Planning a trip to Galway and don’t want to leave your furry friend behind? Fear not, the city has an abundance of places that will welcome your four-legged pals with open arms. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to stay, eat or just hang out, here are the top dog friendly places to visit with your pooch.
Sleep
The Ardilaun Hotel
The Ardilaun Hotel know that you can’t have a family break without all of the family. I mean, they’re not called "Man’s Best Friend" for nothing! With dedicated pet friendly rooms that overlook the hotel's beautiful gardens, your pet will have 24-hour access - in case nature calls - and will have their own little playground to enjoy. All you need to bring is bedding and food, the hotel will provide the rest. The Ardilaun Hotel believes that both you and your pets should receive 5-star service. You're sure to have a paw-sitive stay!
The Ardilaun Hotel, Taylor’s Hill // book your stay here
above: photo courtesy of The Ardilaun Hotel
Slow Cabins
To give you and your pet the holiday of your dreams, book your next break away at Slow Cabins. They allow up to two pets per cabin and all sizes and breeds are welcome. Just book as normal and be sure to add your furry friend as an additional extra so they can allocate your cabin correctly, with a dog bed, water bowl etc. When outside the cabin, your pet must be kept on a lead at all times as these cabins are situated in a nature sanctuary and local wildlife must remain undisturbed. With your booking, you can feel good also knowing that 10% of all Slow Cabins dog packages go straight to supporting Madra Dog Rescue.
Burren Nature Sanctuary, Cloonasee, Kinvara // book your stay here
above: photo courtesy of Slow Cabins
The Twelve Hotel
As winner of 'Ireland’s Best Pet Friendly Stay 2023' - for the second year running, the 4-star hotel The Twelve Hotel has loads of dog-friendly services to ensure both you and your pet are in the lap of luxury. With a welcome ‘doggy bag’ on arrival, pet concierge, doggy room-service and an option of staying in one of two larger, doggie-friendly rooms, there are plenty of great facilities to keep your pooch happy and safe. Emergency contact details for veterinary services are at hand, as well as maps of nearby parks and walks.
The Twelve Hotel, Barna // book your stay here
above: photo courtesy of The Twelve Hotel
Lough Rea Hotel & Spa
In East Galway, another fabulous option can be found thanks to the dog-friendly rooms at Lough Rea Hotel & Spa. Welcoming four legged VIPs for a break away with their family is a top priority for this amazing team. Located on the shores of Loughrea Lake, it's in an ideal spot for a quick morning run after breakfast. With its close proximity to Woodville Gardens and walking trails, there’s plenty for your pup to explore during your stay in Loughrea. Pop on a leash and escape with your pooch into nature, there are plenty of posts to sniff (we mean for the dog!!)
Lough Rea Hotel & Spa, Loughrea // book your stay here
Food & Drink
Kali Coffee Bar
Kali Coffee Bar provides the perfect resting place for both you and your dog to recoup after a brisk walk on the Prom. You can be sure your pooch will receive the utmost care and attention and might even make some new friends at this lovely Salthill spot. Your four legged friend will be treated like royalty with treats and puppuccinos galore and when the Galway weather permits, take a breather and relax in their Kali Oasis out back. Fueling doggos and their humans since day one, this spot makes for a well deserved break for a day out by the seaside.
Kali Coffee Bar, Salthill // more here
Plámás
Home to everything that makes Galway so special, Plámás has been putting smiles on faces and getting tails wagging since first opening their doors. You heard us! The sound heads at Plámás are only too happy to accommodate you and your furry best friend, and may or may not have some treats hidden behind the counter for them. There’s only one way to sniff out the truth so pop in to them for a bit of breakfast and puppuccino after your next morning walk. You and your pup will be regulars in no time.
Plámás, Galway’s Westend // more here
above: photo courtesy of Plámás
Greens & Co.
Did you know that in addition to being a wholesome vegetarian café, Greens & Co are also dog friendly? Well they are and they invite in loads of cuddly pups each week. Meaning that this is the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch or a midday snack. Their seasonal menu features the likes of warm soup, tofu fish and chips, a busting burger and loads more. In addition to this their daily specials and a range of baked treats there's nothing like a dining experience with your doggo at Greens & Co.
4 Henry St, Galway's Westend // more here
Galway Bay Hotel’s Beachfront Barista
Soaking in the rays of sunshine at Salthill’s Galway Bay Hotel’s Beachfront Barista is really best enjoyed with your furry best friend. Open seven days a week this is the perfect place to meet for a coffee or a treat after a walk on the prom or a swim in the bay. They serve freshly brewed Bewley’s coffee, teas, iced drinks, home-baked pastries & treats, porridge pots, granola pots & more. Sit out on one of their giant deckchairs with your doggy next to you and enjoy some essential puppy treats at the Dog Hydration Station while you relax in the sunshine.
Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill // more here
above: photo of Little Chica courtesy of Galway Bay Hotel
Búilín Blasta
A day trip to Spiddal Beach wouldn’t be complete without your pup and neither would a visit to the pretty dog friendly café, Búilín Blasta. The folks at Builín Blasta out in Spiddal Craft Village are always happy to see yourself and your pooch coming, and you're guaranteed to leave with your tail wagging. Their newly refurbished space is bigger and better than ever, so there’s plenty of room for you and your doggo to relax in the sunshine with a coffee and a doggy bag of sweet treats.
Búilín Blasta, Spiddal // more here
Coffeewerk + Press
When you and your puppy are finished exploring the Spanish Arch and Long Walk, the picturesque Coffeewerk + Press should be next on your list. This dog friendly coffee shop is the perfect hang out spot for you and your puppy to take in all the sights and smells of the bustling foodie paradise of the Latin Quarter. You never know who you might spot wandering about, Coffeewerk + Press might just be the ideal place for your doggy to make new furry friends.
