If you are organising a trip to Galway in the near future you are going to want to ensure that all members of the family are accounted for - even the four-legged ones! We want you to have the best holiday in Galway with your dog, so we have put together a list of must-visit dog friendly places in Galway. Check them out!
Are you travelling to Galway and worried about leaving your dog at home? Well, worry no more as you can bring your four-legged friend on holiday with you! Galway is full of fantastic dog-friendly businesses who are more than happy to provide your dog with the very best pet-friendly hospitality.
In order to help you organise and make the most of your time here in Galway, we have broken down our suggestions of where to bring your dog in Galway into four key categories; Accommodation, Coffee Shops, Bars & Restaurants, and Attractions.
above: The Twelve Hotel
Best Pet-Friendly Accommodation
The Twelve Hotel
What’s included: doggie bag on arrival (toy, treat + clean-up bags), pet menu + doggie room service, pet concierge service, pet lobby with toys, water bowl, bones, leashes, towels
No additional charge
One pet only per suite (Breed and size restrictions apply)
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 fantastic dog-friendly services to ensure both you and your pet are in the lap of luxury. The team here have really thought of everything you might need to ensure that your dog enjoys your overnight stay as much as you do! Their comfy pet-friendly suites are extra spacious to accommodate both you and your dog.
Address: Barna Road, Ahaglugger, Bearna
Book your dog-friendly room here
Clifden Station House Hotel
What’s included: pet-friendly amenities
No additional charge
Discover your home away from home at the pet-friendly apartments at Clifden Station House Hotel. These self-catering apartments come with a fully-equipped kitchen, living area, with either a 2 or 3 bedroom option. The hotel's location itself is conveniently situated in the heart of Clifden town making it the perfect base for all your Connemara holidays, including a visit to Connemara National Park with your pup.
Address: Galway Road, Clifden
Book your dog-friendly room here
above: The Ardilaun Hotel
The Ardilaun Hotel
What’s included: food and water bowl, patio area allowing for easy access to gardens
Supplementary charge of €20 per night
At The Ardilaun Hotel they know the importance of bringing along all members of the family when going on holiday. This is why they have 4 dedicated pet-friendly rooms that overlook the gardens so that your pet has 24-hour access. 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!
Address: The Ardilaun Hotel, Taylor's Hill Road
Book your dog-friendly room here
Lough Rea Hotel & Spa
What’s included: pet-friendly amenities
No additional charge
Welcoming four legged VIPs and their families for a lovely family holiday is a priority for the incredible team at Lough Rea Hotel & Spa. This pet-friendly hotel is located near Loughrea Lake, the ideal location for morning walk after breakfast. The hotel’s close proximity to Woodville Gardens and walking trails as well as other pet-friendly attractions makes them a top choice for all those travelling to Galway with their dog.
Address: Athenry Road, Loughrea
Book your dog-friendly room here
above: Kali Coffee Bar
Dog Friendly Coffee Shops + Cafés
Kali Coffee Bar
Puppuccinos? - Yes!
Providing an ideal post-walkies hang out spot for both you and your dog, Kali Coffee Bar in Salthill is a fantastic coffee shop oasis by the seaside. Rest assured that your dog will receive the utmost care and attention from the staff here and who knows they might even make new dog (and human) friends too.
Address: 133 Upper Salthill Road
Greens & Co
In addition to being a vegan and vegetarian café, did you know that Greens & Co are also dog-friendly? They welcome loads of dogs and their owners every week, and as a result Greens & Co is the perfect option for breakfast or lunch as you don’t have to worry about leaving your dog home alone.
Address: 4 Henry Street, Galway’s Westend
Builín Blasta
A visit to Spiddal wouldn’t be complete without bringing your dog to enjoy some food and drink at Builín Blasta. Every visit to this gorgeous coffee shop is guaranteed to get their tail wagging. With seating available both inside and outside, there’s plenty of room for you and your dog to relax over a coffee and dog treats.
Address: Ceardlann Craft Village, Spiddal
above: Plámás, photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Plámás
Puppuccinos? - Yes!
From day one, Plámás has been a popular café for dog walkers and their pups. The Plámás team are always happy to see your dog come through their door, and who knows they might even have some treats hidden behind the counter to give to them. Call in the next time you and your pup are passing by, as we can almost guarantee they’ll make regulars out of you yet.
Address: 6 Dominick Street Upper, Galway’s Westend
Blackrock Cottage
While Blackrock Cottage isn’t fully dog-friendly, their west terrace is and it’s the perfect sit down spot for seaswimmers and prom walkers with their dogs to come and relax after exercising. The takeaway beverages and baked goods at Blackrock Cottage are exactly what you need after a morning’s excursion.
Address: Blackrock House, Salthill
Coffeewerk + Press
Puppuccinos? - Yes!
If you and your dog are in Galway city for the day, make Coffeewerk + Press your pitstop for refreshments. This dog-friendly café is the perfect chill out spot for you and your pup to take in all the noise and bustle of the Latin Quarter area. Post refreshments, this café is also a perfect starting point before heading off on a walk via the Claddagh to Salthill.
Address: 4 Quay Street, Latin Quarter
above: Beachfront Barista
Galway Bay Hotel’s Beachfront Barista
Puppuccinos? - Yes!
Open seasonally, the Beachfront Barista offers a variety of refreshments for both dogs and their humans. We recommend sitting out on one of their giant deckchairs to soak up the atmosphere of Salthill and enjoy dog-friendly treats and beverages. Their dog hydration station is also a great way for your pup to rehydrate after a walk on the prom.
Address: On the grounds of Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill
Espresso 44
Puppuccinos? - Yes!
