In this article
Off-Leash dog parks are a great way to let your dog have some fun. Getting exercise and socializing with other dogs are both crucial for doggie health. Whether you’re looking for a place to take your pooch for some off-leash play or just want a safe environment where they can be allowed to roam freely, these Irish off-leash dog parks are a perfect solution. Not only can these spaces provide much-needed physical exercise and mental stimulation for our furry friends, but it also allows us humans to socialize and meet up with other pet owners.
Dog owners in Ireland will find plenty of exciting opportunities when they visit these off-leash areas, including walking trails, agility courses, and even swimming spots! The parks also feature benches, trees, and shaded areas to give your pup a break from all the activity. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or just want some quality time with your furry friend, there’s something for everyone at one of Ireland’s many off-leash dog parks.
The 14 Off-Leash Dog Parks in Ireland
Dublin Dog Parks
1. Cabinteely Park
| ️ Address: | Bray Rd, Cabinteely, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland |
| Open Times: | September 8.00 a.m.–8.00 p.m. October 8.00 a.m.–7.00 p.m. November–January 8.00 a.m.–5.00 p.m. February 8.00 a.m.–6.00 p.m. March 8.00 a.m.–7.00 p.m. April 8.00 a.m.–8.00 p.m. May, June, July, August 8.00 a.m.–10.30 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, when the park is open in the off-leash area |
- Two gates and two entrances provide good security for this dog run. In the event that your dog gets away from you, the second gate will prevent them from escaping the dog run.
- The 111 acres of Cabinteely Park are a great place to spend the day. If you have children, you can visit the playground for some family fun.
- There are great amenities. There is also a Japanese-style café located here as well as grassy meadows and a tiny forest within this park.
2. Corkagh Park
| ️ Address: | Naas Rd, Newlands Cross, Dublin 22, Ireland |
| Open Times: | November, December, and January 10.00 a.m.–5.00 p.m. February and March 10.00 a.m.–6.00 p.m. April and October 10.00 a.m.–7.00 p.m. May and September 10.00 a.m.–8.00 p.m. June, July, and August 10.00 a.m.–9.00 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, in designated off-leash areas during park opening hours |
- Dogs can burn off their extra energy in the park’s large, fenced area before wandering around at their leisure.
- Having two gates adds an additional layer of protection for dogs and humans. If one gate is left open, dogs cannot escape.
- You can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee on picnic benches at the dog run while watching your dog play. Whether you’re chatting with other dog owners or just enjoying the fresh air of Ireland, the benches are the perfect place to sit.
- There is a drinking water spigot conveniently located for quick and easy drinking for your dog.
3. Griffeen Valley Dog Park
| ️ Address: | 10-, 24 Johnsbridge Park, Lucan, Co. Dublin, Ireland |
| Open Times: | November, December, and January 10.00 a.m.–5.00 p.m. February and March 10.00 a.m.–6.00 p.m. April and October 10.00 a.m.–7.00 p.m. May and September 10.00 a.m.–8.00 p.m. June, July, and August 10.00 a.m.–9.00 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, during park hours in the off-leash area |
- After checking out the off-leash run, you can explore the town park’s 200 acres on-leash.
- Big dogs are welcome at this park.
- The council, unfortunately, rejected plans for a separate puppy enclosure in 2016.
- The dog run does not have a water fountain, so remember to bring your own water with you.
4. Killiney Hill Park
| ️ Address: | Killiney Hill, Scalpwilliam, Dublin, Ireland |
| Open Times: | Year-round, 24 hours |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, fully off-leash |
- Nestled in one of Dublin’s most exclusive suburbs with great views of the surrounding neighborhood and Dublin Bay,
- Dogs can scamper about leash-free 24/7.
- The perfect spot for an after-work ramble.
- The path splits into several routes from the parking lot:
- On the right, paths thread through the forest to the summit of Killiney Hill, offering spectacular vistas of the bay and Dublin mountains
- On the left, the pathway descends through pine trees, leading down to Dalkey quarry, with views over South Dublin
5. Dog Park at Marlay Park
| ️ Address: | Marlay Park House, Grange Rd, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16 |
| Open Times: | Year-round, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, but only during park hours in the off-leash area |
- At Marlay Dog Park, your pups are protected by two gates.
- Having separate areas for big dogs and small dogs means your pet will have no problem running around off-leash.
- You can quickly and easily dispose of your pooch’s poop in the dog park’s trash cans.
- Water fountains are not available at the park, so bring water for your dog.
- Bring your rain boots if it has been raining recently, as it can get muddy here.
- As for the rest of Marlay Park, it offers more than a dozen designer Irish boutiques, a great playground, and gourmet coffee shops, making it a great place to hang out for a day.
6. Shanganagh Dog Park
| ️ Address: | Shankill, Dublin, Dublin 18 |
| Open Times: | Year-round, 24 hours |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- If you work long office hours but want your dog to burn off some excess energy, this 24-hour dog park is ideal.
- As the park is securely fenced in, you won’t have to worry about traffic or other safety issues.
- Throughout the park, there are trash cans for disposing of dog waste hygienically.
