Exploring Ireland with your canine companion can be a rewarding experience, offering a blend of scenic landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality.
Ireland's dog-friendly ethos ensures that both you and your furry friend can enjoy a memorable adventure together. This guide provides essential information and recommendations to help you plan your trip.
Please note, while every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the following information, we are not regulatory experts. Please consult gov.uk for up-to-date information on travelling to Ireland with a dog.
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Travelling with a dog from Great Britain to the Republic of Ireland/Eire
Travelling to Ireland with a dog is fun and exciting, with the promise of lots of lovely dog-friendly things to do when you arrive at your destination.
The journey itself, though, can be a cause of anxiety for some dog owners, but it needn’t be. We’ve broken down the main things to consider when you travel to Ireland with a dog – the key is to plan in advance and be aware of the requirements.
Bringing your dog along on holiday requires adherence to specific regulations to ensure a smooth journey because the Republic of Ireland/Eire is an EU member and Great Britain is not. If you are travelling from Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) to Ireland please consult the UK Government website for requirements.
If you are travelling from a mainland port to Northern Ireland, your dog must be microchipped. Please apply here for pet travel documents for travel to NI with pets.
Summary
- Dog must be microchipped before or while simultaneously receiving a rabies vaccination
- Dog must be at least 12 weeks old to receive rabies vaccination
- How long before travel? Rabies vaccination must be administered 21 days before travel and before AHC can be issued
Designated Points of Entry
Ensure you enter Ireland through approved ports or airports, such as Dublin Port or Rosslare Europort.
Advice from Dr Emma Scales-Theobald
Click on the boxes to learn more about how to aid your dog's trip according to our Canine Behaviour and Nutrition Consultant, Dr Emma Scales-Theobald.
If your dog has never been on a ferry before, it can be a little overwhelming for them. There are things you can do in advance to prepare your dog and help them cope with this new experience. Some ferries require your dog to stay in the car or in onboard kennels during the journey. If so, it can be helpful to work with your dog to minimise any separation anxiety they may have so they don’t get too stressed about being left alone. Training your dog to settle in the car will also be very helpful. Other ferries require dogs to wear a muzzle. If so, training your dog to wear one in advance will be brilliant at keeping your dog less stressed about the experience. If you are pressed for time, at least making them familiar with it in advance and helping to build a positive association with it through treats and praise will help it be less scary for them when you need to come to use it. Training your dog to settle will be helpful to encourage your dog to stay relaxed.
There are many items you can bring to help your dog’s comfort and safety. A water bowl and some fresh water is essential to have with you. Some of their food and treats will help keep them relaxed, if they’re accepting food. It’s a good idea to add absorbent puppy pads/bedding in the crate/car to help keep it drier from any accidents. Make sure to bring some poo bags, paper towels and wipes for any accidents too. Some have a designated space on board for your dog to go toilet where you’ll need poo bags too. Keep your dog’s lead, and harness if you use one, handy if you need it on the journey.
Bringing their bed (if possible) or travel mat, blankets and toys, that smell like home, can help your dog feel more relaxed. If you need to leave them, try leaving an item of clothing that smells like you too to help them feel like you’re near and keep them more relaxed. The ferry may require your dog wears a muzzle, but it can be beneficial to have even if it’s not a requirement. A basket muzzle is the best design for this because it allows your dog to open their mouth and pant, helping them to maintain their temperature and keeping them calmer. Many basket muzzles also allow your dog to take treats and drink while wearing them too, which will also help to keep them relaxed.
If you need to keep your dog in the car alone, it can be beneficial to have a portable fan plugged in to help keep them cool and ensure they always have access to water. Make sure your dog’s identification tags are up to date as well just in case you get separated on the journey so you can be reunited quicker. A first aid kit is also a good idea to always have in the car, just in case of emergencies.
Try to give your dog a big walk before the journey to help them feel tired and encourage them to sleep/rest on the journey. It also gives them opportunity to go toilet before check in. If you’re travelling around your dog’s meal time, try to feed them over an hour in advance to help give them time to digest the food before the journey. If possible, avoid giving your dog a large meal, to help prevent travel and anxiety sickness. You could also break up the meal into smaller portions and feed in stages.
Your dog may benefit from being on calming food during the journey and your trip. If so, transition them slowly onto it over a week in advance of the journey so it has time to take effect in their system. If you’re worried your dog will get particularly stressed on the journey, it’s worth speaking to your veterinarian in advance to see if some calming medication and/or anti-motion sickness medication will help your dog on the journey.
