Top 15 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Ireland: A Canine’s Paradise
Top 15 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Ireland: A Canine’s Paradise
Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Ireland: A Canine’s Paradise
Ireland, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and stunning coastlines, is also a haven for dog lovers. With countless beaches dotting the Emerald Isle, finding the perfect spot where your furry friend can frolic in the surf is essential. Below, we explore the top 10 dog-friendly beaches in Ireland, where your canine companion can enjoy the fresh sea air and golden sands.
1. Portmarnock Beach, County Dublin
Located just outside Dublin, Portmarnock Beach, often referred to as the “Velvet Strand,” offers a vast expanse of soft sand and gentle waves, perfect for dogs to run freely. The beach is over five kilometers long, providing ample space for your dog to explore. Portmarnock is especially welcoming during off-peak hours, where dogs can enjoy more freedom without the bustling crowds.
2. White Strand, County Clare
(Check local regulations as dog related restrictions on Clare beaches are covered by local bye-laws)
Nestled near the town of Doonbeg, White Strand is an idyllic spot for a peaceful day out with your dog. The beach is relatively secluded, offering a tranquil environment with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The calm waters and gentle waves make it an ideal location for dogs to swim safely, while the surrounding dunes provide an excellent area for off-leash exploration.
3. Dog’s Bay, County Galway
As the name suggests, Dog’s Bay is a dog lover’s dream. Located near Roundstone, this beach boasts soft, white sands and crystal-clear waters, creating a paradise for dogs and their owners alike. The horseshoe-shaped bay is sheltered, making it a safe and serene spot for dogs to splash about. The adjacent Gurteen Bay is also dog-friendly, providing a change of scenery without the need to travel far.
4. Inchydoney Beach, County Cork
Inchydoney Beach is often hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland. Its vast stretches of sand and gently rolling waves make it an ideal playground for dogs. The beach is divided into two sections by a rocky outcrop, and both areas are dog-friendly. During the off-season, the beach is particularly quiet, allowing your dog to roam off-leash without restrictions.
5. Ballycastle Beach, County Antrim
For those in Northern Ireland, Ballycastle Beach is a must-visit. Situated along the Causeway Coast, this sandy beach offers spectacular views of Rathlin Island and Scotland on clear days. The beach is dog-friendly all year round, with plenty of space for your pet to explore. The nearby forest trails and parkland also provide additional opportunities for a scenic walk with your dog.
6. Rossbeigh Beach, County Kerry
Rossbeigh Beach is a seven-kilometer stretch of sand along the Ring of Kerry, offering breathtaking views of the Dingle Peninsula. This beach is particularly popular among dog owners due to its vast open spaces and gentle waves. The dunes behind the beach provide a great area for off-leash exploration, and the stunning scenery makes every visit memorable.
7. Curracloe Beach, County Wexford
Famous for its appearance in films such as Saving Private Ryan, Curracloe Beach is a stunning, dog-friendly destination. The beach is known for its fine, golden sands and extensive dunes, making it a perfect spot for dogs to run and play. The nearby Raven Nature Reserve also offers a beautiful forest trail that welcomes dogs, adding to the adventure.
8. Tullan Strand, County Donegal
Tullan Strand, Bundoran, is also a fantastic spot for dogs. While the waves may be strong in certain areas, there are plenty of calm spots where dogs can enjoy a swim. The beach’s long stretch of sand and adjacent grassy areas provide ample space for dogs to run off-leash. After a day at the beach, the nearby town of Bundoran offers several dog-friendly cafés and restaurants.
9. Brittas Bay, County Wicklow
Just an hour south of Dublin, Brittas Bay is a popular beach destination for both locals and tourists. The beach is known for its fine sand dunes and clear waters, providing an ideal environment for dogs to enjoy. The beach is dog-friendly year-round, with certain restrictions during the summer months. However, early morning or late evening visits allow for a more relaxed experience, where dogs can roam freely.
10. Tramore Beach, County Waterford
Tramore Beach is a three-mile stretch of golden sand that curves along the coast of County Waterford. This beach is a favorite among dog owners due to its spacious sands and scenic surroundings. Dogs are welcome year-round, and the beach offers plenty of space for off-leash fun. Be mindful of local regulations though. The adjacent promenade and cliff walks also provide additional areas for a leisurely stroll with your furry friend.
