You can take your dog to visit Santa Paws this Christmas at 43 locations across Ireland

Fiona Frawley

Count ’em, 43.

Christmas is fast approaching and children (human or otherwise) need to be booking in their appointments with the big man in red as a matter of urgency. He needs time to make sure he checks off absolutely everything on their respective wish lists, after all.

In the past, bringing your cockapoo or bull mastiff into sit on Santa’s lap wasn’t necessarily the done thing, but luckily for Ireland’s dog community that’s all about to change. There are a whopping 43 places across the country where you can take your dog to see Santa, according to a comprehensive guide from PawsFriendly.com.

Each event is unique, with many facilitating professional photos with Santa, providing doggie goodie bags, and even dishing out Christmas treats made by Mrs. Claus herself. The events cater to the growing trend of including pets in family festivities, recognising dogs as integral family members. You can peruse the full list over on the Paws Friendly website, but listed below are 17 dog friendly Santa experiences across Ireland to get you started.

Santa Paws in Cavan

Photo Session at MIAN Photography & Training

Location: 29 locations across Ireland

Date & Time: Sunday, November 26th

Description: Book your pups very own Mini Christmas PAWtrait! While Santa Paws will not be in attendance, this is a chance to get your furry friends Christmas picture taken. The set is white and you must be able to carry your dog up a short woodchip garden path. One digital image is included in the price. Each session lasts 20 minutes. €10 from each session goes to the Royal Dog Rescue.

Price: €50 session fee, €10 for extra digital images.

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Santa Paws in Cork

Santa Paws at Marina Market
Location: Marina Market, Centre Park Rd, Cork, T12 YX76, Ireland
Date & Time: Saturday, November 25th – 26th, 2023, December 1st – 3rd, 7th – 9th from 9:30 – 11:00
Description: Get into the true spirit of Christmas and bring your whole family to visit Santa’s grotto. Walk through the magical woods where you will see all the woodland creatures. Make a stop at Santa’s workshop, make your own Christmas treats with Ms. Clause and so much more. Don’f wait to book tickets as they will sell out fast.
Price: €10 per dog, €12 per adult and €15 per child ticket

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Santa Paws at Pet Essentials
Location: Unit 9, Kilnagleary Business Park Carrigaline, Ireland
Date & Time: Saturday, December 2nd and Sunday December 3rd
Description: Pop on by and get your pup’s photo taken with Santa. All good boys and girls will received a printed photo as well as a doggie Christmas stocking.
Price: Call 021-4834653 to book a slot with Santa
Santa Paws at Clonakilty Dog Academy
Location: Showgrounds Hall, Clonakilty, P85D654
Date & Time: Saturday, December 16th and Sunday December 17th from 11:00 – 15:00
Description: Bring your pups to get their photos taken with the big man himself! Santa’s Grotto will be ready to welcome you and your pup. All puppers will get a gift from Santa as well as a nice list ccertificate. Make sure to bring your camera or photo to get plenty of photos!
Price: €20 per dog Call Karen on 086 0538555 to book your pup’s session
Santa Paws at the CSPCA
Location: Link Road, Mahon Point, Cork.T12 W44N
Date & Time: Saturday, December 9th and Sunday, December 10th from 12:00 – 17:00
Description: Get your pup’s Christmas wish list ready and check it twice! Shop the Christmas market, treat yourself to a cuppa, your pup a lovely pupuccino and enter to win some of the limited luxury raffle goods.
Price: None, this is a free event

Santa Paws in Dublin

Doggy Christmas Market
Location: Brewdog Dublin Outpost – Three Locks Square D02 E5R7 Dublin 2 Ireland
Date & Time: Sunday, December 17, 2023 from 12:00 – 17:00
Description: A dog-friendly Christmas market full of Irish dog companies and hosted by The Daily Cavalier. Make sure to prebook your tickets to get your pup’s photo with Santa Paws as the event will likely sell out. You only need to book one ticket per pup. After working up an appetite from all your holiday shopping, treat yourself for a craft beer in the amazing dog-friendly venue, Brewdog.
Price: €5 per pup, hoomans get in free!
Santa’s Enchanted Forest
Location: Luggwoods Events Ltd. The Lugg, Saggart, Dublin Co. Dublin
Date & Time: November 24th – December 23rd, 2023 from 12:00 – 17:00
Description: Almost as exciting as waking up and seeing all the presents under the tree on Christmas morning, the Luggsword enchanted forest trail is magical. Enjoy the twinkling lights and seasonal magic as you walk through the forest with your furry friend, meeting Santa’s Elves, Ms. Claus and even The Grinch. Don’t worry, everyone will get to give their own special letter to Santa when you meet himin his log cabin.
Price: €28 per child, €18 per adult