Enrichment toys and treats can help to keep their mind busy and distract them. Items like lick mats, long lasting chews, puzzle feeders and snuffle mats/balls are great mental stimulation and naturally help to reduce stress and anxiety. This is because the repetitive licking/chewing motion releases endorphins and serotonin, helping them feel happier and more relaxed. Bringing along some calming aids can also really help your dog feel calm during the journey. Calming collars, calming plug-ins, calming sprays (specifically for travelling), calming treats and calming food can all be really beneficial for helping to naturally calm your dog because they release dog calming pheromones. The treats can also help to build this as a positive association for your dog, if they’re feeling confident to take treats. Bringing their blankets and toys that smell like home can help your dog feel more relaxed. If you can stay with your dog, then playing with them can help to take their mind off the journey and distract them. Walks in pet designated areas can offer a good distraction for them too.
There are many ways to tell if your dog is distressed. Signs your dog might be feeling anxious include:
- Attempting to hide Whale eye (whites of their eyes showing)
- Ears back
- Tail tucked beneath them
- Lip licking
- Whining
- Yawning
- Clinginess
- Pacing and reluctance to settle
- Excessive panting and drooling
- Excessive barking
- Being destructive
- Shaking
- Rapid heart rate
- Going off their food/treats
Ultimately, you know your dog the best, and if they aren’t acting like their usual self, they are likely feeling unsure about the situation and can benefit from some reassurance. Try to offer them treats and toys if they will accept them, give them lots of strokes and attention, and play some calming music if you can. Talking to them calmly can also be reassuring for them. Seeing that you’re not worried can help them to feel more relaxed about the situation.
Every ferry company will have their own policies so it’s important to check them before you travel. But typically, it’s important to ensure your dog’s microchip and required vaccinations are up to date, and that your dog has all the required documentation. Try to arrive early enough to allow smooth boarding. Your dog can tell if you’re stressed, so a less stressful journey for you will also help your dog feel less stressed. Some ferries have designated pet areas and rules around where pets can go. Be sure to follow signs and familiarise yourself with your ferry’s rules on where dogs are allowed to go before you travel. Similarly, double check if your dog is required to stay in your car/onboard kennels or if there is a designated pet area and cabins they can go to. The kennels and cabins are likely to require bookings in advance. If your dog is required to stay in your car, you might only be able to visit them during the journey through supervised visits. Check in advance if the ferry requires your dog to wear a muzzle to give you chance to get your dog used to one before you travel if needed.
EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
An AHC, issued by an Official Veterinarian within ten days prior to travel, is mandatory (unless your pet has a European Pet Passport). This certificate confirms your dog's microchip and rabies vaccination status.
The Animal Health Certificate cost can vary; it’s best to do some research and find an Official Veterinarian near you. If you can’t find one locally, you could arrange to collect your AHC from an Official Veterinarian on your way to the ferry port.
Summary
- Dog must have an AHC to travel from UK to Ireland (ROI)
- AHC must be issued within ten days prior to travel
- AHC must be issued at least 21 days after the rabies vaccination
Microchipping and Rabies Vaccination
Your dog must be microchipped before receiving a rabies vaccination. The primary vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before travel (and also remember that an Animal Health Certificate – see next point – can only be issued 21 days after the rabies vaccination, so factor this into your planning). In order to receive a rabies vaccination, your pet must be at least 12 weeks old.
Tapeworm Treatment
Dogs must receive tapeworm treatment by a vet between 24 and 120 hours before entering Ireland. This treatment should be documented on the AHC.
Dog-friendly things to do in Ireland
Picture yourself standing beside your faithful friend above the Cliffs of Moher, feeling more alive than you’ve ever felt. Imagine strolling through the picturesque landscape of the Wicklow Mountains, with nothing to worry about except for where to stop for your picnic. Or maybe envisage a culture-filled break in one of Ireland’s charming cities.
You’ll find plenty of memorable things to do when you travel to Ireland with your dog – here are just a handful of experiences to add to your itinerary.
Scenic walks and hikes
There are oodles of fabulous trails to pound on two feet and four.
Some of the best wend their way amidst the iconic scenery of the Cliffs of Moher, the Wicklow Mountains, and the picturesque Connemara National Park. These locations provide stunning views and ample space for your dog to roam.
Heritage sites
Many historical sites, like Kilkenny Castle and Castle Ward, allow dogs on leads in the grounds, enabling you to delve into Ireland's rich history alongside your pet.
