Dog-friendly beaches and off-leash parks in Ireland

Blue Flag beaches usually restrict or ban dogs between 1 June and 15 September, often only during bathing hours — early morning and evening walks are frequently still fine. Livestock areas require a lead by law, and local authority by-laws in Dublin, Cork and Galway set their own leash rules in parks. Always clean up: fines are enforced.

Phoenix Park is the anchor — 707 hectares, off-lead away from the deer herds and the roads. Bull Island and Dollymount Strand give miles of sand year-round, St Anne's Park in Raheny is the north-side favourite, and Marlay Park covers the south. Killiney Hill pairs a climb with sea views, and Sandymount Strand works beautifully at low tide.

Fountainstown and Garrylucas near Kinsale are the dependable dog beaches, Fitzgerald's Park handles a city-centre stroll, and the Ballincollig Regional Park riverside loop is the walker's standby. Inchydoney allows dogs outside peak bathing restrictions in west Cork.

Silverstrand and Ballyloughane are the go-to beaches, the Salthill Prom is the social walk of the city, and Barna Woods gives shade and shelter on wet days. Further out, Connemara's bog roads and Renvyle beach are worth the drive.

Wicklow's Bray Head cliff walk, Glendalough lakeside and Djouce Woods are among the finest dog walks in the country. In Kerry, Inch Beach and Rossbeigh give hours of open sand. Clare has Fanore and Lahinch outside bathing season; Donegal has Portsalon and Murvagh; Mayo has Keem Bay and Old Head.

Recall before you unclip. Lead up near nesting birds between March and August, especially on dune systems. Keep away from seal haul-outs. And rinse salt and sand off long coats afterwards — every PawPals walker who does beach routes carries a towel for exactly this.