11. Banna Beach, County Kerry
Banna Strand is a beautiful and dog-friendly beach located on the southwest coast of Ireland in County Kerry. Stretching over six miles, this sandy beach offers plenty of space for dogs to run, play, and explore. The gentle waves and wide, open shoreline make it an ideal spot for a leisurely walk or a game of fetch.
Dog owners will appreciate the relaxed atmosphere, where leashed pets are welcome year-round. The beach is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including sand dunes and views of the Slieve Mish mountains, providing a picturesque backdrop for a day out with your furry friend. Plus, the beach’s clean, soft sand and clear waters make it as enjoyable for dogs as it is for their owners.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or an active adventure with your dog, Banna Strand is a perfect destination.
12. Fanore Beach, County Clare
Fanore Beach is a lesser-known gem along the Wild Atlantic Way, offering stunning views of the Burren. This sandy beach is ideal for dogs, with plenty of space to run and play. The area is also great for exploring, with dunes and rocky outcrops providing variety to your coastal walk.
13. Enniscrone Beach, County Sligo
Enniscrone Beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sand that’s perfect for a day out with your dog. The beach is wide and long, providing plenty of space for dogs to run off-leash. The calm waters make it a great spot for a dip if your dog loves to swim.
14. Bettystown Beach, County Meath
Bettystown Beach is a favorite among dog owners due to its extensive stretch of sand and the nearby dunes. Located about 40 minutes from Dublin, it’s a convenient escape from the city. The beach is wide and open, providing ample space for dogs to run and play.
15. Ballybunion Beach, County Kerry
Ballybunion Beach, with its iconic cliffs and rolling waves, is a beautiful spot on the Wild Atlantic Way. The beach has two sections: the Men’s Beach and the Ladies’ Beach. Both are dog-friendly, with plenty of room for dogs to explore the shoreline. The beach is also a great spot for surfing, so you might catch some action while your dog enjoys the sand.
Tips for Visiting Dog-Friendly Beaches in Ireland
- Check Local Regulations: Some beaches have seasonal restrictions or specific times when dogs must be on a leash. Always check the rules before your visit.
- Bring Essentials: Pack water, a bowl, dog waste bags, and a towel to clean off sandy paws. Some beaches may not have facilities nearby, so it’s best to come prepared.
- Be Respectful: Always clean up after your dog and be mindful of other beachgoers, especially families and those who may not be comfortable around dogs.
- Wildlife Awareness: Many beaches are home to birds and other wildlife. Keep your dog under control to avoid disturbing these animals.
Exploring Ireland’s dog-friendly beaches is a fantastic way to enjoy the country’s natural beauty while spending quality time with your furry friend. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful stroll along the sand or an energetic romp by the waves, these beaches offer something for every dog and their owner. So, grab the leash, pack the car, and head to one of these top spots for an unforgettable day out!
Final Thoughts
Ireland’s coastline is not just a treasure trove of natural beauty but also a welcoming space for dogs and their owners. Each of these beaches offers something unique, whether it’s the tranquil waters of Dog’s Bay or the expansive sands of Rossbeigh Beach. As always, it’s essential to adhere to local regulations, such as leash laws and cleaning up after your dog, to ensure these beautiful spaces remain accessible to all.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these dog-friendly beaches provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable day out with your four-legged companion.
When it comes to animal welfare, The Irish courts system is broken and corrupt
Cork Woman convicted of 12 animal cruelty charges banned from owning animals walks away with minimal €250 fine
One has to question what in the absolute hell is wrong with the judiciary in this country? Does the Irish government not give a damn about Animal Welfare? Our judges certainly do not and this has been evidenced time and time again and most recently in Bandon District court this week, where a cork woman convicted of 12 counts of animal cruelty, received a 250 euro fine. A €250 fine? What an absolute utter joke!
The judges on these benches could wipe their arse with €250, it means that little to them. Is it a case in this absolute corrupt system of justice, that pleading guilty, gets you off the hook?
Case Background:
So, let’s give some context on this here: Miriam Santry of The Meadows, Belgooly, Co Cork was banned from owning animals and ordered to surrender any animals in her possession to the ISPCA after being guilty on kept over than a dozen dogs of various breeds in “Horrendous conditions” over an extended period. Ms Santry appeared before Bandon District Court facing a total of 12 summonses for alleged offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. Santry pleaded guilty to the charges in front of Judge Philip O’Leary.
