Dog Friendly Guide to Galway, Ireland

I've come back to Galway, Ireland on three separate trips and have loved it more each time. I studied abroad here, came back to visit with my then boyfriend, and put this guide together after visiting with my now husband and our best dog, Copper. Most of the restaurants and pubs are not dog-friendly, unless you can sit outside. But the hikes, walks, and beaches and very dog-friendly, as are most of the people here.

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Things to do

In town

The Claddagh

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My absolute favorite place to walk, especially with our dog. This place is what I would imagine dog-heaven to look like. Irresistible green fields that stretch on for a miles, right on the coast. This area is also where Claddagh Rings come from, two hands holding a heart with a crown.

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Aran Sweater Market

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There are plenty of wool sweaters for sale all over Shop Street, but this place is the biggest, with (in my opinion) the best and largest selection.

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University of Galway

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The University grounds are beautiful, if not a little out of the way of the main city center.

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Out of town - Bus or tour

Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden

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There are plenty of tour buses and groups that leave from Galway and head to Kylemore Abbey, a Victorian castle nestled in a valley of the Connemara mountains. Most recently, it was a private school for girls. Take a look around and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

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Cliffs of Moher

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The famous Cliffs of Moher are also reachable by a number of tour buses and groups. They will likely stop along the way at a few viewing points, too. Do your best to pick a fair weather day so you don't get blown away.

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Wild Atlantic Way

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For the more adventurous out there, the famous Wild Atlantic Way is a walk the circles the western part of Ireland. It's a long hike that cuts through a few farms, and all kinds of tricky terrain. *Note: Please do extra research for this hike, especially if you're taking your dog. The trail cuts through private land, and the farmers have the right to shoot your dog to protect their livestock.

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Connemara National Park

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Pick an appropriate trail (there's one for all levels) and get out there! The Connemara mountains are so beautiful. All of the trails (that I've come across) are dog-friendly, as long as they are kept on a leash and leave no trace.

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Na Forbacha Beach

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Perfect little beach to catch the sunset and let the dog run free along the beach for a bit.

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Galway Wind Way

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A perfect hike for the family (and of course, your dog). The trail is mostly a small gravel road used for the construction of wind turbines and maintained for hiking. The trails are well marked, not very crowded (as judged by a fair weather Saturday morning hike) and relatively flat. It's about a 30 min drive from Galway, so best if you have your own car. There are sheep (aren't there always) roaming freely here so best keep your dog close.

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Restaurants and Pubs

For Live Traditional Irish Music

The Crane Bar

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This is one of our favorite places to catch live, traditional music, which usually starts around 9:30PM upstairs. Visit on a Tuesday afternoon to catch a few University students playing traditional music together (unless they are on break). This spot is dog friendly, however, it can get very crowded.

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Tig Chóilí

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Little pub in town that's a great spot to catch some live, traditional music. In fact, they have their own, reserved spot right up front. Grab and pint nail a dollar to the wall, and enjoy!

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For Live Popular Music (the songs you can sing along to)

The Quays Bar and Restaurant

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This is a great pub and restaurant right on shop street. Get there a bit early to claim your spot on Friday & Saturday nights, then stick around for some great music!

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The Kings Head Bistro

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One of the oldest pubs in Ireland, the building dates back to the 13th century and the fireplace to the 16th. With three floors to choose from, there is plenty of space to come in and grab a pint. The bistro has great food on offer, too.

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Taaffes Bar

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Another great spot to grab a pint and catch some live music, as long as their isn't a huge sporting event going on.

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Usually no live music, but great craic

The Front Door Pub

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This is one of those pubs that seem to go on forever! A relatively large pub with plenty to drink and eat.

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Best Fish and Chips

McDonagh's

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The best fish and chips in Galway. There's hardly anything else on the menu because there's no need. Make sure you stop in and give them a try.

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Dog Allowed Inside!

The Pins GastroBar featuring Pizza Dozzina

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Located inside The Twelve Hotel, this pizza spot is dog friendly! Dogs are allowed at the hotel and in the bar/ bistro area. The pizza's were wood-fired and very tasty and they even had a dog menu. This was such a treat after a long day spent walking around outside. Always a good idea to call ahead and make a reservation.

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Pizza Dozzina

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If you're out and about, this pizza is fantastic to take to-go as well!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The Points Plan

We are an independent travel company that can help you fly to your dream destinations for practically free using points & miles AND I am also a certified travel advisor so that I can help you make the absolute most out of your next trip! Finding good places takes time and plenty of research, especially if you're trying to bring your family, friends and even your dog with you. We've done the research on where to stay, eat, and do with and sometimes without your dog so that you don't have to! We spent a year traveling all over Europe with our good boy, Copper, the dog (although he doesn't think he's *just* a dog). We've got places and activities that are dog-friendly as well as a few places where it's best to leave your furry friends at home. We have also planned romantic getaways, honeymoons, and friends trips all over the world. Oh hey, while you're here... We can also help get you to your dream destinations for (almost) free! We started The Points Plan to help other travelers book flights for (almost) free by developing custom travel rewards plans. We've traveled all over the world using our points and miles, and we want to fly you too! Did I mention I'm also a certified travel advisor? Once I fly you to your dream destination I want to help you find the perfect accommodations, restaurants, tours, and activities, all at no extra cost to you! (Seriously, the same price you would have found online). Let me put my Type A personality to work for you and help you on your next trip!

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Galway, Ireland

Galway City, County Galway, Ireland