- If your dog enjoys working up a thirst, make sure to bring a bottle of water. Despite local campaigns and petitions, water isn’t available on site.
7. St. Anne’s Dog Park
| ️ Address: | Clontarf East, Dublin |
| Open Times: | Year-round, park: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, during the hours indicated, although this may change in the future |
- The first hour after the park opening and the last hour before the park closing, all of St. Anne’s Park is off-leash. However, this may be changed in the future, so make sure to double-check before heading there.
- The large fenced-in area next to the model car track is your pooch’s playground option during the rest of the day.
- In the enclosed area, wood chips have been spread on the ground to keep paws from getting muddy.
- There are great facilities with two waste areas, a water station for hydration, and benches for relaxing.
- There is a separate small dog run in the park where you can socialize your dog if it is smaller or younger.
- There is more than an acre of woodland, hills, and undergrowth in this dog-friendly park.
8. Tymon Park
| ️ Address: | Tallaght, Dublin |
| Open Times: | November, December, and January 10.00 a.m.–5.00 p.m., February and March 10.00 a.m.–6.00 p.m., April and October 10.00 a.m.–7.00 p.m., May and September 10.00 a.m.–8.00 p.m., June, July, and August 10.00 a.m.–9.00 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, during park opening hours only in the off-leash area |
- Tymon Dog Park is the perfect place to burn off extra energy before strolling around the rest of the park with your dog.
- In addition to its 300 acres of lakes, fields, and woodlands, this park covers both sides of the M50, giving leashed dogs plenty of space.
- The fenced area is protected by two double gates to prevent Houdini dogs from escaping.
- Several park benches are available for humans to relax while puppies play.
- Heavy rains may cause flooding at one end of this site.
Rest of the Country
9. Arklow Dog Park
| ️ Address: | Seaview Ave, Ferrybank, Arklow, Co. Wicklow, Ireland |
| Open Times: | Year-round, 24 hours |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- With three separate sections for dogs of various sizes, including a puppy area, this dog park has something for everyone.
- There are tunnels and tracks that your dog can run through, bridges that your dog can cross, and bouncy tires they can bounce off of.
- With plenty of fresh grass and soft, inviting sand—both ideal surfaces for dogs to dig.
10. Greystones/Charlesland Dog Park
| ️ Address: | Charlesland, Greystones, Co. Wicklow, Ireland |
| Open Times: | Year-round, 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- There is agility equipment at the dog park that can be used to train dogs.
- Pets have plenty of room to run and play in an enclosed, double-gated area.
- The water tap is in a convenient place to refresh thirsty dogs.
- For the disposal of your dog’s waste, there are trash cans provided in the area.
11. Mullingar Dog Park
| ️ Address: | Royal Canal Way, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Ireland |
| Open Times: | Year-round, 24 hours |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- The dog park is clean, well-kept, and a great asset to the area.
- The signposting is not great, so getting there is tricky. Be sure to park on the right side of the canal.
- Water is not available at the park, so bring your own.
- An outdoor bench where you can sit.
- There are separate areas for large and small dogs.
- Due to the gap in the gates, miniature dogs (under 12 pounds) would easily fit through, so this park might not suit very small dogs.
12. Pamela’s Dog Park
| ️ Address: | Wicklow SPCA, Sharpeshill Animal Sanctuary, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow, Ireland |
| Open Times: | N/A |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Among the park’s attractions are tunnels, fences, and hurdles for agility training
- Dogs of all sizes will enjoy this park.
- Pre-booking is required by contacting the park’s manager.
- Donations are greatly appreciated, but there is no fee to use the dog park.
13. River Nore Linear Park
| ️ Address: | Riverside Dr, Bishopsmeadows, Kilkenny, Ireland |
| Open Times: | Year-round, 24 hours |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- It’s clear that the park is very clean, and there’s no dog mess to be seen.
- There is no slope, so the walk is perfect for buggies, wheelchairs, and kids riding bikes or scooters.
- There are cyclists, so not all dogs will be comfortable on this path. However, with two parallel paths, everyone has plenty of room to move around.
- There are a couple of places where you can find outdoor gym equipment.
- At night the walk is illuminated only up to a certain point.
14. The Murrough Dog Park
| ️ Address: | Corporation Land (1st Division), Wicklow, Ireland |
| Open Times: | Year-round, 24 hours |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Dog owners and their dogs can meet and socialize in a safe and enjoyable environment.
- There are several dog-friendly surfaces in this well-equipped dog park.
- Dogs can practice agility skills on various structures in this dog park.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ireland is a great place for dog owners. You’ll find an amazing selection of off-leash areas in the capital city of Dublin and a smattering around the rest of the country. Whether you’re looking for a local park, beach, or forest, there’s an option for everyone. The key to finding the perfect spot is to do your research. You need to know the rules of each area and always obey the posted signs.
With all these tips in mind, Ireland is sure to provide you with some great spots for your canine companion—each of these locations provides ample space for dogs to run and play in a safe environment. Dog parks in Ireland are a great way to meet and socialize with other pet owners from the area.
See Also:
Featured Image Credit: arturs.stiebrins, Shutterstock
