🐾 Traveling to Ireland with Pets
Pet-Friendly Ireland
Ireland is highly welcoming to pets, particularly dogs, with a strong culture of pet ownership. From coastal walks to Dublin pubs, pets are part of everyday life. Many hotels, restaurants, and public transport options accommodate well-behaved animals, making Ireland a top pet-friendly destination in Europe.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
EU Pet Passport
Dogs, cats, and ferrets from EU countries need an EU Pet Passport with microchip identification.
Passport must include rabies vaccination records (at least 21 days before travel) and veterinary health certificate.
Rabies Vaccination
Mandatory rabies vaccination must be current and administered at least 21 days before entry.
Vaccination must be valid for the entire stay; check expiry dates on certificates carefully.
Microchip Requirements
All pets must have ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before rabies vaccination.
Chip number must match all documentation; bring microchip reader confirmation if possible.
Non-EU Countries
Pets from outside EU need health certificate from official veterinarian and rabies antibody test.
Additional 3-month waiting period may apply; check with Irish embassy in advance.
Restricted Breeds
Restricted breeds include Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro.
These breeds are banned; other large dogs may require muzzles and leashes in public areas.
Other Pets
Birds, rabbits, and rodents have different entry rules; check with Irish authorities.
Exotic pets may require CITES permits and additional health certificates for entry.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Book Pet-Friendly Hotels
Find hotels that welcome pets across Ireland on Booking.com. Filter by "Pets allowed" to see properties with pet-friendly policies, fees, and amenities like dog beds and bowls.
Accommodation Types
- Pet-Friendly Hotels (Dublin & Galway): Many 3-5 star hotels welcome pets for €10-25/night, offering dog beds, bowls, and nearby parks. Chains like Premier Inn and Maldron Hotels are reliably pet-friendly.
- Coastal Cottages & B&Bs (Wild Atlantic Way): Rural accommodations often welcome pets at no extra charge, with direct beach access. Perfect for walking holidays with dogs in scenic surroundings.
- Vacation Rentals & Apartments: Airbnb and Vrbo listings frequently allow pets, especially in rural areas. Entire homes offer more freedom for pets to roam and relax.
- Farmstays (Agritourism): Family farms in Kerry and Donegal welcome pets and often have resident animals. Ideal for families with children and pets seeking authentic rural experiences.
- Campsites & RV Parks: Nearly all Irish campsites are pet-friendly, with designated dog areas and nearby trails. Sites along the Ring of Kerry are especially popular with pet owners.
- Luxury Pet-Friendly Options: High-end hotels like The Merrion in Dublin offer VIP pet services including gourmet pet menus, grooming, and walking services for discerning travelers.
Pet-Friendly Activities & Destinations
Coastal & Hill Walking Trails
Ireland's landscapes are dog heaven with thousands of pet-friendly trails along the Wild Atlantic Way and Wicklow Mountains.
Keep dogs leashed near livestock and check trail rules at national park entrances.
Beaches & Coastlines
Many beaches in Kerry and Donegal have designated dog swimming areas and off-leash zones.
Places like Inch Beach and Dog's Bay offer pet-friendly sections; check local signage for restrictions.
Cities & Parks
Dublin's Phoenix Park and St. Stephen's Green welcome leashed dogs; outdoor pubs commonly allow pets at tables.
Galway's Salthill Promenade permits dogs on leash; most outdoor terraces welcome well-behaved pets.
Pet-Friendly Pubs
Irish pub culture extends to pets; water bowls outside are standard in cities.
Many Dublin pubs allow dogs inside; ask staff before entering with pets.
City Walking Tours
Most outdoor walking tours in Dublin and Cork welcome leashed dogs at no extra charge.
Historic centers are pet-friendly; avoid indoor museums and churches with pets.
Ferry & Boat Trips
Many Irish Sea ferries allow dogs in designated areas or vehicles; fees typically €10-20.
Check with operators like Irish Ferries; some require advance booking for pets during peak seasons.
Pet Transport & Logistics
- Trains (Irish Rail): Small dogs (carrier-sized) travel free; larger dogs need half-price tickets and must be muzzled or in carriers. Dogs allowed in all classes except dining cars.
- Buses & Trams (Urban): Dublin and Cork public transport allow small pets free in carriers; larger dogs €2-5 with muzzle/leash requirement. Avoid peak commute times.
- Taxis: Ask driver before entering with pets; most accept with advance notice. Free Now and Uber rides may require pet-friendly vehicle selection.
- Rental Cars: Many agencies allow pets with advance notice and cleaning fee (€30-80). Consider SUVs for larger dogs and rural trips.
- Flights to Ireland: Check airline pet policies; Aer Lingus and Ryanair allow cabin pets under 8kg. Book early and review specific carrier requirements. Compare flight options on Aviasales to find pet-friendly airlines and routes.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: Aer Lingus, British Airways, and Lufthansa accept pets in cabin (under 8kg) for €50-100 each way. Larger dogs travel in hold with veterinary health certificate.
