Athlone’s Top Dog Services

Athlone, straddling the River Shannon right in the heart of Ireland, offers a decent spot for dog owners. While it mightn’t be Dublin or Galway in terms of sheer volume, this Midlands town has a lot going for it, particularly when it comes to open spaces. It’s a grand place for a break, but you might need to do a bit of digging to find all the right services.

Infrastructures

Athlone is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, which is brilliant for your canine companion. The town itself is small enough to navigate easily, and the River Shannon provides a natural focal point for walks. You’ll find plenty of green stretches for a proper run. Burgess Park, right near the town centre, is a top spot for a leisurely stroll, though remember the dogs need to be on a lead there—fair enough, as it’s a busy spot. For a longer ramble, the Shannon Banks Nature Trail or the walks around Lough Ree are pure heaven for an adventurous dog.

Westmeath, where part of Athlone sits, even boasts its first-ever Dog Park, a fully enclosed, secure three-acre space that opened in 2022. That’s a serious bonus for letting your dog off the leash safely. However, a slight drawback is that truly dog-friendly public transport options are limited, which is the case for most of rural Ireland, making a car essential for reaching some of the best surrounding areas like Portlick Millennium Forest.

Services

When it comes to pet services, Athlone is well-catered for, though options might be spread out. There are a number of reliable veterinary practices like Family Vets Athlone, ensuring good medical care is never far away. For grooming, spots like K9 Kutz and Muddy Paws Canine Spa mean your pooch can get a full service without having to travel too far. Pet supply needs are covered by big shops like Petworld Athlone and local businesses, so getting the right grub or a new toy is a doddle. Pet-sitting and dog-walking services are also readily available from providers like Happy at Home Pet Care.

Accommodation is surprisingly strong, with some excellent pet-friendly hotels and holiday rentals—Glasson LakeHouse is a fine example—though some properties may charge a small fee. The main area for improvement is in dog-friendly pubs and cafes right in the town centre, which are not as plentiful as you might find in larger Irish cities, meaning indoor dining options are thin on the ground unless you hit one of the great places with a heated outdoor area.

Our Paw-Rating

Athlone is a lovely spot, or as the locals might say, a ‘grand’ place, especially if your dog loves a good walk in the wilderness. The abundance of beautiful lakeside and riverside trails and the addition of a dedicated Dog Park are huge draws. The local pet services are solid, and accommodation is available, but the lack of widespread indoor dog-friendly eateries can be a bit of a yoke (nuisance). If you’re happy with outdoor seating and spending your time on long walks rather than pub crawls, you’ll be as happy as a pig in muck. It’s a town for the active dog owner.

★★★★★

3.8 / 5 paws