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Santa Paws at Newbridge House & Farm
Location: Newbridge House & Farm Hearse Rd, Newbridge Demesne, Donabate, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Date & Time: December 9th, 2023 from 11:00 – 15:30
Description: It is that time of the year again, Christmas time! Let your four-legged friend put in a good word with the big man and make sure the gift of their dreams shows up under the tree on Christmas morning. All puppers will get to visit Santa and walk (or prance) away with their own special doggie gift.
Price: €10 per dog (and hoomans) and €5 for all extra dogs.
Meet Santa at Three Gates Nursery
Location: Three Gates Nursery and Florist, Westown, Naul, Co. Dublin, K32 WC80, Ireland
Date & Time: December 1st – 3rd, December 8th – 10th, December 15th – 17th, December 22nd – 23rd, 2023 between 11:00 – 20:00. (For Fridays, the time range is between 16:00 – 20:00, on Saturdays, the time is between 11:00 – 16:30, and on Sundays, Santa is available between 11:00 – 16:30)
Description: Bring the whole family down to the Garden Centre to meet Santa. All well-behaved dogs are welcome on a lead.
Price: €15 per person.
Santa Paws in Galway
Dog Fur-riendly Christmas Paw-ty at Donnelly’s
Location: Donnelly’s of Barna Restaurant & Bar – Freeport, Bearna, Co. Galway, H91 TD65, Ireland
Date & Time: Sunday, December 10, 2023 from 14:00 – 17:00
Description: Bring the whole family to do a meet and greet with the big man himself! There will be plenty of photo opportunities to get your pup’s picture taken with Santa Paws, as well as treat them to dog-friendly snacks and wholesome vibes. Your best friend will also get a special goodie bag to take home. All proceeds are going towards Madra Dog Rescue.
Price: €10 per pup that wants to meet Santa. No pre-booking needed

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Santa Paws in Kilkenny

Santa Paws at Mountain View
Location: Mountain View Kiltorcan, R95 NH31, Ballyhale, Ireland
Date & Time: Sunday, December 10 & December 17, 2023 from 10:00 – 15:30
Description: Bring your fur babies (and hooman babies) to meet the big man at the Mountain View’s indoor Christmas Market. Each child (or pup) will have a chance to give Santa their letters, have the chats, snap a photo and take home a yummy home made treat made by Mrs. Claus. All puppers will need to stay on a lead (except for during the photo).
Price: €10 per child that wants to meet Santa. Adults accompanying do not need a ticket.

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Santa Paws at Nore Valley Park’s Christmas Experience
Location: Nore Valley Park, Annamult, Bennettsbridge, Kilkenny, Ireland
Date & Time: Tuesday, December 12 from 18:00 – 20:00
Description: The elves have been busy and set up a winter village at MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre! All pups and furry felines are invited to come and get their photo taken with Santa. All beloved pets on the nice list will get a small gift from the big man himself! Remember, all pets must be on a lead or in a pet carrier.
Price: €12 per pet. No need to worry about getting human tickets!

Santa Paws in Limerick

Santa Paws at Limerick Milk Market
Location: Cornmarket Row Limerick, Ireland V94 R602
Date & Time: Sunday, November 26th from 12:00 – 16:00
Description: Get your Christmas photo taken with the whole family with Santa Paws! The picture will be emailed to you so you will be able to share it a number of ways, from emailing it out to your whole address book to sharing it over and over again on social media, to printing it out and framing it! The event is fully booked but they will do their best to cater for walk-ins.
Price: €15 per picture and €5 for each additional photo. All proceeds will go towards Deel Animal Rescue in NewCastle West.

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Santa Paws in Meath

Santa Paws at Sage&Stone
Location: Sage&Stone, The Farm, Newlanes, Duleek, Co. Meath, Ireland
Date & Time: Saturday, December 9th and Sunday, December 10th from 10:00 – 17:00
Description: Dog owners, you do not want to miss this event! Sage and Stone are hosting their annual Santa Paws weekend and they are going all out. Your best friend will get their photo with Santa along with a small gift. There will be a doggie playground set up, Christmas Market Stalls, live music and entertainment and a competition for the best dressed dog!
Price: €20 per family.

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The Phoenix Dog Park
Location: Cuilin, Macetown, Tara, Co. Meath, Ireland
Date & Time: Sunday, November 19th and Saturday, December 2nd
Description: Book your Santa slot with a professional photographer. Bring the whole family along and get a festive picture (or two) of your best friend in Santa’s open sleigh.
Price: €70 per slot. Message The Phoenix Dog Park on Instagram to book your time slot.
Santa Paws in Roscommon

Paws And Claus at Strokestown Park
Location: Strokestown Park House, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon, Ireland, F42 H282
Date & Time: Sunday, November 19, 2023 from 11:30 – 16:00
Description: Celebrate the ideal festive family day down at Strokestown Park. You and your furry companion will have to opportunity to capture a professional family photo with Santa! Enjoy full access to the beautiful gardens and woodlands and let your pup induldge in dog treats and festive, fun afternoon out.
Price: €18.50 per family.

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Santa Paws All Across Ireland

Santa Paws at MaxiZoo
Location: 29 locations across Ireland
Date & Time: Saturday, December 9th
Description: Pop by one of the 29 MaxiZoo stores across Ireland to get your pup’s photo taken with Santa Paws. Make sure to bring your own camera to get plenty of shots worthy of sharing in the family Christmas card
Price: Free Event, no prior booking is required.

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Will you be inviting your pet for an audience with Mr. Claus?
Header image via Getty
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