In evidence, ISPCA Inspector Caroline Faherty said, she had first received complaints regarding the defendent in September 2022. The complaints were in relatio to the conditions dogs were being kept in at two properties, one in Belgooly and the other in Kinsale.
Insp. Faherty told the court that she went to both properties on several occasions but was unable to make contact with Santry. The house in Belgooly she could see the house was full of rubbish and several dogs could be heard barking. On September 21, 2022 Inspector Faherty received a letter from a solicitor representing Santry asking her not to call to her properties anymore.
In October 2022, The ISPCA was alerted to further animal cruelty breaches by Santry after she brought a dog with a broken pelvis to the local vet. Santry told the vet that she had tried to mate the seven-month-old poodle with a bigger dog but refused the vet’s advice on treatment and asked for painkillers for the injured dog.
A search warrant to search both properties was executed on December 22, 2022 by Insp. Faherty executed a warrant to search both properties. She told the court that she gained access to the Belgooly property via the back garden and nobody was present when she arrived with gardaí. Inside she found eight adult dogs in deplorable conditions jammed into a small crate which had a capacity for 2 dogs maximum. She said that the property was filled with rubbish and the smell was so rancid that the gardaí were unable to come inside. Insp. Faherty told the court that a further five puppies were also found in two crates. No food or water available to any of the dogs and they were in very poor condition.. No natural light was possible as the windows were blacked out and there was faeces and urine over the floor. The dogs were malnourished and their coats were matted with urine and faeces. The dogs also variously suffered multiple infections, including Demartitis, ear and eye infections and a number of dogs had heart murmurs. Upon inspection of the address in Kinsale, three further dogs were found in similar conditions.
Insp. Faherty said a decision was taken to seize the dogs and attempt to rehome them as they were subject to long term neglect The court heard that four of the dogs, which were chipped with Santry’s details could not be rehomed as Santry refused to surrender the animals to the ISPCA. As a result, they had been kept in boarding kennels since being seized resulting in a cost to the ISPCA of €56,000.
Mental health issues
Defence solicitor Plunkett Taaffe said that his client, who was now in her 50s, had recently suffered from mental health issues. He said that the situation had “got out of control” and his client acknowledged that she had taken on too many dogs. He said she was of “limited means and was struggling financially and mentally”.
State solicitor for West Cork, Jeremiah Healy, who took the prosecution on behalf of the Minster for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine said that State felt it was necessary to prosecute given the circumstances and extend of animal cruelty involved.
Conviction
Judge Philip O’Leary said that it was clear from the evidence there had been an appalling treatment of animals over a considerable period of time, he said it was an appalling case. On the first summons he convicted and fined Miriam Santry €250 and took the other 11 charges into consideration. He prohibited her from owning any animals and ordered her to surrender any animals she currently owns to the ISPCA.
Call for overhaul of animal welfare legislation and the courts system in Ireland:
This case is a prime example of why we need a complete overhaul in Ireland of animal welfare regulations and why we need animal welfare officers in every Garda division throughout Ireland. For too long, disgusting and cruel people like Miriam Santry have been allowed to treat these beautiful dogs with such cruelty and walk away without significant punishment. While Santry is prohibited from owning any animals and must surrender all animals she owns to the ISPCA, she walked away with one single conviction – on the first summons. Of the remaining 11 charges, Judge Philip O Leary, took these charges into consideration, Santry did not receive any fines or convictions for these remaining 11 charges.
I’ll speak freely and ask here what the absolute fuck is wrong with the judiciary in this country? If this was Italy, Sweden, Japan, Tanazania, Austria, or Kenya, all of whom have a stellar record for protecting animals, this woman would be in prison. She would have incurred the boarding kennelcosts that are instead inflicted on the ISPCA, she would have incurred legal costs. Instead, while she may be no longer permitted to keep animals, she walks away with a €250 fine. She pled guilty to all 12 charges, and she still walks away pretty much scot free and all because she pled guilty in a country where we have a broken system where saying “Oh Yes I did commit those unspeakable acts” is actually rewarded.
