Pets can no longer enjoy summer bathing on some beaches in County Donegal because of new rules for Blue Flag beaches.   The new rules come into effect from June 1st 2022, but will not affect assistance dogs.

Beaches with new restrictions include Rossnowlagh, Murvagh, Fintra, Portnoo/Narin, An Charraig Fhinn (Carrickfinn), Trá na Cille (Killahoey), Marblehill, Na Dúnaibh (Downings), Portsalon, Rathmullan, Lisfannan and Culdaff.  Dogs will be confined to specific zones between 11am and 7pm each day between June 1st and September 15th.

Two other popular beaches, Bundoran and Stroove, will permit dogs only outside of the 11am to 7pm peak time. There will not be dog zones on these beaches.

If you plan to holiday in County Donegal with your furry friend this summer you'd be wise to check that these restrictions don't impact on your holiday plans.

The changes have been brought in by An Taisce, which operates the blue-flag programme in Ireland, and announced by Donegal County Council today.

Driving with Dogs has fully up-to-date listings of dog-friendly beaches to help you plan a doggietastic seaside break with the pooch this year.