Dogs in Ireland's national parks, forests and Blue Flag beaches
The dog rules published by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Coillte and the Blue Flag programme.
Every rule below links to the official page we read it on. Checked 11 November 2026. Rules change, so check the operator's page before you travel.
NPWS, Killarney National Park
Dogs in Killarney National Park
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times within the National Park. Owners must carry bagged dog poo home.
Source: nationalparks.ie, checked 11 November 2026.
NPWS, Wicklow Mountains National Park
Dogs in Wicklow Mountains National Park
All dogs must be on a lead at all times. The park asks visitors not to bring dogs at busy times, 10am to 5pm.
Source: nationalparks.ie, checked 11 November 2026.
NPWS, Glenveagh National Park
Dogs in Glenveagh National Park
Dogs are welcome but must stay on the lead. They are not allowed in the Visitor Centre, the Castle or on the shuttle buses, except service dogs. The park also marks some dog-free areas, including the Walled Garden, so check its dog policy before you go.
Source: nationalparks.ie, nationalparks.ie, checked 11 November 2026.
NPWS, Connemara National Park
Dogs in Connemara National Park
Dogs are welcome and must be on a lead at all times.
Source: nationalparks.ie, checked 11 November 2026.
NPWS, Burren National Park
Dogs in Burren National Park
Dogs are welcome but only on a lead, at all times. Some areas are grazed by livestock at certain times of year.
Source: nationalparks.ie, checked 11 November 2026.
NPWS, Wild Nephin National Park
Dogs in Wild Nephin National Park
Dogs on leads are welcome, but only service dogs are allowed in the buildings. Dogs must be on a lead at all times.
Source: nationalparks.ie, checked 11 November 2026.
Coillte
Dogs in Coillte forests
Dogs can be walked in Coillte forests but must be under effective control: they must come when called, otherwise they must be on a lead. Restricted or controlled breeds must be on a lead and muzzled.
Source: coillte.ie, checked 11 November 2026.
An Taisce, Blue Flag Ireland
Dogs on Blue Flag beaches
Dogs other than assistance dogs are not allowed on a Blue Flag beach or in the Blue Flag area of a larger beach during the award season, which matches the bathing season. Rules vary by county and time of day and year.
Source: beachawards.ie, checked 11 November 2026.