Pet Owner's Guide to
Living in Ireland 2025

For more detailed information on how to bring your beloved pets to Ireland, please refer to our comprehensive Ireland Pet Travel Guide.
Life in Ireland with Pets
Ireland's rolling green landscapes, charming towns, and welcoming communities make it a delightful place for pet owners. From bustling cities to serene countryside, there's plenty for you and your pet to explore. Here's everything you need to know to navigate life in Ireland with your four-legged friend.
Choosing a Veterinarian in Ireland
🩺 Choosing a Veterinarian in Ireland
Selecting the right veterinarian is crucial for your pet's health and your peace of mind. Ireland boasts numerous reputable clinics catering to both locals and expatriates:
- Anicare Veterinary Group (Dublin): With multiple locations across Dublin, Anicare offers comprehensive services, including preventative care, diagnostics, surgery, and dental care. rockhallveterinary.ie+4www.anicare.ie+4villagevets.ie+4
- Village Vets (Various Locations): Established in 1980, Village Vets is a trusted family practice with clinics in Dublin and surrounding areas, providing compassionate care for pets. villagevets.ie
- Veterinary Specialists Ireland (Cork & Meath): Offering advanced care for small animals, their Cork hospital provides specialized services for complex cases. vetspecialists.ie+1Yelp+1
- Barna & Moycullen Vet Clinic (Galway): Known for its nurturing environment, this clinic ensures pets feel comfortable and relaxed during visits. www.barnavetclinic.ie
- Lakeside Veterinary Hospital (Loughrea, Galway): Serving South Galway, they provide veterinary care for both large and small animals. www.anicare.ie+6www.lakesidevetsloughrea.ie+6rockhallveterinary.ie+6
Pet-Friendly Cafes and Restaurants
Ireland's café scene has embraced pet owners, offering numerous spots where you can dine with your furry friend:
Dublin
- Two Pups Coffee: Located in The Liberties, this café welcomes dogs inside and offers a cozy atmosphere with excellent coffee and pastries. Paws Friendly+2BringFido+2Tripadvisor+2
- The Barbers Bar: A unique bar that not only allows dogs but also offers a dog menu, including chicken broth and dog beer. BringFido
- Southbank Café: Situated in Harold's Cross, this café is known for its warm hospitality and love for featuring their four-legged guests on Instagram. Paws Friendly
Cork
- The Marina Market: A bustling open-air market that's incredibly dog-friendly, with various food vendors and shaded seating areas. Joes Happy Tails
- Fionnbarra Bar: A cozy pub with a spacious outdoor area, perfect for dog owners looking to enjoy a pint with their pups. Joes Happy Tails
Galway
- Placebo Café: Located in the Hazel Park area, this café welcomes dogs inside and even has a resident pup to greet visitors. BringFido
- Scran Coffee & Stuff: Although their Coach Station location closed, their Bohermore Street café remains open and pet-friendly. The Irish Sun
Dog Parks and Green Spaces
Ireland offers a variety of dog-friendly parks and runs where your pet can exercise and socialize:
Dublin
- Marlay Park: Features a double-gated dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs, ensuring a safe environment for off-leash play. Paws Friendly
- Shanganagh Park: Open 24 hours, this fenced-in park provides ample space for dogs to run freely. Paws Friendly
- Corkagh Park: Offers a large off-leash area with water fountains and plenty of space to run. BringFido
Galway
- Milltown Heritage Park: A scenic spot for dog walks, offering open spaces and trails.
Mayo
- Woofland Dog Park: Located in Claremorris, this fully enclosed, private hire park provides a safe off-leash environment for dogs. BringFido+2Discover Ireland+2BringFido+2
🏖️ Dog-Friendly Beaches
While some beaches in Ireland have restrictions, there are designated areas where dogs are welcome:
- Dog's Bay Beach (Galway): A beautiful beach where dogs can enjoy the sea and sand, especially during off-peak hours. Discover Ireland
Pet Supply Stores
For all your pet's needs, Ireland has numerous pet supply stores:
- Petstop: A well-known chain offering a wide range of pet products and services across the country.
- Maxi Zoo: Provides pet food, accessories, and healthcare products, both in-store and online.
- PetWorld: Offers an extensive selection of pet supplies with convenient online shopping options.
Helpful Resources
- BringFido: An app and website to find pet-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and attractions.
- Paws Friendly: Offers a directory of dog parks and trails across Ireland.
- Discover Ireland: Provides information on dog-friendly places and activities throughout the country. Discover Ireland
Embracing life in Ireland with your pet can be a rewarding experience filled with new adventures and friendships. With this guide, you're well-equipped to navigate your new environment and ensure your furry friend feels right at home.
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