Updated On: March 11, 2026
Dublin is one of the best cities in Ireland for walking with dogs. From coastal cliff paths and seaside promenades to large parks and peaceful canal walks, there are plenty of dog-friendly places where dogs can stretch their legs and explore.
At Paws Friendly, walks are selected based on accessibility, scenery, and feedback from local dog owners. Whether you're looking for an off-lead park, a relaxed canal stroll, or a coastal walk with sea views, these routes offer some of the best dog-friendly walking spots around Dublin.
If you're looking for great places to walk your dog around Dublin, these routes are some of the most popular with local dog owners.
Howth Cliff Walk
St Anne’s Park
Phoenix Park
Dún Laoghaire Pier
Clontarf Promenade
Grand Canal Walk (Portobello)
Killiney Hill Walk
Bull Island / Dollymount Strand
Dodder River Walk
Herbert Park
Dalkey Quarry Walk
Poolbeg Lighthouse Walk
These are some of the best places to walk your dog in Dublin, including coastal paths, large parks, and scenic trails both in the city and nearby.
Dublin’s coastline offers some of the most scenic dog walks in Ireland. With sea views, fresh air, and wide open paths, these walks are perfect for dogs that love exploring outdoors.
Walk Type: Coastal cliff walk
Dog Policy: Dogs allowed on lead
One of the most famous walks near Dublin, the Howth Cliff Walk offers dramatic views across Dublin Bay and several trail options depending on how long you want to explore. The path winds along the cliffs above the harbour and is especially popular on weekends with walkers and dog owners alike.
Nearby dog-friendly stop: Off Grid Coffee After the walk, stop for coffee at Off Grid Coffee, one of the most popular dog-friendly cafés in Dublin.
Walk Type: Harbour promenade
Dog Policy: Dogs allowed on lead
The long harbour walls at Dún Laoghaire create one of the most popular seaside walks in Dublin. The route is flat, easy to follow, and offers wide views across the bay. It's a great option for a relaxed walk with your dog before stopping for coffee nearby.
Nearby dog-friendly cafés: Bibi’s Café, Shoe Lane Coffee
Walk Type: Seafront promenade
Dog Policy: Dogs allowed on lead
The Clontarf promenade stretches along Dublin Bay and is one of the easiest coastal walks in the city. The flat path runs beside the water and connects several parks and cafés along the route.
Nearby dog-friendly stop: After your walk along the promenade, you’ll find several dog-friendly restaurants in Dublin nearby where dogs are welcome inside.
Dublin’s parks offer large green spaces and peaceful walking paths that are ideal for longer walks with dogs.
Walk Type: Park trails and open grassland
Dog Policy: Dogs must be under control
Phoenix Park is one of the largest enclosed city parks in Europe and offers miles of walking routes through open grassland, woodland areas, and historic parkland.
Walk Type: Park paths and woodland trails
Dog Policy: Off-lead dog park available
St Anne’s Park is one of the most popular parks for dog owners in Dublin thanks to its large open spaces and dedicated dog park area. Woodland trails, gardens, and wide fields make it a great place for longer walks.
Nearby dog-friendly café: The Orange Goat
Walk Type: Urban park loop
Dog Policy: Dogs allowed on lead
Herbert Park is a smaller but beautifully maintained park located in Dublin 4. The walking loop around the park is perfect for a relaxed stroll, and the surrounding neighborhood has several dog-friendly cafés.
Nearby dog-friendly café: After your walk, it’s an easy stop at Lolly and Cooks, one of the best dog-friendly cafés in Dublin.
After your walk, continue exploring the city with these guides:
Not every great dog walk in Dublin requires leaving the city centre. Several scenic routes follow the city’s canals and rivers, offering peaceful walking paths, historic bridges, and plenty of spots to stop along the way.
The Grand Canal Walk is one of the most picturesque city walks in Dublin. The tree-lined path runs alongside the historic canal, passing colourful Georgian buildings and quiet residential streets.
Nearby dog-friendly cafés and restaurants can be found throughout the Portobello area.
Walk Type: Canal-side city walk
Dog Policy: Dogs allowed on lead
Portobello Quay is one of the most charming sections of the Grand Canal. The quiet waterside path, historic bridges, and surrounding cafés make it a favorite spot for locals walking their dogs.
It’s particularly nice in the early morning or evening when the canal reflects the surrounding Georgian architecture.
Walk Type: River walk and greenway
Dog Policy: Dogs allowed on lead
The River Dodder Walk follows the Dodder River through several neighborhoods in South Dublin, offering a quieter alternative to the busier city parks. The route passes through wooded sections, open green areas, and several pedestrian bridges.
It’s a great option for longer walks with dogs away from the busiest parts of the city.
Exploring Dublin on foot is one of the best ways to experience the city. If you're visiting with your dog, several guided walking tours welcome well-behaved dogs and offer a great way to discover Dublin’s history, architecture, and hidden streets.
If you’re willing to travel a short distance outside the city, there are several scenic walks along the Dublin and Wicklow coastline that are popular with dogs and their owners.
Walk Type: Woodland hill walk
Dog Policy: Dogs allowed on lead
Killiney Hill offers one of the best viewpoints near Dublin. The woodland trails lead up to panoramic views across Dublin Bay, Bray Head, and the Wicklow Mountains.
The walk is relatively short but rewarding, making it a popular outing for dog owners looking for a scenic escape from the city.
Nearby cafés can be found in Dalkey village.
Walk Type: Hill and quarry trails
Dog Policy: Dogs allowed on lead
Dalkey Quarry is a lesser-known walking area located just above Dalkey village. The trails wind through rocky terrain and grassy paths with views across the coast.
It’s a peaceful alternative to busier coastal walks and offers several interesting paths to explore.
Nearby stop: Dalkey village cafés and pubs.
Walk Type: Coastal cliff walk
Dog Policy: Dogs allowed on lead
The Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk is one of the most famous coastal walks near Dublin. The path follows the cliffs between the towns of Bray and Greystones, offering spectacular views across the Irish Sea.
Many visitors walk one direction and return by train, making it an easy and enjoyable day trip from Dublin with your dog.
Nearby towns: Bray and Greystones both offer dog-friendly cafés and restaurants.
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