Dog-Friendly Activities in Dublin (Indoors & Outdoors)
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links meaning when you make a purchase, we may earn a small commission. Affiliate links cost you nothing extra and help us keep the site up and Robi fed. As always, all recommendations are ones that we stand behind and trust.
Traveling to — or living in — Dublin with your dog and wondering what you can actually do together beyond visiting another park or sitting outside a pub in the rain, pretending you’re “fine with it”?
You’re not alone. Dublin can be dog friendly, but figuring out which activities truly work with a dog — indoors, outdoors, and in real Irish weather — isn’t always obvious.
After multiple trips to Dublin with my dog, Robi, I’ve learned that the difference between a great day and a frustrating one often comes down to choosing the right activity.
That might mean hopping on a Dublin Bay cruise, diving into revolutionary history at the free Pearse Museum, or tackling the coastal Howth Cliff Walk.
Other days call for slower plans, like settling in for live jazz or a quiz night or tucking into an afternoon tea or a proper Sunday roast where your dog is genuinely welcome.
I’ve noted where dogs are allowed inside vs. outside and flagged any size restrictions, so you can quickly tell what will (and won’t) work for you.
Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, this list is built to help you enjoy Dublin with your dog — not just plan your day around them.
Sightseeing & Tours
If you want to properly see Dublin without constantly worrying about whether your dog is allowed, these tours and outings make it genuinely easy to explore together.
Coastal Boat Trips
There are a handful of Dublin boat tours that allow dogs — and I’ve personally reached out to confirm policies before recommending any of them.
Dublin Bay Cruises runs several dog-friendly routes along the coast, including a one-way cruise from Dublin City to Dún Laoghaire.
The boat has a fully heated indoor cabin (helpful if the weather turns), dogs of any size are allowed, and leashes are required throughout the journey.
Once you arrive, you can explore Dún Laoghaire and return to Dublin City Centre via DART Rail, with the station about a 7-minute walk from the pier.
They also operate one-way coastal trips from Dún Laoghaire to Howth, or vice-versa which are great if you want to turn the journey into a full day out. You can buy return tickets on board or use the DART to get back to either your starting point or the city center.
For something extra special, Howth Cliff Cruises runs Howth sunset cruises, offering panoramic views of the headland and Dublin Bay from the water.
The boat departs from Howth Harbour and returns there, making it an easy, memorable outing.
If Ireland’s Eye is on your list, the same company also offers a boat tour that circles the island without landing. Dogs aren’t permitted on ferries that land on Ireland’s Eye (it’s a protected bird sanctuary), but they are allowed on this cruise, which gives you the views without setting foot on the island.
City Walking Tours
Walking tours are an easy, dog-friendly way to explore Dublin on foot while picking up fun facts and getting your bearings in the city.
Two dog-friendly walking tours worth checking out are the Discover Dublin & Hidden Gems Walking Tour and the Musical Walking Tour of Dublin. These are completely free to sign-up, but be sure to tip your guide afterwards for their hard work.
We did the first tour and Ciarán, our local guide, had incredible stories and local insight. Highly recommend!
If you’re looking for something darker and more niche, the Dark Dublin Tour dives into the city’s grislier past and runs as a paid experience.
Tip: Bring an umbrella just in case the sunny weather turns rainy — this is Ireland, after all.
Guided Coastal Walks
The Howth Cliff Walk is free to do on your own, but guided coastal walks are worth it for local stories, hidden viewpoints, and a completely dog-friendly experience led by locals (often with their own dogs).
This Dublin Coastal Hike with Howth Adventures goes beyond the main cliff path to explore quieter coastal routes and lesser-known corners of Howth, with commentary on local history and landscapes along the way.
This Pints & Puppies Coastal Hike tour leans more social, pairing a guided coastal hike through Howth with stories spanning over 700 years of local history — then finishing at a village pub for a well-earned pint, all led by a local guide and their dog.
Food & Drink Tours
Dog-friendly food tours are rare in Dublin, but there’s one in Howth that works well if your dog is comfortable in social settings.
This Dublin Coastal Craft Beer and Seafood Trail pairs an easy coastal walk with seated tastings and allows dogs on leash — fittingly led by the same local guide (and his dog, Missy) who often runs the Pints & Puppies Coastal Hike mentioned above.
Museums
Most museums in Dublin aren’t dog friendly, but there are a handful where dogs are actually welcome.
Pearse Museum
A little outside the city center, the free Pearse Museum is one of the few Dublin museums that allows dogs inside and offers insight into the life of writer and revolutionary Patrick Pearse.
Afterward, you can wander the nearly 50-acre St. Enda’s Park with your dog — full of walking paths, river views, and even a small waterfall.
National Leprechaun Museum
Near the Ha’penny Bridge, the National Leprechaun Museum is a highly interactive take on Irish folklore and mythology that leans more theatrical storytelling than traditional museum.
Some say it can feel a bit gimmicky and pricey at €18, but it’s far more enjoyable since your dog’s allowed inside. Plus, there are adults-only evening sessions which dive into the darker side of Ireland.