Pet Services & Veterinary Care
Emergency Vet Services
24-hour emergency clinics in Dublin (Elmwood Vets) and Cork provide urgent care.
Keep EHIC/travel insurance covering pet emergencies; vet costs range €50-200 for consultations.
Pharmacies & Pet Supplies
Pets at Home and local chains across Ireland stock food, medicine, and pet accessories.
Irish pharmacies carry basic pet medications; bring prescriptions for specialized drugs.
Grooming & Day Care
Major cities offer pet grooming salons and daycare for €20-50 per session or day.
Book ahead in tourist areas during peak seasons; many hotels recommend local services.
Pet-Sitting Services
Rover and local services operate in Ireland for pet-sitting during day trips or overnight stays.
Hotels may also offer pet-sitting; ask concierge for trusted local services.
Pet Rules & Etiquette
- Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed in urban areas, public parks, and protected nature zones. Coastal trails may allow off-leash if under voice control away from livestock.
- Muzzle Requirements: Certain breeds or large dogs require muzzles on public transport. Carry a muzzle even if not always enforced.
- Waste Disposal: Poop bags and disposal bins are ubiquitous; failure to clean up results in fines (€50-500). Always carry waste bags on walks.
- Beach & Water Rules: Check beach signage for dog-allowed sections; some beaches ban pets during peak summer hours (10am-6pm). Respect swimmers' space.
- Pub Etiquette: Pets welcome at outdoor tables; ask before bringing indoors. Dogs should remain quiet and seated on floor, not chairs or tables.
- National Parks: Some trails restrict dogs during lambing season (March-May). Always leash pets near livestock and stay on marked paths.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Ireland
Ireland for Families
Ireland is a family paradise with safe cities, interactive museums, coastal adventures, and welcoming culture. From ancient castles to fairy-tale landscapes, kids are engaged and parents relaxed. Public facilities cater to families with stroller access, changing rooms, and children's menus everywhere.
Top Family Attractions
Tayto Park (Ashbourne)
Theme park with rides, zoo, and dinosaur exhibits for all ages.
Tickets €20-25 adults, €15-18 kids; open year-round with seasonal events and food stalls.
Dublin Zoo (Phoenix Park)
Historic zoo with lions, giraffes, and interactive animal encounters.
Tickets €18-20 adults, €13-15 kids; combine with park picnics for full-day family outing.
Bunratty Castle (Clare)
Medieval castle with folk park, live shows, and costume experiences kids love.
Family tickets available with child-friendly medieval banquets and gardens.
Exploris Aquarium (Portaferry)
Interactive aquarium with sharks, seals, and hands-on marine exhibits.
Perfect for rainy days; tickets €10-12 adults, €8 kids with multilingual exhibits.
National Railway Museum (Howth)
Train exhibits with rides, signals, and historic locomotives.
Tickets €8-10 adults, €5 kids; engaging experience near Dublin with outdoor play areas.
Adventure Parks (Wicklow)
Summer ziplines, forest trails, and climbing walls across Wicklow Mountains.
Family-friendly activities with safety gear provided; suitable for kids 4+.
Book Family Activities
Discover family-friendly tours, attractions, and activities across Ireland on Viator. From Cliffs of Moher tours to castle adventures, find skip-the-line tickets and age-appropriate experiences with flexible cancellation.
Family Accommodations
- Family Hotels (Dublin & Cork): Hotels like Clayton and Radisson offer family rooms (2 adults + 2 kids) for €100-180/night. Amenities include cribs, high chairs, and kids' play areas.
- Coastal Family Resorts (Kerry): All-inclusive resorts with childcare, kids' clubs, and family suites. Properties like Ballymaloe House cater exclusively to families with entertainment programs.
- Farm Holidays: Rural farms across Ireland welcome families with animal interactions, fresh produce, and outdoor play. Prices €50-100/night with breakfast included.
- Vacation Apartments: Self-catering rentals ideal for families with kitchens and washing machines. Space for kids to play and flexibility for meal times.
- Youth Hostels: Budget-friendly family rooms in hostels like those in Galway and Killarney for €60-90/night. Simple but clean with kitchen access.
- Castle Hotels: Stay in converted castles like Ashford Castle for fairytale family experience. Kids love historic architecture and surrounding gardens.
Find family-friendly accommodations with connected rooms, cribs, and children's facilities on Booking.com. Filter by "Family rooms" and read reviews from other parents.
Kid-Friendly Activities by Region
Dublin with Kids
Imaginosity children's museum, Dublinia Viking centre, Trinity College tours, and seaside Howth.
Horse-drawn carriage rides and ice cream at traditional parlors make Dublin magical for children.
