Meet your Dublin celebrity – the 2026 Nose of Dublin, Reggie.
Name: Reggie
County: Dublin
Age: 7
Breed: Jug
Special Skill: Making everyone he meets feel like the most important person in the world
Favourite food: Toffee, hilariously. His nanny has him spoiled!
Favourite Toy: Bunny
Favourite Place to Sleep: In bed with mum
Favourite Activity: Going for a pint with grandad.
Favourite Place to go for a Walk/Hangout? anywhere in nature with my squad, Bruno and Riley
Most mischievous thing you have ever done? Got annoyed that I was left in the house for 45 mins on my own so ate a box of peppermint teabags, mums handbag, a remote control, destroyed a house plant, and took a poop on the kitchen table!!!!!!!!
How did you come into your owner’s life? My old owner wasn’t able to care for me through no fault of hers or mine. Just unfortunate circumstances. Mum heard through word of mouth that a 6 month old jug needed a home. She had never heard of a jug and worked shift work, but said she was in love and would figure the rest out later. And she has! Back then my name was Blaze and mum thought I was going to sleep in a crate! Turns out we both had different plans! I’m now Reggie, and she’s now my slave. And the rest, as they say, is history!
What makes you the most pawtastic pet ever? Reggie is the kindest and most gentle little boy. He’s a pleasure to take anywhere, and has been to weddings, funerals, theatre, gigs, parties, restaurants, pubs, shops, you name it. I involve him in as much as humanly possible, which means I now travel differently too. I’ve driven Reggie all over the U.K. and France. He’s so funny with his little personality, and how disgruntled he gets if I stay up past 10pm! But he is a character. He is so loving, and enhances the lives of so many people around him, including the elderly, children, people with disabilities, and people with acquired brain injury. He has such a good read of situations, and knows exactly what people need. Reggie gives so much, and all he asks for back is love and rubs. He has never spoken a word to me, but we know exactly what the other is saying. Actions truly do speak louder than words, and Reggie has been my soul dog.
Why did you decide to enter the Nose of Tralee? My mum sent me the competition a few years ago, and again this year. Then some colleagues mentioned it. So I said I’d give it a go, and see if more people could be made smile by The Regmeister. In a world full of noise and hardship, I will always seek things that spark joy and spread happiness.
How did you prepare for the contest and get votes? Honestly mostly word of mouth. We had some leaflets printed, and took some brilliant photos of known places around Dublin. Being consistent with posting on his instagram was important but a huge part of it was just talking to people and getting the word out, and not being afraid to send reminders into group chats! I may have also had Reggie and some QR codes all over my car, but can’t confirm or deny haha.
What did you enjoy most about the Nose of Tralee? The sense of community. Being around other pet owners who just got it, and supporting each other. And of course the pure amount of fun!
What advice would you give to the next Nose of your County? Be yourself and don’t be afraid to get yourself out there! Don’t be disheartened by the numerous emails/messages that go unanswered. Focus on staying true to yourself and enjoying the experience.
How are you handling your newfound fame? Reggie is doing a lot of sleeping but is definitely enjoying the extra ear rubs!!
If you could be any superhero who would you be? Woah! Probably Batman! Reggie has a massive sense of social justice, even if it is sometimes a little misplaced (like someone innocently walking by the window!). Forget Gotham, there are a lot of magpies committing crimes around Dublin and Reggie genuinely believes he is here to save the day. Being a Jack Russell x pug, Reggie leads a double life; being hardcore in one mode or the other. When Reggie is finished his vigilante work on the streets protecting us all, with his signature ‘Bitch Magnet’ tag, and attitude to boot, he comes home where pug mode gets activated! Reggie totally settles, lets his guard down, gets his teddies and cuddles into you. Ready to recharge for when Dublin needs him again.
Where can your fans follows you online? ReggieGoesKray on instagram!
What does it mean to you to be the Runner Up of the Nose of Tralee? Honestly it is so surreal. I set up Reggie’s insta in 2020, but really committed to it at the start of 2023, when I challenged myself to post a reel a day. The whole goal of his insta is to spread happiness and laughter. Everyone in Reggie’s life knows how special he is, I then got to share him with his beautiful instagram following which was amazing. Now, to have shared him with Ireland! And even further afield! No words. To represent his county is something we are incredibly proud of, but to place on the podium is a moment we will never forget. Moreover, the impact this competition has had on people is so moving. We have seen first hand the excitement it has brought and the impact it has had on people, as well as through messages and comments expressing this. Reggie is absolutely feeling the love that he gives us every day so selflessly, it has been an unbelievable experience.
Kate McQuillan is the co-founder of Pet Sitters Ireland, an award-winning pet sitting and dog walking company established in 2010 with her husband, Michael. Together, they support thousands of pet owners across Ireland with trusted, in-home pet care. With over 14 years of experience, Kate shares practical advice to help pet owners feel confident and prepared when it comes to their pet’s care.