Irish Museum of Modern Art — Outdoor Exhibits & Grounds Only
Dogs aren’t allowed inside IMMA’s galleries, but the museum’s expansive gardens and outdoor sculptures are open to explore with your pup and make for a free, easy cultural stop — no ticket required.
Indoor Activities
Rain-proof ideas for when the Irish weather… Irishes.
Pub & Social Activities (Beyond Just Drinking)
Shuffleboard At Brewdog Dublin Outpost
At BrewDog Dublin Outpost, shuffleboard turns a brewery visit into an actual activity. The space is large, dogs are welcome, and the Olympic-sized boards make it easy to hang out for a while without feeling cramped.
Mini Golf, Ping Pong & Pool At The Back Page
At The Back Page, you’ll find mini golf, ping pong, darts, pool, and even karaoke — all under one roof. Since dogs are allowed inside, it’s a great option if you want something interactive that keeps everyone entertained while your dog chills nearby.
Quiz And Bingo Night
Pub quizzes, themed quizzes and bingo run regularly at spots like Board, The Circular and The Bernard Shaw, all of which allow dogs inside.
Watch A Sports Match At A Local Pub
You can’t bring your dog into a stadium, but you can still soak up game-day energy at dog-friendly pubs like The Bath Pub, PYE or Sandymount House. It’s a relaxed way to watch a match, stay dry, and do what locals actually do — dog included inside.
Games, Shows & Interactive Nights
Live Jazz Night At The Circular
Every Thursday, The Circular hosts free live jazz that’s easy to settle into with a dog. Grab drinks from the bar and pizza from Coke Lane Pizza. Perfect for a chill dog date.
Board Game Marathon At Board
Board is ideal if you want something slower-paced and fully indoors.
You can spend hours playing board games (they have over 200), ordering pizza and cocktails (or mocktails), and letting your dog snooze under the table — especially nice on long, wet afternoons.
There’s a minimum spend of €15 per person (or €5 contribution if you’re just there to play).
You can also play board games at The Back Page, but they do charge €5 per game (Board is a much better deal imo).
Drag Brunch At The Bernard Shaw
If you’re in the mood for something higher-energy, drag brunch at The Bernard Shaw turns an ordinary afternoon into an event.
It’s best for confident, social dogs and works well as a planned outing rather than a spontaneous stop — booking ahead is recommended.
Shopping
Go Vintage Shopping at Dublin Vintage Factory
Dublin Vintage Factory sells quirky secondhand finds by weight (€30 per kilo). Browsing feels more like a treasure hunt — especially with your four-legged best friend by your side.
Browse Irish-Designed Crafts & Gifts
Irish Design Shop and Industry & Co. support Irish makers by offering beautiful Irish-made products that don’t scream “mass-produced souvenir.”
These two shops conveniently sit around the corner from each other and allow dogs in.
I brought home an incredible smelling soda bread–scented candle and an Irish slang book from a local artist.
Stock Up on Artisan Food & Local Treats
If food shopping counts as an activity for you (same), Dublin does this especially well.
- Lilliput Stores is a beloved independent grocer with an excellent selection of artisan Irish food.
- The Fumbally is great for seasonal produce, baked goods, cheeses, and an ever-changing wine selection — plus they sell homemade bone broth that’s a hit with dogs.
- Bang Bang is a good stop if you’re craving non-Irish pantry items, with specialty goods from Spain and Italy like olive oils, pasta, and beans.
These spots are ideal for a slower wander where your dog can tag along inside while you browse.
Stroll Ireland’s First Dog-Friendly Mall
Dundrum Town Centre is Ireland’s first officially dog-friendly shopping centre, allowing leashed dogs throughout the main mall and in select shops and cafés.
It’s a solid option if the weather is rough and you want everything — shopping, coffee, bathrooms — under one roof.
Unique Dining Experiences
Food-forward activities that feel like an event.
Afternoon Tea Time
Afternoon tea isn’t usually dog friendly in Dublin, which makes these spots especially worth knowing about. They all allow dogs inside and work well on rainy days — just be sure to book ahead.
- Bewley’s offers a €49pp traditional afternoon tea experience in an iconic setting. Check Groupon, as they occasionally have deals. We LOVED our high tea here surrounded by stained glass.
- Póg does a less formal €38 pp modern brunch-leaning afternoon tea.
- The Conrad Dublin hotel offers a Gulliver’s Travels– inspired afternoon tea inside their restaurant Lemuel’s (availability varies, so always double-check).
Indulge at a Treat House
If dessert is your love language, nobó Treathouse specializes in chocolate treats for humans and reliably has dog treats on hand too.
Dogs are allowed inside, and it’s a small but thoughtful stop that makes your pup feel included, not like an afterthought.
Sample Small-Batch Ice Cream at Murphy’s
The best ice cream in Ireland! Murphy’s Ice Cream is handmade in Dingle, and we go multiple times every visit. It’s also very dog friendly — Robi sampled the Dingle sea salt flavor as you can see above.
