12 Amazing Off-Leash Dog Parks in Ireland 2024: Top Places to Go
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Off-leash dog parks provide a great way for dogs to socialize and exercise. Dogs who frequent off-leash dog parks have been shown to be less aggressive and more well-rounded than those who do not have the opportunity to socialize with other dogs on a regular basis. In addition to socialization, off-leash dog parks provide an opportunity for dogs to get much-needed exercise.
If you’re lucky enough to be traveling to Ireland with your furry friend, you’re in for a treat! Ireland is a dog lover’s paradise, and there are plenty of amazing off-leash experiences to explore with your four-legged pal. The vast majority of these are found in and around the bustling city of Dublin in particular. From scenic coastal walks to forest trails to busy city gardens, here are some of the best off-leash dog parks in Ireland.
The Top 8 Off-Leash Dog Parks Around Dublin
1. 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, during park opening hours, in the dedicated off-leash area |
- This large, fenced area at the park allows your dog to burn off all their extra energy before meandering around at a leisurely pace elsewhere.
- With two gates, there is an added layer of protection for dogs and humans. Two gates prevent dogs from escaping in the event one gate is left open.
- The dog run has picnic benches where you can relax and drink a cup of tea or coffee while watching your dog play. The benches are a great place to sit and chat with other dog owners, or just enjoy the fresh Irish air.
- The drinking water spigot is conveniently located so you can cool off your dog quickly and easily.
2. 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, in the off-leash area during park hours |
- Nestled within a large town park covering 200 acres, there’s plenty of on-leash exploring to do after you check out the off-leash run.
- This park is big dog friendly, however, unfortunately, plans for a separate puppy enclosure were rejected by the council in 2016.
- There’s no water fountain in the dog run, so remember to bring your own.
3. 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, in the off-leash area when the park is open |
- This dog run has good security with two entrances and two gates. If your dog manages to get away from you, the second gate prevents them from leaving the dog run.
- You can enjoy Cabinteely Park’s sprawling 111 acres, and, if you have children, visit the playground.
- This park also boasts a Japanese-style Cafe, grassy meadowland, and a small forest.
4. Killiney Hill Park
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 Killiney Hill, Scalpwilliam, Dublin, Ireland |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Year-round, 24 hours |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Yes, access all areas |
- The fact that your dogs can roam free and off-leash here at all times is a real draw for dog owners
- From the parking lot, you can take a number of different paths and walkways:
- The paths on the right lead you through a forest to the top of Killiney hill, which offers views of the sea and Dublin mountains.
- Through pine trees, the left-hand pathways lead to the Dalkey quarry, from which you can see 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, limited to park hours in the off-leash area |
- There are two gates at the Marlay Dog Park to ensure the safety of your pups.
- Your pet will feel comfortable running around off-leash since there are separate areas for big dogs and small dogs in this park.
- There are waste bins in the dog park so you can dispose of the dog’s fecal waste quickly and easily.
- You should bring water for your dog since there are no water fountains.
- It can get muddy here so don’t forget to bring your rain boots if it has been raining recently.
- The rest of Marlay Park is a fantastic location to explore on-leash, with over 20 designer Irish boutiques, one of Ireland’s best playgrounds, and delicious coffee shops on site.
6. Shanganagh Dog Park
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 Shankill, Dublin, Dublin 18 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Year-round, 24 hours |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Yes |
- This 24-hour dog park is perfect for those who work long office hours but still want their dogs to burn off some excess energy.
- There is no need to worry about traffic in this grassy park since it is completely fenced in.
- Dog feces can be disposed of hygienically in the trash cans located throughout the park.
- Despite local campaigns and petitions, water isn’t available onsite, so if your dog likes to work up a thirst, make sure to bring a bottle with you.
7. St. Anne’s Dog Park
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 Clontarf East, Dublin |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Year-round, all park: 10:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.,6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m., dog run 10:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m. |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Yes, in the whole park during indicated hours |
- All of St. Anne’s Park is off-leash for the first hour after it opens and the last hour before it closes.
- During the rest of the day, your pooch can run around in the large fenced-in area next to the model car track.
- Wood chips have been spread on the ground in the enclosed area to prevent muddy paws.
- On a hot day, your dog can run around in the shade of the trees.
- There are two waste stations, a water station to fill water bottles, and benches to relax on.
- You can socialize your smaller-sized or younger dog at the park’s separate small dog run.
- Over an acre of woodland, hills, and undergrowth makes this park a favorite of dogs.
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, in the off-leash area only during park opening hours |
- You can burn off some extra energy with your dog at Tymon Dog Park before making a leisurely stroll around the rest of the park
- Among its 300 acres of lakes, fields, and woodlands, this park covers both sides of the M50, providing plenty of room for leashed dogs to roam.
- There are two double-gated entrances to the fenced area to keep dogs from breaking out.
- While the puppies play, the humans can relax on the many park benches around.
- Be aware that this site may have issues with flooding at one end if there has been heavy rain.
The Top 4 Off-Leash Dog Parks Outside of Dublin
9. Arklow Dog Park
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 Seaview Ave, Ferrybank, Arklow, Co. Wicklow, Ireland |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Year-round, 24 hours |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Yes |
- This park has something for every dog, with three different sections for dogs of various sizes, including an area for puppies.
- Your dog can run through tunnels and tracks, cross bridges and bounce off bouncy tires, dig in fresh grass, and skip across soft, inviting sand.
10. 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 |
- Dogs can be trained at the dog park using the agility equipment located there.
- Within a generous double-gated and enclosed area, there is plenty of room for pets to run and play.
- Thirsty pups can get refreshed at the water tap.
- Trash cans are provided for your dog’s waste.
11. Pamela’s Dog Park
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 Wicklow SPCA, Sharpeshill Animal Sanctuary, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow, Ireland |
| 🕐 Open Times: | By appointment (details here) |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Yes |
- The park features an agility course, complete with tunnels, fences, and hurdles of varying sizes, so your dog is sure to enjoy it.
- Slots must be pre-booked in advance by contacting the park’s manager, Suzanne.
- The dog park does not require a fee to be able to use it, but donations are greatly appreciated.
12. The Murrough Dog Park
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 Corporation Land (1st Division), Wicklow, Ireland |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Year-round, 24 hours |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Yes |
- A fun environment that is safe and enjoyable for dogs and dog owners to meet and socialize in.
- This is a well-equipped dog park with a variety of surfaces that are dog safe.
- Several structures are available in this dog park so dogs can practice their agility skills.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 12 off-leash dog parks in Ireland are the perfect places to bring your furry friend for a day of fun. With plenty of space to run and play, these parks are sure to tire out even the most energetic of pups. So, next time you’re looking for a place to take your dog for a little exercise, be sure to check out one of these amazing off-leash parks.
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Featured Image Credit: Wade Austin Ellis, Unsplash
