There is nothing quite like a Sunday in autumn or winter: bundling up for a crisp walk, working up a hearty appetite, and heading into a warm, welcoming pub for a roast dinner piled high with roasties and rich gravy. The only challenge is finding somewhere that genuinely welcomes your dog to curl up right beside you.
If you are looking for a dog friendly Sunday lunch in Ireland, you do not have to leave your pup behind. From a Dublin gastropub a stone’s throw from the coast to a historic mountain tavern in Donegal, pubs across the country are opening their doors to dogs indoors.
Whether you crave a traditional carvery plate or a slow roasted sirloin with all the trimmings, here are four standout spots across Ireland to enjoy a proper Sunday roast with your dog.
1. The Merrion Inn, Ballsbridge (Dublin)
Situated on Merrion Road in Ballsbridge, The Merrion Inn is a family run gastropub that delivers top quality food in a prime location for dog owners. Its proximity to Sandymount makes it exceptionally easy to pair a seaside stroll with a hearty meal.
Sunday food service begins at 12.30pm, with last orders taken at 8pm. The Sunday Roast menu changes with the seasons, but you can count on classic roasts accompanied by creamy mashed potato, duck fat roasties, a homemade potato croquette, and fresh seasonal vegetables.
The Merrion Inn goes well beyond simply offering a drafty outdoor bench. Well behaved dogs are warmly welcomed inside, with fresh water and dog treats ready on arrival. You do not need to book a separate dog table, but reserving your Sunday spot in advance is strongly recommended.
- Location: 188 Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
- Sunday Food Service: 12.30pm to 8pm
- Dog Policy: Well behaved dogs welcome inside and in outdoor areas; dog treats and fresh water provided.
- Reservations: Available online; mention your dog when booking.
- Walk Pairing: Sandymount Strand for a low tide run on the sand.
For more information click here.
2. Sweeney’s of Kilbride, Priestown (County Meath)
For anyone whose idea of heaven is a traditional carvery line, Sweeney’s of Kilbride is an absolute must visit. Located in Priestown, County Meath, this family run gastropub sits roughly 15 minutes outside Dublin, making it an easy weekend escape.
The Sunday carvery runs from 12.30pm until 3pm. Plates are loaded with comforting staples like roast beef or roast turkey and ham, served alongside creamy mash, crisp roast potatoes, seasonal veg, and homemade gravy.
Sweeney’s sets a high bar for dog friendly dining. Well behaved dogs are welcome inside and outside in dedicated spaces. Along with fresh bowls of water, your dog can tuck into their very own dedicated doggie menu featuring grilled chicken, two bangers, doggie ice cream, and treats.
- Location: Priestown, Kilbride, County Meath
- Sunday Carvery Hours: 12.30pm to 3pm
- Dog Policy: Dogs welcome in designated indoor and outdoor spaces; dedicated doggie menu and fresh water available.
- Reservations: Walk ins welcome for groups under 10; bookings accepted for groups of 10 or more.
- Walk Pairing: County Meath countryside trails, forest loops, and river walks.
For more information click here.
3. Black Bull Inn, Drogheda (County Louth)
A fixture on the Dublin Road in Drogheda for more than four decades, the Black Bull Inn is a vibrant gastropub with a lively, energetic atmosphere.
Food is served throughout Sunday from 12pm until 9pm. Roast dinner lovers can choose between slow roasted sirloin of beef accompanied by roast potatoes, honey glazed root vegetables, greens, and Yorkshire pudding, or a roast chicken supreme with savoury stuffing and trimmings.
Well behaved dogs are welcome indoors and outdoors, with water bowls and a dedicated dog menu available. Because specific pet friendly table allocations can fill up quickly, let the staff know you have a dog with you when booking your table.
- Location: Dublin Road, Drogheda, County Louth
- Sunday Food Service: 12pm to 9pm
- Dog Policy: Well behaved dogs accepted inside and outdoors; water bowls and dog menu provided.
- Reservations: Available; mention your dog when reserving.
- Walk Pairing: The 4.5km Boyne Greenway from St Dominic’s Park to Oldbridge along the river.
For more information click here.
4. Biddy’s O’Barnes, Barnesmore Gap (County Donegal)
If your ideal weekend involves rugged hills and an open turf fire, Biddy’s O’Barnes in Barnesmore Gap is hard to beat. Perched beside the Lowerymore River at the foot of the Bluestack Mountains, this family run coaching inn has welcomed visitors for over 150 years.
Sunday service runs from 12pm to 8pm, showcasing traditional roasts made with quality local ingredients, including premium cuts from McConnell’s Butchers in Ballybofey. Expect generous helpings of roast beef, tender vegetables, golden roasties, and rich gravies.
Dogs are permitted inside two designated character areas: the Old Bar and The Greenhouse, as well as the beer garden during milder weather. Biddy’s operates mainly on a walk in basis, so arrive early and let the front of house team seat you in one of the dog friendly rooms.
- Location: Barnesmore Gap, County Donegal (F94 HP22)
- Sunday Food Service: 12pm to 8pm
- Dog Policy: Welcome in the Old Bar, The Greenhouse, and outdoor beer garden.
- Reservations: Primarily walk ins; limited bookings for parties of six or more.
- Walk Pairing: Scenic countryside walks around Barnesmore Gap and the Bluestack foothills.
For more information click here.
Tips for Planning a Dog Friendly Sunday Roast in Ireland
- Call ahead: It’s always best to call ahead as dog-friendly areas have limited capacity.
- Check specific room access: Many pubs allow dogs in the bar, snug, or enclosed terrace while keeping formal dining rooms pet free. Always mention your pup when booking so you are assigned the right table.
- Bring a comfortable travel mat: Traditional pub floors can be slate, tile, or hardwood. A light mat gives your dog a familiar, warm spot to lie while you eat.
- Time your visit wisely: Sunday lunch is peak time for hospitality across Ireland. If your dog prefers a calmer environment, consider booking an early slot at 12.30pm or dining later in the afternoon after 4pm.
- Confirm policies before travelling: Opening times, seasonal menus, and indoor pet seating can change, so a quick check directly with the venue before setting off keeps your Sunday run smooth.
Looking for more verified dog friendly pubs, cafés, hotels, and walking routes across Ireland? Explore the Best Bark directory to plan your next outing together