With two coffee shops in Galway city and one in Oranmore, you and your dog are spoilt for choice of where to enjoy your puppuccinos and cappuccinos. Espresso 44 is an ideal option for those on the go or for a refreshment mid walkies. Be sure to call by this dog-friendly coffee shop on your next day out!
Address: William St Galway’s Westend, Shop St Galway City, & Oranmore
Dog friendly Bars, Pubs and Restaurants
Donnelly’s of Barna
Puppuccinos? - Yes!
Bring your pup out for a day to Barna, and enjoy a pint alongside your best friend at the dog-friendly Donnelly’s of Barna. With a lovely outdoor patio and a designated area for doggies, you both can enjoy the best of Irish hospitality while you drink and dine the day away. Best of all, Barna Woods is only a short stroll away so Donnelly’s of Barna is a great option for food and drink, pre or post walkies.
Address: Freeport, Barna
above: Taylor's Bar & Beer Garden
Taylor’s Bar & Beer Garden
At Taylor’s Bar & Beer Garden, dogs are allowed both indoors and outdoors, with the only request being that you keep your dog on its leash. The Taylor’s team absolutely loves to welcome dogs and have built up a reputation for their incredible dog-friendly policy. It’s all puppy love here so be sure to call in for a pint with your pup the next time you are passing.
Address: 7 Dominick Street Upper, Galway’s Westend
Sally Longs
Sally Longs may be known for their legendary live performances and roof-raising energy but did you know that they are also dog-friendly? Due to high volume later in the day, Sally Longs currently operates a considerate pet policy of no dogs after 8pm due to noise levels. However before 8pm, for their four-legged patrons, the outdoor area at Sally Longs is both heated and covered, with dog bowls available too. Perfect for a late evening pint with your furry best friend.
Address: 33 Abbeygate Street Upper, City Centre
The Crane Bar
If you haven’t already treated your pup to a night out over at the dog friendly The Crane Bar, you need to pronto. From creamy pints of Guinness, top notch trad music and a spacious outdoor area, this spot ticks all the boxes for a good time and best of all, you get to bring your dog with you! Sure, didn’t you know that dogs love a bit of trad music? Your furry best friend is sure to be leaving this bar a paw-sitive review after a visit.
Address: 2 Sea Road, Galway’s Westend
O’Connell’s Bar
For a pawsome experience with your pet, the dog friendly O'Connell's Bar will never disappoint! When the sun’s high and sky blue, there’s few nicer spots to grab a seat outdoors and enjoy the sunshine with your pup. As the Winner of Best Outdoor Space and home to The Dough Bros, you and your dog will be having a wonderful day at this popular Eyre Square spot.
Address: 8 Eyre Square
The Salt House
This cosy canal side Westend bar welcomes craft beer lovers and their pups on a daily basis. They allow dogs both indoors and outdoors, where your dog can enjoy a bit of pampering from the staff with treats, water and cuddles galore. Their outdoor area is the ideal spot to laze about on a sunny afternoon, and the perfect place to catch the last bit of sunlight for the day.
Address: Raven’s Terrace, Galway’s Westend
above: The Blue Note
The Blue Note
With dog beer inside and a water bowl outside, when The Blue Note tells you that they have a drink for everyone - they mean it! At The Blue Note they are all about enjoying great drinks and great vibes in great company so it won’t come as a surprise to you that their four-legged guests are some of their most well-loved patrons.
Address: 3 William Street West, Galway's Westend
Dog friendly Attractions + Things to Do
In Galway, we're lucky to have many dog-friendly woodlands and trails open to the public. To give you a snapshot of the wonderful woodland walks, you and your dog can traverse while on holiday in Galway, please see here. Additionally, if a day at the beach is a priority for your holiday’s agenda we’ve pulled together a list of some of Galway’s best beaches, perfect for swimming and exploring. You can read all about our favourite beaches here but please note that each has their own rules and policies regarding dogs so please be sure to check in advance of your visit.
above: Brigit's Garden
Brigit’s Garden
What could be better than enjoying a day out in nature with your dog? Nothing that’s what! We highly recommend that you take your pup on a Galway adventure and check out the gorgeous Celtic gardens at Brigit’s Garden. The garden’s numerous walking trails are a fantastic activity for your dog to burn off excess energy and explore the sights and smells of a new location. Just remember to keep your dog leashed and clean up after your pup when necessary.
Address: Pollagh, Rosscahill
Kylemore Abbey
Dogs on a leash are welcome year round onto the estate at Kylemore Abbey. With a plethora of trails and woodland walks to be explored, your dog will have the time of their life at Kylemore. While dogs are not permitted in any of the buildings or on the shuttle bus, they are allowed full access to the grounds of Kylemore. All they ask is that you clean up after your dog when needed and there are doggy bags at the Visitor Centre should you need them.
Address: Kylemore, Connemara
Connemara National Park
Connemara National Park is a dog’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 are never ending possibilities for you both to explore. There are a number of nature trails that you can follow from the visitor’s centre with a variety of scenic routes to take. Not only is this the perfect spot 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.
Address: Letterfrack, Connemara
above: Pálás Cinema
Pálás Cinema
Pálás Cinema offers special 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 these screenings, there will be reduced noise levels, adjusted light levels and tasty treats for both dogs and their humans! To check when they are hosting their next dog-friendly screening here.
Address: 15 Merchant’s Road
Aran Islands
When you come to Galway you are going to want to visit the Aran Islands, and naturally we want you to be able to include your dog into your plans. Thankfully you can! Aran Island Ferries is Ireland’s largest domestic ferry company, sailing year-round to all three of the Aran Islands, and they welcome dogs onboard too. While they allow dogs on the ferry, dogs must be on a leash and remain on the outside deck at all times. To start planning your Aran Islands itinerary and book your ferry tickets please tap here.
Feature photo courtesy The Twelve Hotel
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