Dogs on trains, trams and buses in Ireland
What each operator's own website says about bringing a pet dog on board, and the separate rules for guide and assistance dogs.
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.
Irish Rail (Iarnrod Eireann)
Small pet dogs on trains
Small dogs travel free if they sit on the owner's lap. The dog must be on a lead at all times unless it is in a basket or suitable container. If another passenger objects, the owner is asked to move to another part of the train. Staff may refuse animals that are too large, misbehaving or disruptive.
Source: irishrail.ie, checked 11 November 2026.
Larger dogs on Intercity trains (Guards Van)
Dogs that are not small lap dogs may only travel in the Guards Van (non-passenger area) on Dublin/Cork and Dublin/Belfast Intercity trains, for a charge. They must be collared and chained, muzzled and labelled. If a train has no guards van, such dogs cannot travel.
Source: irishrail.ie, checked 11 November 2026.
Restricted breeds on trains
Dogs on the restricted breeds list must be muzzled while travelling on Irish Rail services.
Source: irishrail.ie, checked 11 November 2026.
Guide and assistance dogs on trains
Guide and assistance dogs can travel on all Irish Rail services, one per passenger. Assistance dogs should wear their official coat, medallion and lead, and guide dogs their official coat and harness, so staff can identify them.
Source: irishrail.ie, checked 11 November 2026.
Luas
Pet dogs on Luas
Luas's FAQ says dogs other than guide dogs may travel only in an enclosed pet carrier case or box, at the discretion of Luas staff. Its Passenger Behaviour page says no animals are allowed except guide dogs, so the two pages disagree. Expect to be refused without a carrier.
Dublin Bus
Pet dogs on Dublin Bus
There is no general rule allowing pets. Under the bye-law, as Transport for Ireland quotes it, you must not bring an animal on board if it is likely to cause annoyance, and Dublin Bus staff decide.
Source: transportforireland.ie, checked 11 November 2026.
Bus Eireann
Pet dogs on Bus Eireann
Transport for Ireland says dogs, cats and other animals are not allowed on board Bus Eireann services. Guide and assistance dogs are the exception.
Source: transportforireland.ie, checked 11 November 2026.
Go-Ahead Ireland
Pet dogs on Go-Ahead Ireland buses
Transport for Ireland says smaller animals may travel on your lap, not on a seat. Go-Ahead uses its discretion and will decline any animal likely to cause annoyance or damage.
Source: transportforireland.ie, checked 11 November 2026.
Assistance dogs on Go-Ahead Ireland buses
Assistance dogs must wear identification and should not block the aisle or travel on seats. There is no limit on how many can travel, but the driver decides based on crowding.
Source: goaheadireland.ie, checked 11 November 2026.
Transport for Ireland (TFI)
Guide and assistance dogs on all TFI services
Guide dogs and assistance dogs are permitted on all TFI services (bus, rail, Luas).
Source: transportforireland.ie, nationaltransport.ie, checked 11 November 2026.
National Transport Authority (NTA)
Proposed new TFI pet policy (not yet in force)
The NTA has proposed one pet policy for all TFI services: small dogs in carriers, and larger dogs on a lead and muzzled, with access refused when services are busy. The NTA says the bye-laws and conditions of carriage still have to be drafted, so each operator's current rules apply until then.
Source: nationaltransport.ie, nationaltransport.ie, checked 11 November 2026.