There is nothing more enjoyable than taking a happy, energetic and excited dog for a walk. Our four legged friends make walking more enjoyable, increases the pace and encourages you to walk much further than on a solo trip. Their enthusiasm is infectious and inspiring. There are over 450,000 dog owners in Ireland. A staggering 35% of households have one or more canine member! That’s a lot of dog treats, a lot of poop bags and a lot of walking. Here are some suggestions for Outdoor Adventures in dog friendly places for the urban dogs of Dublin to enjoy.
Lead on!
City dwellers are tasked with getting a more interesting walk for their four legged friend, but with 15 beaches and over 1,500 hectares of parks, green spaces, Dublin has no shortage of lovely places for dog walking. Of course, most walks are on the lead and with the pooper scooper to hand. Nevertheless, Dublin as fine offerings.
Dollymount Strand
A beautiful stretch of strand with good parking and plenty of running space. Dogs must be kept on a lead and poop picked up. Dollymount is accessible to most Northsiders as it’s not far from the city centre on Bull Island, a nature reserve which brings a wonderful air of the wildness to a city strand.
Phoenix Park
One of the largest enclosed parks in Europe, home to the president and his lovely dogs and offering over 1,750 acres to tire our even the most energetic of dogs. Lots of lovely walks and plenty to sniff in the air. A tight leash is essential as it is also home to a fine deer herd, urban foxes, rabbits and a whole zoo of wild animals. Indeed, plenty to sniff in the air, but free roaming is not on the agenda.
Canal Walks
A grand walk along the serene and calm pathways of the Grand Canal is perfect for doggie walks. Plenty of ducks and water fowl to tease the mutt and lots of lovely pathways that hide the city and give the impression of being a million miles from the hustle and bustle.
Off the Lead
Urban dwellers can bring their dogs to almost any public park or beach when on a lead, but dogs off leash are a difficulty in both city parks and country walks. Some parks have come up with a solution to allow some down time for owners and their pets.
St Catherine’s Park in Lucan
…is a short car ride for most pooches. Not only is it full of wandering path ways, squirrel smells and natural fauna to explore, it also has an enclosed dog park, where man (and woman’s) best friend can run around untethered by that pesky leash.
Marlay Park in Dún Laoghaire, Rathdown
…also boast a designated dog park, where freedom from the lead is encouraged. The park itself offers lots of walking terrain for dog explorers and their owners and spans over 300 acres, so you can be sure of some solitude too.
St Anne’s Park, Clontarf. A gorgeous wooded areas and acres of undergrowth for your dog to romp through and again, a dedicated area for dogs to go wild without disturbing anyone else. These dog only areas are also perfect for pet owners to swop stories and chat and boast about how great ‘their’ dog is.
Into the wild
Sometime you just needs a change of scene and a little wildness to live up a dogs life. Try a different terrain and a new view to keep both of you fit and happy.
Killiney Hill and Dalkey Hill
Not far from Dublin City and worth the trip to put those four legs through an uphill and downhill trek workout, with amazing views for the leash holder to enjoy, Killiney and Dalkey Hill are a popular destination for two legged walkers and hikers availing of the spectacular scenery. With Dublin to the northwest, the Irish Sea and the mountains of Wales (on a clear day) to the east and southeast, and Bray Head and the Wicklow Mountains to the south, it’s a perfect place for you and your dog to enjoy a hillwalking Outdoor Adventure, not far from your city home.
The Wicklow Way
Yes, the Wicklow way is in Wicklow, but is absolutely accessible to any Dublin dweller whether they use public transport or have a car. Ireland’s oldest marked hiking route, has infinite native oaks to sniff and miles of trails to explore together. There is even an opportunity for owners to grab a coffee at Pamela’s Dog Park as the W.S.P.C.A. hosts public doggie playground sessions at the Sharpeshill Sanctuary. The sanctuary’s dog park is a purpose built enclosure, complete with interesting tunnels and toys for your dog to explore, while you take a break from the lead before heading back into the wonders of the Garden of Ireland. A perfect dog and owner hike.
