43 years old.
Christmas is approaching and children (human or not) urgently need to book an appointment with the big man in red. After all, everyone needs time to make sure they check off all the items on their wishlists.
In the past, having a Cockapoo or Bull Mastiff sit on Santa's lap wasn't always a thing, but luckily for the Irish dog community, that's all about to change. According to PawsFriendly.com's comprehensive guide, there are 43 locations across the country where you can bring your dog to see Santa.
Each event is unique and may include a professional photo taken with Santa, dog goodie bags, and Christmas treats made by Mrs. Claus herself. This event recognizes dogs as essential family members and responds to the growing trend of including pets in family celebrations. You can see the full list on his Paws Friendly website, but to get you started, here's a list of 17 dog-friendly Santa experiences across Ireland.
Santa's Paw in the Cavern
Photo session at MIAN Photography & Training
Locations: 29 locations across Ireland
Date and time: November 26th (Sunday)
Description: Book your pups their own Mini Christmas PAWtrait! Santa's Paws won't be participating, but this is your chance to take a Christmas photo with your furry friend. The set must be white and allow you to lead your dog up a short woodchip path in the garden. One digital image is included in the price. Each session lasts 20 minutes. €10 from each session will be donated to Royal Dog Rescue.
cork santa's feet
Santa's Paw at Marina Market
Location: Marina Market, Center Park Road, Cork, T12 YX76, Ireland
Date and time: November 25-26 (Sat), December 1-3, 7-9, 2023 9:30-11:00
Description: Get into the true spirit of Christmas and visit Santa's Grotto with the whole family. Walk through the magical forest and observe the forest creatures. You can stop by Santa's workshop, make your own Christmas treats with Mr. Claus, and much more. Tickets sell out quickly, so please book early.
Pet Essentials Santa Paws
Location: Unit 9, Kilnagreeley Business Park, Carrigaline, Ireland
Date and time: December 2nd (Saturday), December 3rd (Sunday)
Description: Stop by and take a photo of your pup with Santa. All good boys and girls will receive a printed photo and a dog Christmas stocking.
Prices: To reserve your time slot with Santa, call 021-4834653.
Santa's Paw at Clonakilty Dog Academy
Location: Showgrounds Hall, Clonakilty, P85D654
Date and time: December 16th (Sat) and 17th (Sun) 11:00-15:00
Description: Bring your pup and take a photo with the big guy! Santa's Grotto is ready to welcome you and your pup. All puppies will receive a present and a nice listing certificate from Santa. Please feel free to bring your camera and photos. Let's take lots of photos.
CSPCA Santa's Paw
Location: Link Road, Mahon Point, Cork.T12 W44N
Date and time: December 9th (Sat) and December 10th (Sun) 12:00-17:00
Description: Prepare your puppy's Christmas wish list and check it twice. Shop at Christmas Her Market, treat yourself to a coffee, your dog a nice puppuccino, and enter to win exclusive raffle goodies.
Fee: None, this is a free event
santa paw in dublin
Dog Christmas Market
Location: BrewDog Dublin Outpost – Three Rocks Square D02 E5R7 Dublin 2 Ireland
Date and time: December 17, 2023 (Sunday) 12:00-17:00
Description: A dog-friendly Christmas market featuring many Irish dog companies and hosted by The Daily Cavalier. The event is likely to sell out, so be sure to pre-book your ticket to get your pup pictured with Santa's paw. Please reserve only one ticket per puppy. After working up an appetite from your holiday shopping, enjoy a craft beer at BrewDog, a dog-friendly restaurant.
Santa's magical forest
Location: Luggwoods Events Ltd. The Lugg, Saggart, Dublin Co. Dublin
Date and time: November 24th to December 23rd, 2023 12:00 to 17:00
Description: As exciting as waking up on Christmas morning and seeing all the presents under the tree, Ragsword's Enchanted Forest Path is magical. Enjoy twinkling lights and the magic of the season as you walk through the woods with your furry friend and meet Santa's elves, Mr. Claus, and even the Grinch. please do not worry. After meeting Santa at the log cabin, everyone can give Santa their own special letter.
Santa's Paw at Newbridge House & Farm
Location: Newbridge House & Farm Hearse Rd, Newbridge Demesne, Donabate, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Date and time: December 9, 2023 11:00-15:30
Description: It's Christmas time again! Ask your four-legged friend to put in a good word with the big guy so that the gift of your dreams appears under the tree on Christmas morning. Every pup will visit Santa and walk (or hop) away with their own special dog gift.
