Mitchelstown: Dog-Friendly Destination Launch
The businesses of Mitchelstown, North Cork have come together to formally introduce Mitchelstown as a Dog Friendly Destination, with a dog friendly festival to launch the initiative on Saturday 11th October offering a mixture of free and bookable activities.
Coming Together As A Town
Over the past few years, many businesses in Mitchelstown have individually begun to welcome guests with dogs and take additional steps to make dog visitors feel welcome, including the provision of water bowls, waste bags and treats. In 2025, the Mitchelstown Business Association (MBA) – noting this trend across the town – proposed to standardise the approach for dog friendly businesses and come together to advertise their organisation’s dog friendly status, with a sticker in each shop window which indicates whether dogs are welcome inside, outside or both and contains a commitment to offer dog guests water bowls and waste bags as standard.
Commenting on the initiative, Claudia Richardson, chairperson Mitchelstown Business Association, said:
"Many of the business owners in Mitchelstown are dog owners themselves and understand what a difference it makes to visit a hospitality business where their dog is truly welcomed. Particularly when it comes to accommodation, it can be tricky to find a destination to stay, eat, drink and shop with ease when you’re travelling with your dog. In Mitchelstown, we’re proud to offer the full package, and much more besides – both for our local residents here in Mitchelstown and visitors to the area."
Variety Of Dog Friendly Businesses
To showcase the extent and variety of businesses in the town that welcome dogs, the MBA is hosting a launch event on Saturday 11th October, 11am – 3pm with events throughout the town. The ‘mini-festival’ will include a tour of the all the dog friendly establishments in the town, along with many dog friendly activities including Puppy Portraits, Dog Photoshoot and expert talks on training, grooming, nutrition and dog health.
Commenting on the mini-festival, Justin Finn, J's Bar, said:
"It’s important for people with dogs to be able to do all the normal leisure activities with ease – from grabbing a bite to eat to going for a stroll and having a pint or two along the way. If you have to keep stopping and checking whether a venue will ‘tolerate’ your dog, it really diminishes the experience. We want people and their dogs to feel relaxed and welcome wherever they go in Mitchelstown because it truly is a dog friendly destination. This festival will showcase all of our dog-friendly business."
Something For Everyone
Conscious that different types of dogs (and owners) will have different needs in terms of length and difficulty of walks, the MBA has developed a graded walking route map which ranges from short strolls to medieval Saint Fanahan’s Well, medium explorations of Mitchelstown’s Georgian Quarter looped walk and a longer ring road circuit via the site of Mitchelstown Castle and Ice House. What all the walks have in common is that they help locals and visitors alike to explore Mitchelstown’s rich heritage on foot and enjoy the beautiful views to the Galtee mountains which are available on all 3 routes.
Commenting on the tailored walking routes, Ciara O’Brien, Barnahown B&B said:
"I welcome such a variety of dogs to stay and these mapped walks for those new to the area will really help us identify the best route for exploring Mitchelstown and our beautiful views of the wider Ballyhoura region. For those visiting on longer stays, there is also exceptional dog friendly walking and fresh water swimming in Glengarra Woods on the Galtee mountains and in the Ballyhoura mountain trails."
In Collaboration With The Doggy Dining Club
The Doggy Dining Club is a well-known resource among dog owners, featuring hospitality businesses with an authentic welcome for dogs which are regularly recommended and reviewed by members of the group. A great supporter of businesses and communities striving to provide a genuine dogfriendly welcome, The Doggy Dining Club is partnering with Mitchelstown to promote this event and offering an exclusive prize to celebrate the occasion including a dogfriendly overnight stay at Barnahown B&B, lunch for two people at O’Callaghan’s Café and Delicatessen and a hamper of goodies worth over €50 from Slinkey’s pet shop.
https://thedoggydiningclub.com...
For more information:
• Mitchelstown Community Council Tourism – [email protected]
• Mitchelstown Business Association - [email protected]
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering local gems, Mitchelstown has everything you need for a memorable day out. From cosy cafés and bustling shops to scenic walks and hidden treasures, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the town at your own pace.