The Perfect 48 Hours in Dublin Rathmines with a Dog
The Dublin Rathmines: Our New Favorite Neighborhood in Dublin
If you’re a dog parent who’s interested in visiting Dublin, Ireland, you might be wondering: what is the best neighborhood to stay in Dublin with my dog?
Let us fill you in from our dog-traveling days in Ireland: Rathmines has quickly become our favorite Dublin neighborhood!
The Dublin Rathmines neighborhood is just outside the hustle-and-bustle of the center but close enough: a mere 20 minute walk, or a short bus (or taxi) ride away. Rathmines has a lively yet laid-back atmosphere, filled with fun shops, cozy cafes, and a friendly vibe that will make you and your pup feel welcome.
Plus, the park spaces are perfect for some doggy playtime! From bustling markets to peaceful walks along the canal, there’s always something new to discover here.
What do we know about doing Dublin with a dog?
In the last two years we’ve visited Dublin six times with our pup, Robi, and we’ve made it a priority to find places that he can experience with us. To that end, we’ve stumbled upon the Rathmines neighborhood, a lovely area outside the Dublin city center brimming with dog-friendly spots, delicious food, and scenic strolls.
Read on to see how we would enjoy the perfect two days in the Dublin Rathmines neighborhood with our dog Robi (having stayed in the Rathmines 4 times already).
Day 1
Travelodge Dublin Rathmines
Kick off your adventure by checking into the Travelodge Dublin Rathmines. This budget-friendly hotel is super accommodating for dog parents, offering comfortable rooms and a relaxed atmosphere. They have a pet-friendly policy, so Robi was welcomed with open arms (and no pet fee). After settling in, get ready to explore!
Butler’s Chocolate Café
Your first stop? Butler’s Chocolate Café! While dogs aren’t allowed inside, the outdoor seating area is perfect for enjoying a warm beverage while your pup relaxes by your feet. You can order a delicious latte or one of their seasonal drinks – and get your choice of one of their decadent chocolates for free with every drink. The staff here are super friendly, often placing a bowl of water outside for any passing pups.
St. Stephen’s Green & Temple Bar
Next up, head to St. Stephen’s Green, one of Dublin’s most beautiful parks. With lush greenery, winding paths, and plenty of space for dogs to roam, it’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. It’s about a 20 minute walk north from the Rathmines neighborhood, and you’ll be on a sidewalk the entire way. After exploring the park and saying hello to some ducks, make your way towards the Temple Bar neighborhood. It’s the most popular part of town for tourists and is a must see, with its lively atmosphere and street performers. Just be cautious of the crowds with your pup to make sure no one steps on their paws.
Maneki Tea Talk
Though not technically in the Rathmines neighborhood, while roaming Temple Bar, you can stop by Maneki Tea Talk for boba milk tea and onigiri. They have limited seating inside, but you can sit with your dog at one of the low tables. Now fed and re-energized, head back into the crowds of Temple Bar for dessert.
Murphy’s Ice Creams
If you’ve read any of our other posts on Dublin, you may have noticed that we absolutely consider it a must-have for any trip to Ireland. Our appreciation for their ice cream is only amplified by how dog-friendly they are. Robi is always welcomed by the employees, and he’s even sampled some of their ice cream.
Murphy’s actively encourages you to sample every flavor and all the flavors are incredible. We love Irish Brown Bread and Dingle Sea Salt. They also have a few seasonal flavors that rotate, like Jasmine Tea, which was one of the best ice creams we’ve ever had.
From here, you can walk to the bus stop (put your dog in its carrier – which we always carry with us when out and about with Robi) and took a bus back to your hotel (and the Rathmines neighborhood) for the evening.
Sushida Rathmines
For dinner, order takeout from Sushida Rathmines, which is near the hotel. We have eaten there before with Robi in his backpack, but he is technically not allowed. However, their sushi is top notch, and we’ve ordered takeout to eat it back in our hotel room – which we suggest you do.
We were able to enjoy it with our dog in bed, which is the perfect end to a first day in the Dublin Rathmines, if you ask us.
Day 2
Mad Yolks
The next morning, go for brunch at Mad Yolks, a dog-friendly café just a few blocks from the hotel. They serve up delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. The menu features choices fit for vegetarians, vegans, and meat eaters alike.
Our dog Robi was brought a bowl of water and a dog treat by the super friendly server, Tony. We indulged in their signature egg sandwich and hash browns, paired with a freshly made matcha latte, while Robi lazed on the chair beside us. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend a chill morning, soaking in the good vibes.
Grand Canal
Post-brunch, take a stroll along the Grand Canal, which is again just a short walk away. The calm waters and quaint bridges are the perfect backdrop for an afternoon walk. Robi took the opportunity to sniff around while we enjoyed the pleasant view. Plus, there are plenty of benches along the way to take a break and enjoy the scenery.
Farmer Brown’s
For dinner, head to Farmer Brown’s which is next door to the Travelodge Rathmines. Use your Travelodge room key card to get 10% off at Farmer Brown’s (we had already checked out of the hotel, but the person working the front desk let us hold on to one of our room key cards to show at Farmer Brown’s for a 10% discount).
This homey restaurant has delicious fresh Irish food and an outdoor area where dogs are welcome. They were kind enough to let us sit inside by the door with Robi (as it was a bit chilly outside for us). Feast on some hearty Irish dishes—think comforting stews and fresh seafood—while your dog lounges with you. The laid-back atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to unwind after two days of exploring.
Rathmines is for (Dog) Lovers
Each visit when our time in Rathmines comes to its end, we appreciate just how much this neighborhood has stolen our hearts! With many dog-friendly spots and welcoming locals, we can’t wait to return and spend even more time in the area.
Robi’s Review
Robi rates Rathmines 5 out of 5 paws for dog-friendliness! He loved all the parks, cafés, and encounters with pets and people along the way. With plenty of green spaces to sniff around and sunny spots to relax, Rathmines is the perfect destination for any dog parent looking to explore Dublin with their pup.