Cork with Kids
Fota Wildlife Park, Cork Butter Museum, Blackrock Castle Observatory, and river boat rides.
Child-friendly markets and English Market food adventures keep families entertained.
Galway with Kids
Galway Atlantaquaria, Salthill beach, Kylemore Abbey gardens, and Connemara pony treks.
Cliffs of Moher walks and traditional music sessions for family picnics.
Wild Atlantic Way (Kerry)
Ring of Kerry scenic drives, Dingle Oceanworld, Skellig Experience, and beach explorations.
Boat rides and easy coastal trails suitable for young children with scenic picnic spots.
Family Travel Practicalities
Getting Around with Kids
- Trains: Children under 5 travel free; ages 5-15 get 50% discount with parent. Family compartments available on Irish Rail trains with space for strollers.
- City Transport: Dublin and Cork offer family day passes (2 adults + kids) for €13-17. Buses and Luas trams are stroller-accessible.
- Car Rentals: Book child seats (€5-10/day) in advance; required by law for kids under 12 or 150cm. SUVs offer space for family gear.
- Stroller-Friendly: Irish cities are highly stroller-accessible with ramps, elevators, and smooth pavements. Most attractions provide stroller parking.
Dining with Children
- Kids' Menus: Nearly all restaurants offer children's options with fish and chips, pasta, or sausages for €5-10. High chairs and coloring books commonly provided.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Traditional pubs welcome families with outdoor play areas and casual atmosphere. Dublin's Temple Bar has diverse food stalls.
- Self-Catering: Supermarkets like Tesco and SuperValu stock baby food, diapers, and organic options. Markets offer fresh produce for apartment cooking.
- Snacks & Treats: Irish bakeries offer scones, soda bread, and chocolate; perfect for keeping kids energized between meals.
Childcare & Baby Facilities
- Baby-Changing Rooms: Available in shopping centers, museums, and train stations with changing tables and nursing areas.
- Pharmacies: Stock baby formula, diapers, and children's medications. Staff speak English and assist with product recommendations.
- Babysitting Services: Hotels in cities arrange English-speaking babysitters for €15-20/hour. Book through concierge or local services online.
- Medical Care: Pediatric clinics in all major cities; emergency care at hospitals with pediatric departments. EHIC covers EU citizens.
♿ Accessibility in Ireland
Accessible Travel
Ireland excels in accessibility with modern infrastructure, wheelchair-friendly transport, and inclusive attractions. Cities prioritize universal access, and tourism boards provide detailed accessibility information for planning barrier-free trips.
Transportation Accessibility
- Trains: Irish Rail trains offer wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and ramps. Book assistance 24 hours ahead; staff help with boarding at all stations.
- City Transport: Dublin's Luas trams and DART trains are wheelchair-accessible with elevators and low-floor vehicles. Audio announcements aid visually impaired travelers.
- Taxis: Accessible taxis with wheelchair ramps available in cities; book via phone or apps like Free Now. Standard taxis accommodate folding wheelchairs.
- Airports: Dublin and Cork airports provide full accessibility with assistance services, accessible toilets, and priority boarding for passengers with disabilities.
Accessible Attractions
- Museums & Castles: National Museum of Ireland and Dublin Castle offer wheelchair access, tactile exhibits, and audio guides. Elevators and ramps throughout.
- Historic Sites: Cliffs of Moher has accessible viewpoints; Kilkenny Castle largely accessible though some cobblestones may challenge wheelchairs.
- Nature & Parks: National parks provide accessible trails and viewpoints; Phoenix Park in Dublin fully wheelchair-friendly with accessible paths.
- Accommodations: Hotels indicate accessible rooms on Booking.com; look for roll-in showers, wide doorways, and ground-floor options.
Essential Tips for Families & Pet Owners
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June-August) for festivals and outdoor activities; mild weather year-round but rainy.
Shoulder seasons (May, Sept) offer fewer crowds, blooming landscapes, and lower prices.
Budget Tips
Family attractions often offer combo tickets; Dublin Pass includes transport and museum discounts.
Picnics in parks and self-catering apartments save money while accommodating picky eaters.
Language
English is official; Irish Gaelic in some areas but English widely spoken everywhere.
Irish people are friendly and patient with children and visitors.
Packing Essentials
Layers for changeable weather, comfortable shoes for walking, and rain gear year-round.
Pet owners: bring favorite food (in case unavailable), leash, muzzle, waste bags, and vet records.
Useful Apps
Irish Rail app for trains, Google Maps for navigation, and Rover for pet care services.
Transport for Ireland and Bus Éireann apps provide real-time public transport updates.
Health & Safety
Ireland is very safe; tap water drinkable everywhere. Pharmacies provide medical advice.
Emergency: dial 112 for police, fire, or medical. EHIC covers EU citizens for healthcare.