Comhairle na Tuaithe, Ireland’s national advisory body for outdoor recreation, has agreed a new position statement on responsible dog management in the outdoors. This follows a collaborative workshop in July 2025 that brought together experts in dog behaviour, wildlife, recreation and farming.
The members of Comhairle na Tuaithe recognise the benefits associated with dog ownership and support the provision of dog-friendly amenities. However, they agree that there are outdoor places which are not suitable to bring a dog for exercise, including upland areas.
The Chair of Comhairle na Tuaithe Éamon Ó’Cúiv said “We all recognise the benefits of spending time outdoors and here in Ireland we are fortunate to have so many wonderful opportunities. We all need to be mindful that many of our trails and walking routes are on private lands and without the goodwill of farmers we would not have access to many areas of the countryside”.
The statement reinforces the responsibility that comes with being a dog owner. It is also a springboard for what comes next: a national public awareness campaign to help people enjoy the outdoors responsibly. This is a key action in Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, Ireland’s National Outdoor Recreation Strategy.
Mountaineering Ireland is proud to have helped initiate the workshop on dog control and contributed to the working group that shaped this unified approach. We look forward to continuing our work with Comhairle na Tuaithe to protect public access, farmers, livestock, wildlife and habitats, ensuring Ireland’s outdoors remain welcoming and vibrant for all.
Read the Comhairle na Tuaithe position statement here