! Also, don't know if anything has changed, but we opted to keep dogs in the motorhome on the ferry, glad we did after we had seen the kennels offered when we went down to check on them !!

 

[jockaneezer]

I wonder if the rules are more lenient if you tell them it's a daaaag !

 

[Dominick]

We were considering a tour of Ireland but have been told that dogs are generally not welcome in pubs. Does anyone have experience of this?

Some pubs will allow dogs one in question is the villa in Waterville Co Kerry and the food is great and great value for money there is a car park nearby.

 

[Jammi]

We had the same experience. We were especially surprised to see that some public footpaths were signed ‘no dogs’. Not just ‘dogs on leads’.

There are no dog areas on ferries, apart from the kennels and I wouldn’t be happy leaving our dog in the vehicle again, far too noisy with all the car alarms going off and you can’t go down to check on them.

Sitting outside pubs is fine in good weather, but we were there in April!

It is a shame really as it’s a stunning country and the food everywhere was amazing.

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[Tea Bag]

Hi.
Do you value your dog ?........ Glenross ? Caravan site near Glenbeigh. Again...went there some years ago.( Swing the lights ) later that night " Nipped around"... to the pub next door. Started on the Black stuff ordered and ate Black pepper chicken. While this was happening,good 'ole boy,who had two electronic organs plus some other instruments was playing away like a good 'un. A " Middle aged ? " lady ( Fit as a butchers dog ) was taking on all comers venturing on to the dance floor and i Swear ( Swore !! ) at the time. If ever he had played the dance " Siege of Ennis " you had better hold tight or risk going out a window or a door when the spinning bits started....IF YOU WERE LUCKY ! ( Think...WALL !!! ) However i learnt that the version i danced one St Patricks night at the de monfort ? hall Leicester 60/61 was the F1-moto GP version....Siege of Ennis....... Talk about keep the revs top of the green...you had to hang on,just to stay alive.
So. If
F there is dancing involved, better to leave the dog in the mo-ho, otherwise,unless there is a notice now, take the growler.
While we were over time before last,stayed at the Knock Shrine campsite,good areas to walk the dog and going on was a All Ireland Mo-ho meet. Walking around with Sassy dog,was passing the hal;l where all the music was coming from,sasid to a chap,that it sounded lively in there, he said. " Come on in " I told him we were in a c.van,he said... " So ? " Happy days.
The dancing then was of a wednesday night,rang up in sept this year, for to see about spending our 'ding anni there in october,they said they were closed and the music/dancing is now on a saturday night.
Great site then,magic pub......... Go on....whats to stop you.......
Tea Bag.
PS. If you go and enjoy it...... Let us know..

 

[F jimmy]

Donaghadee in Co Down has a few pubs/restaurants where dogs are allowed, including the Commodore, which is used in the afternoon soap on TV called Hope Street. There is also an aire 100m away from the pub.

 

[Red Sonja]

Donaghadee in Co Down has a few pubs/restaurants where dogs are allowed, including the Commodore, which is used in the afternoon soap on TV called Hope Street. There is also an aire 100m away from the pub.

I don't think your allowed any more in the aire at Donaghadee. Which is a shame as it was a great place.

 

[HUSKY 499]

I don't think your allowed any more in the aire at Donaghadee. Which is a shame as it was a great place.

The original aire in Donaghadee has signs up for no over nighting but we use the large carpark round the corner from Pier 36(dog friendly)
The Commodore is the stage name for the Pier 36 pub ,head for the Harbour, turn right just in front of harbour entrance and drive to end of road, Bo Bells restaurant and the Harbour bar are also dog friendly, and only 5 to 10 mins. walk from the car park. Also Sunday past, while walking our dog met a woman with 3 v friendly ridgebacks and not a muzzle in sight.

 

[landrovereditor90]

We were considering a tour of Ireland but have been told that dogs are generally not welcome in pubs. Does anyone have experience of this?

Apparently dogs aren’t allowed on buses in Ireland, we travelled into Cork on the bus with our Yorkshire Terrier, unaware of this rule. After a day in Cork, including a meal in a pub with the dog, we were turned away from the bus. No dogs allowed said the driver. We spoke to the inspector at the bus station and he confirmed no dogs. So we waited for the next bus, my wife got on first and got two tickets, I walked on behind her carrying the dog, obviously the driver didn’t see me with the dog.
Pub no problem, bus we had to be devious.