We’ve seen it in so many high profile cases lately in terms of humans, where humans plead guilty to assault and other serious crimes are given suspended sentences because of either who they are, who they know or what they do. Quite often, they have “glowing character references” from people in very influential positions and our judges take pity on them. A criminal is still a criminal and a scumbag – it doesn’t matter what character references you have and it doesn’t matter if you’re an army officer or an all star Limerick hurler. If you assault another person, if you beat up someone in a nightclub, if you beat up a defenseless woman on the streets, sorry but there is no excuse for that, you’re a total scumbag and you belong in prison – you don’t deserve to get a suspended sentence and walk free from court.
Equally, if you treat a dog, or a horse or a cat or any other animal with the same regard, if you treat them in such a fashion that their hair is matted in their own faeces, you’re a scumbag. Many of us have mental health issues, we don’t take it out on our animals. In fact its our dogs and our animals that more often than not help us through these times of mental anguish.
The problem in Ireland is not just in the courts, It’s the entire system, it’s how we allow our animals to be treated – The system stinks the whole way up to the ministers who have responsibility for animal regulations – the ministers for agriculture and rural and community development. In 95% of animal welfare cases, The judges are too lenient, the defence solicitors only give a crap about their paycheck and have zero concern about the harm being done to our beloved animals and the bottom line is other than the hard working staff and animal welfare inspectors in societies like the DSPCA, and the dedicated volunteers in so many rescues throughout Ireland, nobody in a position of power that can do something to influence change actually gives a shit about animal welfare in this country.
Over 2000 people tune in for All I Woof for Christmas
On 29th of November, The Big Bark held its first pet toy show event with a host of amazing businesses, special guests and live musicians taking part on the day. The show raised significant funds for 4 amazing animal charities.
- Limerick Animal Welfare
- MADRA
- Dogs Aid
- SARDA
In excess of €1400 was raised with more events still to come including our Santa Paws days and our final raffle on 20th December.
We just took a quick look at both the livesteam figures as well as the downloads after the show and a total of 2058 people tuned into our wonderful event.
Thanks to all who took the time to tune in.
The Big Bark podcast Launch
Fresh off our first recording, we’re delighted to announce that our new Podcast series The Big bark will officially launch on the 8th of August 2019. Here is what The Big Bark is all about:
Each week on the show, we will be talking to different professionals working in the canine industry across Ireland, from Petshop owners to groomers, pet treat manufacturers, canine nutritionists, behaviour specialists and vets. We will be discussing hot topics with our puppy panel, reviewing the best products, food and treats, the best places to take your dog on a day out and most dog friendly venues in Ireland. We’ll have lots of fun along the way and of course we’ll be chatting with dog owners as well about their dogs to find out more about the bonds that make a dog man’s best friend.
Your host for this podcast is Darragh Bourke, a dog lover with a passion for canine psychology and behaviour. Darragh’s own dogs Bruno & Milly will also join in from time to time and will be sure to offer their own Big Bark along the way. Speaking ahead of the launch Darragh had this to say:
I’m thrilled to be behind this wonderful podcast. For me my love for dogs has dominated much of my life. I have had dogs for my whole life and this has over the last few years transitioned into a love for everything Canine psychology and behaviour related. Recently having completed my first Qualification in Canine Psychology, I am passionate about how the canine brain works and as I progress in my career, I do hope that this wonderful podcast can help me meet some of those people who have inspired me so much to date.
In the first podcast episode, Darragh chats about all things Treat related. Speaking with Tony from The Barking Baker a company operating from The Milk Market in Limerick city providing High quality Grain & Biscotti treats for your doggos. We had a wonderful chat with Tony about his experience as a dog trainer and how it lead him to making these wonderful treats.
We also chat with Sarah from Raw Dry – a High quality producer of Healthy dog meat treats. Sarah talks to us about her journey from Kitchen to Factory, from making a few bags of treats to becoming a large scale producer, the adventures, challenges along the way and what’s coming up for the Future.
We’ll be touching on a few other topics along the way including the public consultation for the review of the Control of Dogs Act, the legislation which determines the restricted breeds list and how a dog is classed as a restricted breed. The review looks at whether the restrictions and regulations currently enforced should be altered to include all dogs irrespective of breed or whether the burden of blame should lie with the owner. We discuss other fun topics along the way and have some fun meeting other dog owners.
The Big bark will be available to stream on all major Podcast platforms including Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts & Itunes and Castbox as well as a host of others. We look forward to bringing these to you on a weekly basis.