7 of the Best Dog Friendly Pubs in Wales

The Best Pubs in Wales that Dogs are Catered for

With a coastline that could rival the Mediterranean and a myriad of ancient fortresses and castles; mountains to climb and coastal paths to walk, Wales proves that this small slice of the British Isles can pack a mean punch so selecting the best dog friendly pubs in Wales has been no mean feat because there are just so many to choose from.

If you are looking for a spot of mountain climbing, a beach break or a history fix that includes your four-legged friend, then you can be sure pubs that take dogs are on every turn.

It’s more often than not we find pubs where dogs are welcome or, at the very least you and your pooch will be made to feel at home in the gardens and terraces where you can partake in real Welsh ales and some good pub grub.

This magnificent seven of the best Welsh dog pubs takes us around this land of leeks and daffodils to inns that have been in the same family for 170 years to others that blaze the modern microbrewery pub trail.

Here are our favourite pubs that allow dogs in Wales and have kitchens producing pub grub that might include larva bread, Oggies or Welsh teacakes but will always have a little treat in store for their dog guests.

Our Top 7 Choices

Find below 7 of the best pet friendly pubs in Wales

1. Black Cock Inn, Caerphilly Mountain

There’s a lovely circular walk from the top of Caerphilly Mountain which is as dog friendly as you are going to get. At the exact halfway mark lies the Black Cock Inn, which always has interesting ales and seasonal dishes for you and fresh water bowls and doggie treats for your four-legged family member. The way the pub is laid out creates separate areas without walls and thereby creating perfect dog-friendly sections. On sunny days there is always the garden where both you and Fido can breathe in the clean mountain air.

2. Dyffryn Arms, Pontfaen

Known to the locals as “Tafarn Bessie” after its octogenarian landlady Bessie, this one in a million inn has been in the same family for more than 170 years. It has been said that nothing has changed here in as many years as the family have had it and you can still order your ale, served in a jug and slid through a hatch at the end of the bar. Even though it is a firm favourite with the residents of the area, its dog-friendly policy and quirky personality and past makes it a popular pitstop for those who are in the Fishguard area.

3. Ty Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen

Sitting on a sheltered sandy bay on the Llŷn Peninsula this old fishing village belongs to the National Trust. With views to the Snowdonia mountains, this North Wales pub is heralded as one of the best beach bars in the world. You have to park at the Nefyn Golf Club and walk 15 minutes across the course on a well-marked path to get to this little gem. It’s a pub with a difference as you will discover when you take your place under covered seating on the beach while Fido romps in the waves. On chilly days well behaved dogs are welcome inside.

4. The Erskine Arms, Conwy

If it’s a traditional Welsh pub you are after then you need go no further than the Erskine. It has a laid-back ambience with its solid wood furnishings and open fires. At 200 years-old it is a spring chicken compared to where it’s located, in the medieval walls of Conwy in the shadow of the castle. Even though it’s not a dog pub through-and-through, you and your dogs are welcome to chill out in the courtyard where you can sample an ale from one of the local breweries such as Conwy and Great Orme.

5. The Australia, Porthmadog

With the word dog in the location it would be rude to prevent dogs from crossing the threshold of this tap for the harbour town’s microbrewery. It is a showcase for The Purple Moose’s range of cask and keg beers that include elderflower ale and Dark Side of the Moose. The pitter-patter of four paws through the doorway of Australia is constant although the Purple Moose Brewery tour is not pet friendly. This could be a good time for one half to take Fido for a frolic on Black Rock Beach while the other half takes the tipple tour.

6. The Black Lion, Abergorlech

In the realm of pet friendly pubs then the Black Lion at Abergorlech has to take the prize. Its owners proudly say that they “welcome dogs, kids and the occasional horse” From its garden there are views across the Cothi River where you are likely to see flocks of fluffy Welsh sheep. This 17th century dog-friendly coach Inn is in the Brecha Forest and is a popular destination for walkers and mountain bikers. There is a good selection of local ales to try and the pub grub is served at lunchtimes and from 6pm.

7. The Hoptimist, Llangollen

A micro pub housed in a former Caff, The Hoptimist is the new kid on the block and seems to know how to woo hardened ale aficionados and entice those who avoid ale drinking. It has a refreshing approach to hospitality by ditching music in favour of good conversation and proclaiming to be a real dog pub, as well as a real ale one. This is a microbrewery with a mighty heart serving seven keg craft beers and five cask ales at any one time. There is no pub grub but nip next door to the Oggie Shop for a pasty to soak it all up.

Last Word

You don’t have to enjoy the delights of Wales without your four-legged family member. There is no reason why you can’t pack your cases and your pet and head for this part of the country that is breaking new ground with its award-winning microbreweries to its world-renowned beaches and countryside.

Be it a hike up Mount Snowden or a walk along the rugged shoreline that is a National Park you are going to be on the receiving end of warm Welsh hospitality. What is more Welsh dog friendly pubs mean that our four-legged friends are given the star treatment too.

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