Dog-friendly heritage sites in Ireland
- Portumna Castle and Gardens, County Galway – dogs permitted on a lead in the grounds
- Castle Coole, County Fermanagh – dogs permitted on the Beech Trail and Lake Walk Trail, and in the tearoom on a lead
- Kilkenny Castle Park, Kilkenny – dogs permitted on a lead in the grounds
- Doagh Famine Village, County Donegal – dogs permitted on a lead
- Castle Ward, County Down – dogs permitted on a lead across the estate, garden and tearoom, there’s also a designated off-lead dog exercise field
- Johnstown Castle, County Wexford – dogs permitted on a lead in the gardens, visitor centre, cafe and shop
City strolls
Urban areas such as Dublin, Galway, and Cork boast numerous parks and dog-friendly establishments, making city exploration enjoyable for both you and your dog.
Dog-friendly places to explore in Ireland’s cities
Dog-friendly places to eat in Ireland
Dining with your dog is a delight in Ireland. Pick out some dog-friendly places to eat in Ireland before you visit, and you can be confident in finding a warm welcome for you and your pup.
It would be impossible to include all of Ireland’s dog-friendly cafes and restaurants here, but below are some of the best.
Dog-friendly restaurants in Ireland
- The Dog House, Howth, Dublin – loved by dogs of all shapes and sizes
Best dog-friendly places to stay in Ireland
Cuddling up with your favourite canine pal is one of the simplest of pleasures on your dog-friendly holiday in Ireland. After long walks exploring the beauty of Ireland’s great outdoors, you can return to the haven of one of our dog-friendly cottages to relax and unwind with your pup.
The following cottages are just a flavour of the dog-friendly cottages within our collection.
The Stone Cottage – Ballydehob, County Cork
Fabulous coastal views over enchantingly named Roaringwater Bay await at The Stone Cottage. This charming dog-friendly abode has a sunny conservatory that opens right onto the coast.
The promise of morning walkies in the fresh sea air will have your pup’s tail wagging at the mere thought.
Cottage profile:
Sleeps: 1 dog + 4 humans
Bedrooms: 1 double, 1 twin
What’s nearby: Shops and eateries in Ballydehob, Skibbereen, and Schull, boat trips to Cape Clear Island, Audley Cove
Why guests love it: “Wonderful location with fabulous views over Roaringwater Bay, including seals basking on islands. Very friendly and helpful owners. Good location for exploring the promontories and coast of West Cork. Very comfortable accommodation on a single level.” – Michael
Cur – Maam, County Galway
This cute stone cottage has a private garden and wider grounds with plenty of sights and sounds for inquisitive pups to sniff out. Perfect for a getaway with another dog-owning couple, the property is steeped in history, with exposed stone and timber, and a crackling wood burner in an inglenook fireplace.
Canine pals will enjoy resting in the warmth after days out, exploring the likes of Loch Na Fooey with its sandy beach and waterfall.
Cottage profile:
Sleeps: 2 dogs + 4 humans
Bedrooms: 2 doubles
What’s nearby: Dog-friendly pub in nearby Maam, Loch Na Fooey, Connemara National Park
Why guests love it: “A wonderful little cottage with all the comfort of a modern home. Underfloor heating and a lovely constant temperature throughout the house. Ideal base to explore the Maam Turk countryside and all its beauty.” – Walter
Seaview Cottage – Cushendun, County Antrim
Seaview Cottage does exactly what it says on the tin, showcasing remarkable vistas of the coast from its admirable spot in the village of Cushendun at the foot of Glendun. The cosy cottage interior contrasts with the rugged coastline which promises exhilarating walks on Cushendun Beach or amidst the Caves of Cushendun.
An all-year-round destination, the wood burner will keep you warm in winter, while the BBQ will help you make the most of summer sunshine in the enclosed, shared garden.
Cottage profile:
Sleeps: 2 dogs + 6 humans
Bedrooms: 2 doubles, 1 twin
What’s nearby: Cushendun village and beach, Giant’s Causeway, Glens Great Grassland Trail, Glenarm Castle, beaches at Cushendall, Waterfoot and Ballycastle
Why we love it: Nothing says holiday more than relaxing with a tipple in a sunny garden overlooking the coast.
Map of dog-friendly places to visit in Ireland
Discover all of the dog-friendly places in Ireland mentioned above on our handy map.
More dog-friendly places to stay in Ireland
Travelling with your best four-legged buddy through Ireland is an experience you will cherish. By following the necessary travel protocols and choosing dog-friendly activities, eateries, and accommodation, you and your canine companion are set for an unforgettable journey.
Take your pick of our dog-friendly cottages in Ireland and before you know it, you’ll be settling in for a week of scenic walkies.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.