Access Rights for Guide Dogs

Guide Dog Access Rights

Guide Dog Owners cannot be discriminated against under Irish law on the grounds of disability. 

The Equal Status Acts, 2000-2015 prohibits discrimination against disabled people when accessing goods and services. This means that a Guide Dog owner cannot be refused access with their dog in cafes, shops, gyms, nail salons or any other business.  

Under Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act, 2014, which is more commonly known as the “Public Sector Duty”, all public bodies shall eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity, and protect the human rights and treatment of its members, staff, and the people to whom they provide services. A public body may include any department of state, local authority, health service executive, university, institute of technology or education and training board. 

Guide Dogs are permitted access to:

• all forms of public transport including bus, train, tram, taxi, plane or ferry 

• all forms of accommodation including AirBnB's, Hostel's or holiday rental Properties

• all establishments that provide food including cafes, restaurants, pubs, delis and supermarkets

If you have any questions in relation to access rights please contact us.