Build a Charcuterie Board at Surge
For a slower, wine-and-snacks kind of outing, Surge Coffee + Food is a relaxed place to share a charcuterie board with your dog by your side indoors.
It works especially well as an early evening plan when you want something low-key but still special.
Uncork and Sip at a Wine Bar
Bobby’s Wine Bar lets you enjoy a proper wine bar experience without leaving your dog behind.
Dogs are welcome inside, and it feels like an adult night out — just with a leash tucked under the table.
Add Your Pup to the Doggy Wall of Fame
At both The Barber’s Bar and its sister bar PYE, dogs don’t just get welcomed — they get the full pupparazzi treatment.
Dogs are allowed inside, they might get a free shot glass of treats (Robi did), and you can snap a Polaroid of your pup for their Doggy Wall of Fame.
Tuck into a Sunday Roast (Dogs Outside Only)
A classic Sunday roast at Brickyard Gastropub is a great way to end the weekend — just note that dogs are outside only here.
It’s best saved for fair-weather days when you still want a proper Irish meal with your dog nearby.
Markets
Indoor Markets
For market fun in less-than-perfect weather, Dublin has a few solid indoor or semi-indoor options that work well with dogs.
George’s Street Arcade is a central, historic arcade where leashed dogs are commonly seen browsing vintage stalls, jewelry, and small independent shops.
The Libertine Market Crawl (first Sunday of every month) functions as a flea-market-meets-pub-crawl across five pubs in The Liberties.
Pop-up events like the Rialto Night Market (usually last Friday of each month) offer covered, indoor browsing of artisan crafts and baked goods.
The Green Door Market is an indoor food and farmers’ market that runs multiple days a week.
Outdoor Markets
On dry days, outdoor markets are an easy way to wander, snack, and people-watch with your dog in tow.
Irish Village Markets run regularly across the city and are a reliable option for local food, crafts, and a relaxed, dog-friendly vibe.
The Temple Bar Markets and the Le Zeitgeist Flea Market are popular for vintage finds, handmade goods, and street food — just expect bigger crowds on weekends.
Always double-check market times, as schedules can change often, especially with weather.
Parks, Beaches & Hikes
Parks
If you want green space without trekking far, central Dublin has several dog friendly parks.
St Stephen’s Green and Merrion Square Park are right in the city center and great for on-leash strolls.
Phoenix Park offers acres of open space, and dogs are allowed off leash in designated areas.
Beaches
For a seaside break that’s still easy to reach from the city, Dublin has several dog-friendly beaches accessible by DART or bus.
Sandymount Strand, Dollymount Strand, and Killiney Beach are popular options, though leash rules and time restrictions can vary seasonally.
Hikes
If you’re looking for something more walk-forward than a city park, there are several scenic hikes just outside central Dublin that work well with dogs.
Killiney Hill Park, Dalkey Quarry, and Ticknock Forest offer rewarding views without requiring a full day trip.
Places That Are No Longer Dog Friendly
Heads up before you go — policies change, and these are worth knowing about.
The Clockwork Door — Permanently closed. When it was open, dogs were allowed to hang out while you played games, but it’s no longer an option.
Kildare Village — Even though this luxury shopping centre is outdoors, it’s not dog friendly, and security will ask you to leave if you bring a dog. Some shops previously allowed dogs to be carried inside, but that’s no longer the case; however, a complimentary kennel service is available if you still want to visit.
FAQ
Are dogs allowed on public buses in Dublin?
Small dogs are allowed on Dublin’s public buses only if they’re in a secure carrier, and even then it’s at the driver’s discretion; large dogs are not permitted at all. If you’re visiting with a large dog, it’s best to stay central or near a DART stop, as large dogs are allowed on DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) commuter trains.
Can I bring my dog to tourist attractions in Dublin?
Most major attractions don’t allow dogs inside, but there are exceptions, along with several tours and outdoor experiences where dogs are welcome. This guide focuses on activities where dogs are actually allowed — not just technically tolerated.
What can you do with a dog in Dublin when it rains?
Dublin can be dog friendly in bad weather — you just need to know where to go. Indoor options include select museums, markets, cafés, pubs with games or live music, and activities like quizzes, board games, or afternoon tea where dogs are allowed inside.
Do activities have size restrictions for dogs?
Occasionally. Most outdoor activities don’t have size limits, but some indoor spaces, tours, or cafés are better suited to small or calm dogs due to space constraints. Where restrictions or limitations exist, I’ve flagged them clearly.
Is it rude to bring a dog into places in Dublin?
Not if the place is dog friendly. In spaces where dogs are allowed, Dublin is generally relaxed as long as your dog is well behaved, leashed when required, and not disrupting other guests — but bringing a dog into places that don’t allow them is likely to be frowned upon.
Where to Go Next With Your Dog in Dublin
If you’ve made it through even half of these activities, you (and your dog) have absolutely earned brunch.
Skip the soggy pub bench and head over to my dog-friendly brunch in Dublin guide to see where dogs are allowed inside — pancakes for you, puppuccinos for your pup.
