Dogs in Ireland

Known as "man's best friend", dogs have a strong social intelligence that leads to their close relationship with humans and unique ability to fit into the human household. This human relationship with dogs is steeped in Irish history and mythology.

Dogs were the favourite animals of Fionn MacCumhaill, the great mythological warrior and celebrated hero in Irish literature. His two hunting dogs Bran and Sceolaing were actually his transformed nephews, symbolising the close bond between humans and dogs. Bran and Sceolaing are almost as famous as Fionn himself. Another Irish mythological hero of the epic Táin Bó Cuailgne, Setanta, is better known by his nickname ‘Cú Chulainn’ (‘hound of Culann'). He earned this nickname after he killed Culann’s favoured yet fierce guard dog in self-defence. He then offered to take the place of the hound until a replacement could be reared.

In more recent times, the greyhound Master M’Grath was one of the most celebrated dogs in Ireland at the end of the 19^th century, winning the Waterloo Cup on 3 occasions in 1868, 1869, and 1871.