Hikes in Ireland Your Dog Will Love (and You Too)

Ireland is full of amazing trails, forest paths, coastal walks and muddy puddles (sorry, clean car) — and the best bit? So many of them are totally dog-friendly.

We’ve rounded up some of Ireland’s best hikes where both two-legged and four-legged walkers are welcome!

Ticknock Forest, Co. Dublin

Good for: City dogs craving the woods

Ticknock is basically Dublin’s back garden — a mix of forest trails and mountain views, just 30 minutes from the city centre. It’s a top spot for a leg stretch and a head-clearing wander, and your dog will love all the earthy smells. Keep them on a lead and treat yourself to the Fairy Castle Loop for some seriously stunning views. Bonus: there’s usually a coffee truck nearby. You earned it.

Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk, Co. Wicklow

Good for: Sea breezes and cliffside photo ops

This one’s a classic. A cliff-hugging coastal path with epic views, the Bray to Greystones walk is a beaut — just keep your dog on a lead (it’s a long way down). You can stop for ice cream in either town, or take the DART back if someone (you, not the dog) isn’t feeling the full 7 km stretch.

Currently, the full Bray-Greystones Cliff Walk is temporarily closed due to multiple landslides, which have made sections of the trail unstable. Works to make the trail passable again are underway, and there are hiking diversions in place so that you can still get the full 7km walk out of this adventure! Check out this proposed alternative on bray.ie's website.

Gleninchaquin Park, Co. Kerry

Good for: Dogs with a taste for waterfalls

If you want a trail that feels like a fantasy, this is it! Misty mountains, waterfalls, wooden bridges, and sheep with attitude are all included on this walk. It’s on private land, so there’s a small entry fee — but dogs are welcome (on leads), and the trails range from quick strolls to proper rambles. 

Divis and the Black Mountain, Co. Antrim

Good for: Belfast pups with altitude

This one’s a bit of a hidden gem — huge skies, wide trails, and views over Belfast, Lough Neagh, and even Scotland if you’re lucky. Dogs are welcome, just stay on-lead near livestock. Pro tip: bring layers. This place loves a good wind.

Castlewellan Forest Park, Co. Down

Good for: Woodland wanderers and social sniffers

Castlewellan is doggie heaven. Not only are there miles of forest trails and a big lake, but there’s a proper off-lead dog zone where your pup can make a few new pals. Pack a picnic, stay for the views, and don’t be surprised if your dog wants to come back every weekend.

The Curragh Plains, Co. Kildare

Good for: Off-lead zoomies and open skies

Massive. Flat. Glorious. The Curragh is like a dog’s dream — acres of open grassland where they can stretch their legs (with decent recall, of course). There are sheep around, so always keep an eye, but this place is perfect for a stress-free stroll, especially if your dog needs to run their socks off.

Portumna Forest Park, Co. Galway

Good for: Woodland chill and lakeside dips

This place is lovely. Big shady trees, peaceful lakeside trails, and the chance of spotting a deer or two (or three). Dogs need to be on a lead, but there’s loads to explore, and a sneaky swim in Lough Derg if your dog’s the adventurous type (aka, the type that dives headfirst into any body of water without asking).

Before You Go - A Few Tips for a Pawsome Day Out

• Pack water (for you and the dog — no judging if it’s in matching bottles)

• Leads on where signs say so — lots of these trails have livestock

• Poop bags — bring extras. Always.

• Towel for the car — because your dog will find the muddiest part of the walk

• Snacks — hiking is hard work, even if you’re mostly there for the vibes

Got a favourite dog-friendly trail we missed? Let us know — we’re always sniffing out the next great walk.