Only so many times you can go to the park
Dublin dog date ideas: things to do with the dog that aren’t the park
A Reddit post asking for “Dublin dog date ideas” opened with “obviously dogs are not welcome in most Dublin establishments, and there’s only so many times you can go to a park”. Dublin is better than that post suggests, if you know where. Here is a day out built from places on the Doggo map.
Last reviewed 23 August 2026
The classic: walk, beach, pub
Start on the coast. Howth cliff path, Dollymount Strand or the Dún Laoghaire pier, depending on which side of the city you are. Beaches have summer daytime restrictions, so go early or late from June to September. Then a dog-friendly pub or café within walking distance to finish, which is the part that turns a walk into a date.
Rainy-day Dublin with a dog
- A dog-friendly café with a big window and decent coffee, and a dog that is already tired from the walk.
- Pet shops that actively welcome dogs in, which in Dublin is most of the independent ones.
- A pub with a bar area that takes dogs. Check the inside-vs-outside question first, especially on a wet day.
Make it a longer day
Drive out to Wicklow for a trail, or along the coast to Meath for a quieter beach, then back into town for dinner. Doggo’s county guides list the dog-friendly places in each direction so the day plans itself.
Plain-English answers
Frequently asked questions
Are there dog-friendly pubs in Dublin city centre?
Yes, though many allow dogs in the bar area or outdoor seating rather than the restaurant. Doggo’s Dublin pub guide lists the ones other dog owners have actually been into.
Which Dublin beaches allow dogs?
Most Dublin beaches allow dogs outside the summer daytime restrictions. Check the council bye-laws for Dollymount, Portmarnock, Donabate, Sandymount and Killiney for the exact hours.