10 great Northside parks for walking your dog

By Béibhinn Thorsch

For many of us, going to a public park provides a routine escape from screens and traffic. It may also be somewhere to spend time with family or man’s best friend. Here are 10 of our favourite Northside parks for dog walking.

1. Albert College Park
Located beside DCU in Ballymun, Albert College Park is a public park owned by Dublin City Council. It has a five-star rating on TripAdvisor, with one reviewer saying the park “is a safe haven for walks alone or with companions, human or dogs”. The park also has a small playground.

2. Northwood Park, Santry
Located in Northwood Plaza, this park is truly something to be marvelled at. Located just across from the Crowne Plaza Hotel and down the road from Gulliver’s Retail Park, the park is dog-friendly and has a playground. A small river runs through the park and there are plenty of full trees, making it feel like an oasis away from the busy roads.

3. Poppintree Park, Ballymun
With four stars on TripAdvisor, this local park is a green area with plenty of trees and even some natural water features. A wooden playground also features, as well as plenty of natural wildflowers. Some reviews mention the walking routes and wildlife, describing it is a “great amenity area for the local residents”.

4. Johnstown Park, Finglas
Different from the 'return to nature' feel of some other local parks, Johnstown Park is a wide, clean open space more suited to exercise rather than a meditative escape. A Yelp review says the park is very dog-friendly.

5. Courtlands Park, Whitehall
Located on the adorably named Walnut Avenue in Whitehall, Courtlands has 4.7 stars on Google reviews. Described as a peaceful and nicely hidden park away from the constant rush of the world, the park is known for its well-kept look and stunning flowers. The park has a tennis court, benches and is also a welcoming place for your furry friends.

6. Griffith Park, Drumcondra
Griffith Park is located just outside of the city centre and is described as having “something for everyone”. Near the river and playground – and also providing a hill where some dog owners let their pets have a run (a long leash works the trick!) – Griffith Park has a more rugged look than some of the more pristine local parks. There is also outdoor public exercise equipment nearby.

7. Malahide Castle and Demesne
From its lovely tree-lined trails to the expansive green space in from the historic castle, Malahide Castle and Demesne is a firm favourite for dog owners.

8. St Anne’s Park
Long considered the jewel in the crown of Northside public parks, St Anne’s is an oasis for dog-owners. You pooch can explore the sights and sounds of the tree covered riverbanks or have an energetic run on the wide, open spaces of this fabulous park.
 
9. The Phoenix Park.
The Phoenix Park is home to so many Irish institutions, from the President’s house to Dublin Zoo and Farmleigh House. But it has long held a special place in the hearts and minds of the city’s dog lovers. You and your pooch will be tired but happy after a long run or brisk walk in Europe’s largest city park.

10. Ardgillan Castle and Demesne
Located on an elevated site between Skerries and Balbriggan, Ardgillan Castle and Demesne is an absolute credit to Fingal County Council. It offers stunning views across the Irish Sea and on a clear day you can see the Mourne Mountains in Co Down. It is also a paradise for dogs, with winding forest trails and wide open spaces sloping down to the sea.

REMEMBER: When bringing your pets to these areas, make sure to pick up your litter and dog poo!