Love Your Dog Day: Valentine’s Outdoor Café Experience in Clonroche, County Wexford

Read the full experience

Love Your Dog Day in Clonroche, County Wexford, Ireland invites dog owners to celebrate Valentine’s Day with an outdoor café dining experience built around dogs. Hosted on the café’s covered lawn dining area, the event lasts about one to two hours and pairs human meals from the café menu with a specially designed dog menu that includes small and large portions plus a freshly prepared puppuccino. All dog meals are made with natural ingredients and served in dog bowls for health-code compliance. For safety and hygiene every dog must remain on leash and on the ground; staff can offer quieter seating for nervous or older dogs. The atmosphere is friendly and practical—guests order human food at the café while dogs enjoy tailored portions, and bookings are time-slotted so capacity stays manageable. Pre-booking is required and there is a strict cancellation policy: no refunds are given within 24 hours of booking. The experience is wheelchair accessible but parts of the site are rough terrain, so bring appropriate footwear and any mobility aids you need. Don’t forget poop bags and a blanket or bed for your dog’s comfort. A designated walking track nearby offers a practical route to stretch legs before or after dining, but dogs are not permitted inside the adjacent wildlife park, so plan walks accordingly. The event stands out because it frames outdoor hospitality through a pet-first lens: natural dog meals, staff guidance on allergies and portion sizes, and enforced hygiene create a secure social space for people and pets. There’s also a playful element—a best-dressed prize—so bring a festive bandana or costume if your dog enjoys attention. For visitors staying in County Wexford, this is an easy, low-impact way to include your dog in local food culture while supporting a small outdoor business that prioritizes pet welfare. Arrive early to let your dog acclimate, ask staff about quieter seating or multi-dog availability, and check booking confirmation for weather updates on the day of your visit. Whether you’re single, paired, or a devoted solo dog parent, Love Your Dog Day is a short, social, and practical celebration that turns a meal into a shared outdoor moment with your best friend. Plan for practicalities: the café enforces health-code rules so dishes for humans aren’t used by pets, dogs eat from dedicated bowls, and staff will record any dietary notes you provide; if your dog has allergies communicate them when ordering. The event reflects County Wexford’s practical, community-oriented approach to outdoor hospitality—local owners run the café and foster repeat pet-friendly programming that supports local suppliers and seasonal menus. Bring a camera, an ID for your booking, and a sense of patience—dogs set the pace, and that’s the point. Enjoy the day.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

1–2 hours.

Fitness level

Minimal fitness required; walkers should be comfortable with short, flat strolls on a nearby track

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes. Pre-booking is required because spaces are limited and time-slotted.

Where does the experience take place?

The dog date takes place in the outdoor, covered café lawn dining area in Clonroche.

What food does my dog receive?

Each dog receives a meal from the specially designed dog menu made with natural ingredients plus a freshly prepared puppuccino.

Can I bring more than one dog?

Bringing multiple dogs depends on availability and space; contact staff before booking multiple dogs.

Are dogs allowed inside the wildlife park?

No. Dogs are not permitted inside the adjacent wildlife park—use the designated walking track instead.

What is the cancellation policy?

No refunds are given within 24 hours of the booking; plan around local weather and travel.

Local insights

Wildlife

songbirds
rabbits

History

County Wexford has a long agricultural and community-events tradition; local cafés often support seasonal, locally sourced menus.

Conservation

Follow leash rules and carry out waste—bringing poop bags and respecting site hygiene reduces impact, and the menu’s natural ingredients cut down on processed waste.

About Secret Valley Wildlife Park

Secret Valley Wildlife Park is a licensed zoo located in Clonroche, County Wexford, and the only licensed zoo in South East Ireland. The park operates as a family-friendly wildlife attraction offering a mix of hands-on animal experiences, guided tours, seasonal events, and daily general admission for visitors of all ages. Experienced animal keepers lead intimate encounters such as the Capybara Experience, Meerkat and Porcupine Experience, and VIP behind-the-scenes guided tours, providing education on animal behaviour, care, and welfare. Visitors can choose tailored keeper programmes including Junior Keeper, Senior Keeper, Little Helper, and full-day sessions that include breakfast or lunch where specified. General admission includes opportunities for animal handling, bottle-feeding baby goats, indoor and outdoor play areas, and interpretive exhibits focused on rescued or compromised-background animals. Seasonal special events such as Halloween trails, pumpkin patches, and adult scare nights expand the visitor calendar with family-oriented and ticketed evening experiences. The park emphasises animal welfare, education, and hands-on learning, with trained staff supervising interactions and explaining safe handling and enrichment activities. Facilities include accessible outdoor spaces and on-site dining at The Hungry Tortoise for certain experiences. Located approximately 1.5 hours from Dublin, the park serves local families, schools, and tourists seeking immersive wildlife encounters in County Wexford. Secret Valley Wildlife Park maintains licensing and follows regional regulations for animal care and public safety, aiming to create memorable, educational visits that connect people with animals.

Base locationClonroche, County Wexford

Tours offered9+

Specialty

Adventure tips

Book ahead and check weatherSpaces are time-slotted and weather-dependent—reserve in advance and check your confirmation the morning of the event.

Bring poop bagsAll guests must clean up after their dogs—bring plenty of bags to leave the site clean.

Keep dogs leashed and on the groundHealth-code rules require dogs to remain on leash and not on benches or laps; bring a short lead for control.

Bring a blanket or bedA familiar blanket or small bed helps nervous or older dogs feel secure while you dine.

Recommended gear

Poop bags: Required for cleanup and to comply with site rules.
Secure leash (short): Keeps your dog close at table and meets health-code expectations.
Blanket or portable dog bed: Provides comfort for nervous or older dogs while seated outdoors.
Waterproof jacket for owner: Ireland’s weather can change quickly—stay dry while you dine outdoors.