Coffeewerk + Press, Latin Quarter // more here
Blackrock Cottage
The west terrace at Blackrock Cottage in Salthill is dog friendly, perfect for prom walkers and their doggos who want to get some mid or early morning refreshments after their walkies. Enjoying a reviving cup of coffee and pastries while you and your pup people watching the sea swimmers around Blackrock Tower is an ideal way to start the day. Who knows you and your dog might even fancy joining them for a sea swim one day. Please note, Blackrock Cottage do not permit dogs in the cottage and on the east terrace.
Blackrock, Salthill // more here
Nightlife
Donnelly's of Barna
Bring your pet out along the Wild Atlantic Way to Barna where there is so much to do and see. After walking in Barna Woods we recommend going for food and drinks at the family run Donnelly's of Barna. Here, you and your pup can sit in their front Irish bar, the nautically inspired sunroom or in one of their many snugs. They also have a few al fresco tables in their patio, perfect for catching your breathe after a lengthy walk.
Barna // more here
Taylor’s Bar & Beer Garden
When on a night out you’re going to want to bring along your best friend, and luckily at Taylor’s Bar and Beer Garden you can! The amazing team absolutely love to welcome doggies into their beer garden and have built a stellar reputation for their dog friendly policy. It’s all puppy love here so remember to call in for a pint with your pooch when you are in the Westend.
Taylor’s Bar & Beer Garden, Galway’s Westend // more here
above: photo courtesy of Taylor's Bar and Beer Garden
McGettigan's Galway
When its time to cheer on your team in front of the big screen or enjoy a quiet glass of plain, you might as well bring along your best friend and by that of course we mean your pup! At McGettigan's Galway on Eye Square, all their customers are taken cared for, even the ones with four legs! With a bowl for water out front and treats at the bar, you and your dog are always guarantee a great time out at McGettigan's.
9-11 Prospect Hill // more here
Carroll’s on Dominick Street
When it comes to showing your pup a good time, Carroll’s on Dominick Street go above and beyond in terms of hospitality. Birdhouse in Carroll’s Caravan Club has got tasty dried chicken wings that are suitable for pups and even "Dog Beer" for when they get thirsty, so you and your best friend can have a proper little meal for two!
Carroll’s on Dominick Street, Galway’s Westend // more here
above: photo courtesy of Carroll's on Dominick Street
Crane Bar
If you haven’t already treated your pup to a day out at the Crane Bar on Sea Road, you need to ASAP! From creamy pints of Guinness, top notch trad music and a spacious outdoor area, this spot ticks all the boxes for a good time. Didn’t you know that dogs love a bit of trad music? Your furry best friend is sure to be leaving them a paw-sitive review after their visit.
Crane Bar, Galway’s Westend // more here
O' Connell's Bar
For a pawsome experience with your pet, O'Connell's Bar will never disappoint! When the sun’s high and sky blue, there’s very few nicer spots to grab a seat outdoors and enjoy the sunshine with your pooch. Winner of Best Outdoor Space in 2022 and home to Prátaí and The Dough Bros, you and your pup will be having a wooderful day out at this popular Eyre Square spot.
8 Eyre Square // more here
above: photo courtesy of O'Connell's Bar
Activities
Brigit's Garden
What could be better than enjoying a day out surrounded by nature with your best friend? Take your furry buddy on an adventure and explore the stunning grounds of Brigit's Garden. Let them run off steam in this natural playground. Spending some quality time with your pooch on one of the garden's numerous walking trails and checking out all of its incredible natural features is a great way to bond with your pup. Just remember to keep your pup leashed as you discover all the wonderful sights, sounds and smells of these Celtic gardens.
Roscahill, Galway // more here
Pálás Cinema
Pálás Cinema offer events and movie screenings for the whole family including your pet. Their special Dog Friendly Screenings usually take place on Sunday mornings on a regular basis. Throughout the screening there will be reduced noise levels, adjusted light levels and tasty treats for both dog and human!
15 Merchant's Rd // more here
above: photo of Daisy at Pálás, courtesy of The Twelve Hotel
Eyre Square
Enjoy a stroll through the city's streets, it really is that simple to entertain your pooch here in Galway. The streets are thronged with friendly people, exciting smells and fellow canines to rub noses with. Why not stop off in Eyre Square and throw around a ball for a while? It's a great spot socialise with other doggie parents. Galway has some of the friendliest dogs in the country (obviously, just like the people!) and they are ready and waiting to sniff your pooch's posterior.
Connemara National Park
Connemara National Park is a dog lover’s paradise, and is said to be one of the most spectacular places to hike with your canine companion. With an incredible 2,000 hectares of mountains, grasslands and forests there is never ending possibilities for you both to explore. There are a number of nature trails that you can follow from the visitor’s center with a variety of scenic routes to take. Not only is this the perfect place to bring your pooch for a stroll, there is also an abundant history attached to the park to keep you interested too. You and your dog might even learn something new.
MADRA Galway
MADRA is a dog rescue and adoption group that have worked to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome several thousand unwanted, abandoned and neglected dogs across the West Coast of Ireland and beyond since 2005. With charity shops located around Galway, if you would like to show this amazing charity some support please feel free to make a donation online or by visiting these stores. They also offer Date with the Dogs, which allows visitors to their kennels in Connemara, giving people the chance learn about the vital work they do while also giving a rescue dog some quality time away from their kennel. For more information on this organisation please tap here.
above: photo courtesy of MADRA
Feature photo courtesy of MADRA
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