Waterford's gone to the dogs
Waterford is reinforcing its reputation as a great destination for visitors with pets
Waterford has gone to the dogs when it comes to being a welcoming destination for visitors with pets, however, it's all in a very positive way.
The county has reinforced its reputation as one of Ireland’s most welcoming destinations for such visitors with an extensive network of dog-friendly beaches, walks, heritage attractions, dining experiences and accommodation now available across the county.
From coastal adventures to inland heritage gems, Waterford continues to offer one of the most comprehensive pet-friendly tourism experiences in the country.
From the sandy stretches of Tramore Beach to the dramatic cliffs and coves of Dunmore East, Waterford offers a rich coastline where dogs are welcome to explore safely alongside their owners.
A spokesperson for Visit Waterford highlighted how inland, scenic routes such as the Anne Valley Walk provide peaceful woodland walking, while the Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark delivers some of the most striking coastal scenery in Ireland for longer exploratory hikes.
The Waterford Greenway continues to be a key attraction for visitors travelling with dogs.
The 46-kilometre off-road trail connects Waterford City and Dungarvan, passing through a variety of landscapes including the wetlands area at Mount Congreve Gardens, where elevated boardwalks, riverside views and rich biodiversity create a standout stop for nature lovers and their pets.
"Inland heritage and gardens also play a central role in Waterford’s pet-friendly offering," said the spokesperson.
"Visitors can enjoy the beautifully maintained Lismore Castle Gardens and explore the nearby Lismore Heritage Centre, which offers cultural insight into one of Waterford’s most historic towns," she added.
In the city, the leafy People’s Park provides a convenient green space for walkers and their dogs.
Waterford’s cultural and heritage experiences are increasingly accessible to visitors with pets and the Waterford Suir Valley Railway offers scenic journeys through the countryside, while river-based experiences such as Osprey Viking Cruises allow visitors to enjoy Waterford from the water.
Guided experiences, including the Epic Walking Tour, continue to showcase the city’s rich Viking and medieval heritage in an engaging outdoor format.
The county’s tourism infrastructure also supports pet-friendly travel, with key visitor hubs including Bishop’s Palace in Waterford City, the Medieval Museum, the Dungarvan Tourism Office and the Tramore Tourism Office helping visitors plan dog-friendly itineraries across the region.
Waterford’s dining scene has also embraced pet-friendly hospitality.
In Waterford City, Carter’s provides a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for dog owners, while Grow HQ offers a garden-to-plate dining experience where pets are welcome in outdoor spaces.
In Dungarvan, 360 Cookhouse remains a favourite stop for Greenway visitors and in Dunmore East, the Splash Café at Dunmore Adventure Centre offers a scenic harbour setting with outdoor seating overlooking the water, making it a popular stop for walkers and their dogs.
The Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore also extends a warm welcome to canine guests in designated areas, combining coastal luxury with pet-friendly hospitality.
Accommodation across Waterford continues to expand its pet-friendly offering, with a strong mix of hotels, lodges and rural retreats with options including: Faithlegg House Hotel, The Park Hotel Dungarvan, Waterford Castle Lodges, O’Shea’s Hotel in Tramore, Ardmore Glamping Pods, The Haven Hotel, Comeragh Pods and the Mount Congreve Garden Lodges, which offer a unique stay beside one of Ireland’s most celebrated gardens.
Many properties across the county now actively welcome pets, reflecting growing demand for inclusive travel experiences.
"Whether it is beach walks along the Copper Coast, cycling or walking the Greenway, exploring historic gardens and heritage centres, or enjoying a meal in a dog-friendly café, Waterford offers a complete and evolving experience for visitors travelling with pets," said the Visit Waterford spokesperson.
For more information see visitwaterford.com.