Meet Santa at Three Gates Nursery
Location: Three Gates Nursery and Florist, Westown, Naul, Co. Dublin, K32 WC80, Ireland
Date and time: December 1st-3rd, December 8th-10th, December 15th-17th, December 22nd-23rd, 2023 from 11:00 to 20:00. (Santa will appear from 16:00 to 20:00 on Fridays, 11:00 to 16:30 on Saturdays, and 11:00 to 16:30 on Sundays.)
Description: Take the whole family to the garden center and meet Santa. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on a leash.
Galway Santa's Paw
Donnelly's Furry Dog Christmas Pawty
Location: Donnelly's of Barna Restaurant & Bar – Freeport, Barna, Co. Galway, H91 TD65, Ireland
Date and time: December 10, 2023 (Sunday) 14:00-17:00
Price: 10 euros per puppy who wants to meet Santa.No advance reservation required
Kilkenny Santa's Paw
Santa's feet with mountain view
Location: Mountain View Kiltorcan, R95 NH31, Ballyhale, Ireland
Date and time: Sunday, December 10, 2023, Sunday, December 17, 2023 10:00-15:30
Description: Bring your fur babies (and hooman babies) and meet the greats at Mountain View's indoor Christmas market. Each child (or pup) will have the opportunity to give Santa a letter, chat, take a photo, and take home a delicious homemade treat made by Mrs. Claus. All puppies must be kept on a leash (except during photo shoots).
Santa's Paw Christmas Experience at Noah Valley Park
Location: Norr Valley Park, Anmalt, Bennettsbridge, Kilkenny, Ireland
Date and time: December 12th (Tuesday) 18:00-20:00
Description: The elves have been busy establishing a winter village at McDonough Junction Shopping Center. All puppies and furry cats are welcome to come take a photo with Santa. Every beloved pet on the lovely list will receive a small gift from the great man himself. All pets must be kept on a leash or in a pet carrier.
Limerick Santa's Paw
Santa's Paw at Limerick Milk Market
Location: Cornmarket Row Limerick, Ireland V94 R602
Date and time: November 26th (Sunday) 12:00-16:00
Description: Take a Christmas photo with the whole family with Santa's Paw! Your photo will be emailed, so you can email it to your entire address book, share it over and over again on social media, and more! You can share it in a variety of ways, including printing it and framing it. Reservations are required for the event, but we will accommodate walk-in participants as much as possible.
Mies Santa's Paw
Sage&Stone Santa's Paw
Location: Sage&Stone, The Farm, New Lanes, Dureek, County Meath, Ireland
Date and time: December 9th (Sat) and December 10th (Sun) 10:00-17:00
Description: Dog owners, don't miss this event! Sage and Stone are hosting the annual Santa's Paw Weekend and are going all out. For your best friend, take a photo with Santa and give him a small gift. A dog play area will be set up, Christmas Market stalls will be lined up, there will be live music and entertainment, and there will also be a best dressed dog competition.
Phoenix Dog Park
Location: Cuilin, Macetown, Tallaght, County Meath, Ireland
Date and time: November 19th (Sunday), December 2nd (Saturday)
Description: Book your Santa slot with a professional photographer. Bring the whole family to ride Santa's sleigh and take a festive photo (or two) with your best friends.
Roscommon Santa's Paw
Pose and Claus at Strokestown Park
Location: Strokestown Park House, Strokestown, County Roscommon, Ireland, F42 H282
Date and time: November 19, 2023 (Sunday) 11:30-16:00
Description: Celebrate the perfect family day out at Strokestown Park. You and your furry pal will have the chance to have a professional family photo taken with Santa! Enjoy access to beautiful gardens and woodland, feed your dog some dog treats, and get in the festive spirit! Let's have a fun afternoon together.
Santa's Paws Across Ireland
MaxiZoo Santa's Paw
Locations: 29 locations across Ireland
Date and time: Saturday, December 9th
Description: Stop by one of our 29 MaxiZoo stores across Ireland and get your pup pictured with Santa's paws. Be sure to bring your own camera and take plenty of photos to include in your family's Christmas card.
Would you like to invite your pet to an audience with Mr. Claus?
Header image via Getty
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