Dogs are social animals that thrive on interaction and activities. This guide helps you discover ways to keep your dog mentally stimulated, physically active, and socially engaged throughout Ireland.
Dog Parks & Exercise Areas
Dog parks provide safe, enclosed spaces for dogs to run free and socialise with other dogs:
Dog Park Etiquette
- Supervise your dog: Always keep an eye on your dog's behaviour
- Clean up: Bring poop bags and clean up immediately
- Vaccinations required: Ensure your dog is fully vaccinated
- Remove aggressive dogs: Leave if your dog shows aggression
- No food: Don't bring treats that might cause resource guarding
- Control children: Supervise kids around unfamiliar dogs
- Know your dog's limits: Leave if they seem overwhelmed
Popular Dog Exercise Areas in Ireland:
Dublin Area
- Phoenix Park - large open areas
- Marlay Park, Rathfarnham
- St. Anne's Park, Raheny
- Bushy Park, Terenure
- Herbert Park, Ballsbridge
Other Locations
- Fitzgerald Park, Cork
- Salthill Promenade, Galway
- Peoples Park, Limerick
- Ormeau Park, Belfast
- Local beaches and forests
Travelling with Your Dog
Whether it's a day trip or extended holiday, proper planning makes travel enjoyable for everyone:
Car Travel Tips
- Restraint: Use a car harness, crate, or pet barrier for safety
- Never leave unattended: Don't leave dogs in cars, especially in warm weather
- Frequent breaks: Stop every 2 hours for water and toilet breaks
- Familiar items: Bring their favourite blanket or toy
- Motion sickness: Travel on an empty stomach for nervous travellers
- Emergency kit: Include first aid supplies and vet contact details
Dog-Friendly Accommodation
Many Irish hotels, B&Bs, and holiday rentals welcome dogs:
- Book in advance: Confirm pet policy and any additional fees
- Ask about amenities: Dog beds, bowls, nearby walks
- Bring bedding: Familiar items help dogs settle
- Respect property: Keep dogs off furniture unless permitted
- Be quiet: Don't let dogs bark excessively
EU Pet Travel
For travel to/from Ireland under the Pet Travel Scheme:
- Pet passport: Required for all EU travel
- Microchip: Must be implanted before rabies vaccination
- Rabies vaccination: Valid vaccination certificate required
- Health certificate: From vet within 10 days of travel (for some countries)
- Approved carrier: Use authorised transport companies
Exercise Requirements by Breed
Different breeds have varying exercise needs. Match activities to your dog's energy level:
Low Exercise
30 minutes daily
Breeds: Bulldogs, Pugs, Basset Hounds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Activities: Short walks, gentle play, mental stimulation games
Medium Exercise
60-90 minutes daily
Breeds: Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels
Activities: Daily walks, fetch, swimming, hiking
High Exercise
2+ hours daily
Breeds: Border Collies, Huskies, Jack Russell Terriers, German Shepherds
Activities: Running, agility, long hikes, dog sports
Mental Stimulation Activities
Mental exercise is as important as physical exercise for a well-balanced dog:
Indoor Mental Stimulation
- Puzzle feeders: Make meals more challenging
- Hide treats: Around the house for them to find
- Training sessions: Teach new tricks and commands
- Kong toys: Stuff with treats or food
- Snuffle mats: Hide treats in fabric strips
- Rotating toys: Swap toys weekly to maintain interest
- DIY puzzles: Toilet rolls with treats inside
- Frozen treats: Frozen Kong or ice cubes with treats
- Scent games: Hide items for them to find
- Interactive toys: Puzzle balls and treat dispensers
Dog Sports & Activities
Organised activities provide excellent physical and mental exercise:
Agility Training
Navigate obstacle courses including jumps, tunnels, and weave poles. Great for active dogs and building confidence.
Best for: Medium to high energy dogs
Frisbee/Disc Dog
High-energy sport involving catching flying discs. Excellent exercise and bonding activity.
Best for: Athletic, high-energy breeds
Swimming
Low-impact exercise perfect for dogs with joint issues. Many dogs love water activities.
Best for: Most breeds, especially retrievers
Scent Work
Train dogs to find specific scents. Mentally stimulating and builds on natural abilities.
