The best dog-friendly spots in Ireland, according to team IMAGE

Megan Burns, Deputy Editor, IMAGE, IMAGE Interiors

Since getting a dog last year, I’m always on the lookout for places where she can tag along, or for us all to stop off on our way to weekend walks.

On the north coast, Native Seafood’s Portstewart spot is the ideal place to go post beach walk (and its indoor outdoor vibe means no one bats an eyelid if your four-legged friend is a bit sandy). Their street food-inspired takes on seafood are always incredible, no matter what’s on the menu, you’re in for a treat. Plus they do great coffee and buns, all with a backdrop of the sea. For another great coffee spot, Sea Shed’s Downhill location welcomes dogs inside, and always has water bowls and treats on hand to welcome them. The treats for people are also particularly good (I love the carrot cake).

Last year we stayed with her at Glasson Lakehouse and it was perfect for a short break. Our pup loved meeting all the other dogs that were staying there, and with a glass door in our room opening directly out to the grounds, it was easy to take her outside when needed.

In Dublin, Slice in Stoneybatter welcomes dogs and is a great option for weekend brunch, while Juno in Drumcondra is a cool bar and restaurant that’s an ideal spot to catch up with friends, both human and canine.

Shayna Sappington, Senior Branded Content Writer, IMAGE.ie

I am lucky to live in a dog-friendly area; around Phibsboro and Drumcondra there are a few great haunts that I often frequent with my dog Pax. He’s a Jack Russel/Daschund mix (think short legs and big floppy ears), so he can only make it so far before he gets too tuckered out. Juno is a great dog-friendly pub with delicious fare and they let him sit up on the booth beside me. The Bernard Shaw is also a good shout, especially if you want to sit outdoors and sample bits from their Eat Yard, which rotates local food vendors. As far as coffee goes, The Duck Cafe has amazing cappuccinos and they have a lovely outdoor area with artificial grass and benches. I also enjoy walking down to the Blessington St Basin with the doggo; its entrance is just across the road from 2 Boys Brew by the statue, follow the tree-lined road and it opens out onto a gorgeous water feature hidden within a neighbourhood.

Sarah Finnan, Deputy Digital Editor

I’m very lucky in that there are so many gorgeous nature walks near where I’m from in Longford and my dog, Tessa, is only too happy to accompany me for my evening stroll. I secretly suspect she has a sixth sense because she often wanders into my room at the *very* moment I’m changing into my running pants… but I digress. Ardagh Mountain (which is really more of a gentle incline) is a personal favourite, or if we’re feeling a bit more adventurous we’ll head to Newcastle Woods in Ballymahon. It’s a gorgeous trail through the forest, is rarely too busy and offers great shelter no matter the weather. There’s also a coffee van in the parking lot if motivation is lacking!

Marlene Wessels, Art Director

From time to time you might spot a celebrity in Fitzgerald’s of Sandycove (more fondly known as Fitzies by the locals), but your chances of finding a dog chilling out with his owner are far higher. Fitzies is a traditional Irish pub, a popular meeting spot for locals and tourists, or a great spot for a drink after a swim at the Forty Foot. The staff are always friendly and pour a great Guinness – or so I am told (I prefer a glass of wine!).

If you lose track of time and end up missing dinner, do try one of the DPC pizzas – always a winner!

Saoirse McCloskey, Marketing Account Executive

Just before Christmas last year, myself and my family took a trip to the wonderful Glasson Lakehouse. A major pull for us was the fact that it was dog-friendly, so we didn’t have to leave our two year old labrador Bonnie at home. She had never been away, so it was such a novelty to be able to take her on her first holidays! The room they provided for us, specifically designed for accommodating pets, was gorgeous and opened out onto a patio where we could take her directly outside which was ideal. She loved going for walks on the grounds and getting to meet other friendly dogs in the hotel reception where we could sit and enjoy a drink by the fire. I highly recommend this getaway for anyone looking to spend quality time with their furry companion, we all (Bonnie especially), had an amazing time!

Sarah Gill, Staff Writer

Though our family dog Dobby lives at home with my mother, we do as all long distance loves do: we make it work. When he comes to visit me in Galway, the opportunities are endless. Naturally, walks on the prom are essential, but when it comes to venturing into the city itself, we tend to venture straight for Taylor’s Bar. Though there are infinite pup-friendly pubs around, the service here is second to none. Water bowls and little treats, ear scratches and belly rubs, they’ve got them in abundance. Elsewhere, Fairhill on Abbeygate Street do a mean puppuccino, and at Caribou, dogs are not only welcome, but actively encouraged.

At home in Roscommon, Mote Park is always a stunning walk in nature, and nothing beats a spin into Castlerea for a coffee in Benny’s Deli and a walk around the Demesne. I’ve always been tempted to take the little fellow up Sliabh Bawn, but I fear his little legs would simply give out. He is just a humble puggle after all, one step for me is about seven teeny tiny leaps for dogkind.