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Essential Pet Travel Tips for Galway

🇮🇪Galway, Ireland·Updated 3 May 2026

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Galway is one of Ireland's most pet-tolerant cities — pub culture welcomes dogs, free public transport, year-round coastal walks, and a 24/7 vet hospital. Irish pet entry rules are stricter than the EU norm (tapeworm treatment required) but Ireland accepts the EU pet passport.

💡 Quick Tips

1.Ireland accepts the EU pet passport — same rabies vaccine + microchip rules as the rest of the EU. PLUS mandatory tapeworm treatment (praziquantel) given by a vet 24-120 hours before arrival, recorded in the passport.
2.Banned breeds in Ireland (1998 list): 11 breeds including Pit Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Rottweiler. They CAN enter Ireland but must be muzzled and on a strong leash in public.
3.Galway weather is famously rainy — 220+ rainy days per year. Pack a dog raincoat and microfiber towel; pubs/cafés routinely keep towels by the door.
4.Arriving from UK: Stena Line ferry Holyhead-Dublin (3h15) or DFDS Liverpool-Belfast — dogs in vehicle. Then 2h30 train Dublin-Galway (Bus Éireann option also).
5.Galway Airport is small — for international flights, use Shannon (1h south) or Dublin (2h30 east). Aer Lingus accepts dogs in cabin (under 8 kg) on European routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Galway a good city to visit with a dog?

Yes — among the top dog-friendly cities in Ireland, after Dublin. Pub culture welcomes dogs, free public transport, year-round coastal walks at Salthill and Silver Strand, easy day trips to Connemara and the Cliffs of Moher, and 24/7 emergency vets. The famously rainy weather is the main constraint.

Do I need special documentation for Ireland?

Yes. EU pet passport with valid rabies vaccination + microchip + MANDATORY tapeworm treatment (praziquantel) given by a vet 24-120 hours before arrival, recorded in the passport. Same rule as UK/Finland/Norway/Malta.

Are there breed restrictions in Ireland?

11 'restricted' breeds (Pit Bull, Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Rottweiler, Bull Mastiff, German Shepherd, Doberman, English Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier) MUST be muzzled and on a strong leash in public. They CAN enter Ireland.

Pet-Friendly Hotels in Galway

Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.

Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate

★★★★★ · 9.1/10

€295/night

The Hardiman

★★★★ · 8.9/10

€220/night

The Galmont Hotel & Spa

★★★★ · 8.6/10

€180/night

See all hotels →Compare on Booking.com →

More Galway guides

🍽️Restaurants 🌳Parks & Walks 🚇Transport 🏖️Beaches 🏥Vets 🏛️Attractions 🐶Pet Sitting

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💡 Quick Tips

1.Ireland accepts the EU pet passport — same rabies vaccine + microchip rules as the rest of the EU. PLUS mandatory tapeworm treatment (praziquantel) given by a vet 24-120 hours before arrival, recorded in the passport.

2.Banned breeds in Ireland (1998 list): 11 breeds including Pit Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Rottweiler. They CAN enter Ireland but must be muzzled and on a strong leash in public.

3.Galway weather is famously rainy — 220+ rainy days per year. Pack a dog raincoat and microfiber towel; pubs/cafés routinely keep towels by the door.

4.Arriving from UK: Stena Line ferry Holyhead-Dublin (3h15) or DFDS Liverpool-Belfast — dogs in vehicle. Then 2h30 train Dublin-Galway (Bus Éireann option also).

5.Galway Airport is small — for international flights, use Shannon (1h south) or Dublin (2h30 east). Aer Lingus accepts dogs in cabin (under 8 kg) on European routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Galway a good city to visit with a dog?

Do I need special documentation for Ireland?

Are there breed restrictions in Ireland?