Best for: All breeds, especially hounds
Canicross
Running with your dog attached by a special harness and line. Great exercise for both of you.
Best for: High-energy, medium to large dogs
Therapy Work
Visiting hospitals, schools, or care homes to provide comfort. Requires calm, well-trained dogs.
Best for: Gentle, people-oriented dogs
Dog-Friendly Places in Ireland
Many Irish businesses welcome well-behaved dogs:
Types of Dog-Friendly Venues:
Food & Drink
- Many pubs with outdoor seating
- Cafés with outdoor tables
- Some restaurants (call ahead)
- Breweries and distilleries
- Food markets and festivals
Shopping & Services
- Garden centres
- Many hardware stores
- Some bookshops
- Pet supply stores
- Farmers markets
Outdoor Activities
- National parks and forests
- Beach walks (check local rules)
- Heritage sites and castles
- Walking trails and greenways
- Outdoor events and festivals
Transport
- Irish Rail (small dogs, restrictions apply)
- Some bus services
- Taxis (ask driver first)
- Ferry services
- Walking and cycling paths
Public Behaviour Tips
- Always ask permission before entering with your dog
- Keep dogs on leash unless in designated off-leash areas
- Bring water for your dog
- Clean up any accidents immediately
- Don't let your dog beg for food or jump on people
- Be prepared to leave if your dog becomes disruptive
- Respect "no dogs" policies without argument
Activity Tips
- Start new activities gradually to build fitness
- Always carry water for your dog
- Watch for signs of fatigue or overheating
- Consider your dog's age and health limitations
- Mix physical and mental activities for best results
- Make activities fun - if you're enjoying it, your dog will too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Exercise needs vary by breed, age, and health. Low-energy breeds need about 30 minutes daily, medium-energy breeds need 60-90 minutes, and high-energy breeds need 2+ hours. This should include walks, play, and mental stimulation. Puppies and senior dogs need less intense exercise but still benefit from regular, gentle activity.
Bring poop bags (essential), fresh water and a portable bowl, your dog's lead for entering/leaving, and basic first aid supplies. Don't bring toys, treats, or food as these can cause conflicts between dogs. Ensure your dog is fully vaccinated and well-socialised before visiting. Always supervise your dog and be ready to leave if issues arise.
Policies vary by transport company. Irish Rail allows small dogs in carriers and larger dogs on leads during off-peak hours (charges apply). Some bus services allow dogs at driver's discretion. Always check current policies before travelling. Guide dogs are welcome on all public transport. For taxis, ask the driver's permission first.
You need an EU pet passport, valid rabies vaccination (given after microchipping), and your dog must be microchipped. Some countries require additional treatments (like tapeworm treatment for UK entry). Check specific requirements for your destination country. Book with approved transport companies and ensure all documentation is completed well in advance of travel.
Call ahead to ask about their pet policy - many places welcome dogs in outdoor seating areas. Look for signs or check websites/social media for pet-friendly policies. Apps like BringFido or websites like dogfriendlyireland.com list pet-welcoming businesses. Garden centres and many pubs are traditionally dog-friendly. Always ensure your dog is well-behaved and on a lead.
Try puzzle feeders, hide treats around the house, teach new tricks, use Kong toys stuffed with food, create DIY puzzles with toilet rolls and treats, practise basic commands, play scent games, rotate toys weekly, and use snuffle mats. Mental exercise is as tiring as physical exercise - 15 minutes of brain work can equal a 30-minute walk for many dogs.
Most formal dog sports require dogs to be at least 12-18 months old to protect developing joints. Puppies can start basic agility foundation work and short training sessions. Senior dogs can continue gentle activities like scent work or therapy visits. Always consult your vet before starting intensive activities, especially for puppies, seniors, or dogs with health conditions.
A mentally stimulated dog is generally calmer, sleeps well, shows less destructive behaviour, and seems content. Signs of insufficient mental stimulation include excessive barking, destructive chewing, digging, hyperactivity, attention-seeking behaviours, or seeming restless despite adequate physical exercise. Increase puzzle games, training sessions, and new experiences if you notice these signs.
