When Your Dog Visits Donegal

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flexible_blocks_0_wysiwyg_content_block => '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 on in Donegal:

Dungloe River Walk

Woodquarter Forest Trail - Milford

Drumboe Loop Trail - Stranorlar

Moville Slí

Lough Derg Pilgrim Path

 

Our team member Sarah has been letting us know about the places around the county that she brings her dog Lassie. Check out her suggestions below!'
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flexible_blocks_3_wysiwyg_content_block => 'Eating out?

Thanks to “Dog Lovers Donegal” on Facebook, here’s a list of pubs and cafes in Donegal that are dog friendly:
Highands Hotel Glenties
Frosses Coffee Well
Snugborough, Bunagee Letterkeny
Coffe Vibe, Larkin shopping centre, letterkenny
An Capall Mara Killybegs
Beachcomber bar Rathmullan (Outdoor covered)
McGuiness, Culdaff
McGrorys Culdaff
McGowans Redcastle
 Joyces Carndonagh
 Smugglers Rossnowlagh
Marinas Cafe, Donegal town
The Reel Inn, Donegal town
ODonnells Bar and restaurant, Donegal town
Patrick Johnny Sally\'s Dungloe
Ten Arches, Malin town
Hughie\'s Bar, Killybegs
The Dog House Ballybofey
Farrens Bar, Malin Head
The Wheelhouse Cafe, Burtonport
Orchard Bistro,Gleneely Inishowen
Aroma Cafe. Donegal Craft Village
Bridge Inn, Dungloe
Ahoy Cafe Killybegs
Squealing Pig Muff
Evelyn\'s Central bar Carrick
Slieve League Inn
The Strand bar, Maghery
The Rusty Mackerel, Teelin
Kilcar House
John Joes Pub Kilcar
Corner House Ardara
Courthouse cafe Ardara
Honey Pot Coffee House,Letterkenny
The Cottage
Bonners Bar, Mulladuff, Kincasslagh
Buoys and Gulls Bundoran
Ards Coffee Tree
Patsy Dan\'s Bar and adjoining
Rusty Oven
Oysters Dunfanaghy
Ramseys Dunfanaghy
Mollys Dunfanahhy
Shamrock Lodge Falcarragh
Old Glen Bar
Mo Chlann Donegal town
Harbour Bar, Downings
 The Singing Pub
 Carrigart Hotel pub. (Also hotel to stay)
Biddys o Barnes
 Conways Bar Ramelton
Coffee Time Kilmacrennan
McGinleys bar. Ballyshannon
The Cove restaurant Portnablagh
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
Viking House Kincasslagh (also to stay)
Ripples Restaurant Kerrykeel
the Blueberry, Donegal Town
Bridge Inn, Dungloe
The Fleet Inn Killybegs
Laurentic bar Buncrana
John Joes Pub Kilcar
Lennon Bar Ramelton
Crolly distillery
Tara hotel Killybegs
Corner House Ardara
Honey Pot Coffee House,Letterkenny
The Cottage
Bonners Bar, Mulladuff, Kincasslagh
Pirates of the Coffeebean, Narin Portnoo
Teac Billie Gortahork
Buoys and Gulls Bundoran
Foam Bundoran
Phoenix tavern Bundoran
Ards Coffee Tree
Patsy Dan\'s Bar and adjoining
Rusty Oven
Shamrock Lodge Falcarragh
Old Glen Bar (see pic)
Harbour Bar, Downings
 The Singing Pub
 Carrigart Hotel pub. (Also hotel to stay)
Biddys o Barnes
 Conways Bar Ramelton
Coffee Time Kilmacrennan
McGinleys bar. Ballyshannon
The Cove restaurant Portnablagh
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
Old Stone, DonegalvTown
The Salmon Inn Murvagh
Bru lab Letterkenny
Remedy and Brew Killybegs
McIntyres Dunkineely
Thatch bar and Restaurant Glenties
'
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flexible_blocks_5_wysiwyg_content_block => '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 11 am and 7 pm. These areas include well-loved spots across the county (there are 11 Blue flag beaches in Donegal in 2026). 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 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…”'
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