When your dog visits Donegal

Dogs are another member of the family and when you’re taking a short break you may want to bring them with you. There’s plenty of places to walk and feed them and we’ve put a few our favourites below. Please keep in mind that respecting other walkers is essential so dogs should be on a leash and kept under effective control. If you do let your dog off its leash, be sure to do so in a designated area.
 

Here’s five great trails to bring your dog to in Donegal!

https://www.govisitdonegal.com/things-to-do/activities/dungloe-river-walk-sli-dhun-na-ngall 

https://www.govisitdonegal.com/things-to-do/activities/woodquarter-forest-trail 

https://www.govisitdonegal.com/things-to-do/activities/drumboe-loop-trail 

https://www.govisitdonegal.com/things-to-do/activities/moville-sli 

https://www.govisitdonegal.com/things-to-do/activities/lough-derg-pilgram-path

Eating out?

Thanks to “Dog Lovers Donegal” on Facebook, here’s a list of pubs and cafes in Donegal that are dog friendly:

🐕Marinas Cafe, Donegal town
🐕Lily's bar Malin
🐕Patrick Johnny Sally's Dungloe
🐕The Dog House Ballybofey
🐕Farrens Bar, Malin Head
🐕The Wheelhouse Cafe, Burtonport
🐕Orchard Bistro,Gleneely Inishowen
🐕Aroma Cafe. Donegal Craft Village
🐕Ahoy Cafe Killybegs
🐕Evelyn's Central bar Carrick
🐕Slieve Legue Inn
🐕The Rusty Mackerel, Teelin
🐕Kilcar House
🐕Corner House Ardara
🐕Honey Pot Coffee House,Letterkenny
🐕The Cottage
🐕Bonners Bar, Mulladuff, Kincasslagh
🐕Teac Billie Gortahork
🐕Buoys and Gulls Bundoran
🐕Ards Coffee Tree
🐕Patsy Dan's Bar and adjoining
🐕Rusty Oven
🐕Shamrock Lodge Falcarragh
🐕Old Glen Bar
🐕Harbour Bar, Downings
🐕 The Singing Pub
🐕Biddys o Barnes
🐕 Conways Bar Ramelton
🐕Coffee Time Kilmacrennan
🐕McGinleys bar. Ballyshannon
🐕Pin Tavern Letterkenny
🐕Glen Bar Carndonagh
🐕Salthill Cabin, Big Pier Mountcharles
🐕Lagoon restaurant and Guest house Termon
🐕Beehive Bar Ardara
🐕Dawros Bay House and Joes Seafood bar Rossbeg
🐕Simple Simons, Donegal town
🐕Ripples Restaurant Kerrykeel
🐕the Blueberry, Donegal Town
🐕Bridge Inn, Dungloe

Fancy a beach walk with your pooch? The county has some absolutely stunning beaches, but there are a few things to know before you pack the toys and water bowl.

1. Blue Flag beaches have time-specific leash rules
From June 1 to September 15, beachgoers must keep their dogs out of Blue Flag zones between 12 pm and 7 pm. These areas include well-loved spots across the county (there are 14 Blue flag beaches in Donegal in 2025). Outside these hours, your pooch can join you in these zones—but must stay under control or on a leash no longer than two metres. Assistance dogs? They’re the VIPs (or VIDs!) and are welcome anytime.

2. Other beaches (or out of season) mean fewer rules—…mostly
On non-Blue Flag beaches, or outside of the bathing season, dogs are generally fine—just keep them under control or on a short leash. Always check the signage or council details just in case there are special local rules.

3. Licensing, collars, and muzzling—yes, they matter
Every dog must be licensed and wear a collar with your contact info. If the breed carries restrictions, a muzzle and strong lead are mandatory—even on the beach.

4. Fines are real, and enforcement is ramping up
Recent efforts have seen more dog warden patrols across north-west Donegal. Owners caught with dogs out of control can face up to a €300 fine, and if your pooch isn’t licensed? That’ll set you back €150.

5. Why all the rules?
It’s all about preserving the pristine standards of Blue Flag beaches. The regulations are key to keeping the water and environment safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone—including dogs.

6. Cleaning up
Your dog cannot clean up after itself! Dog owners/walkers are encouraged to carry poop bags with them when out for a stroll with their pooch because you never just know when Fido might just decide “now’s the time…”