Canine grand marshals for Cork St Patrick’s parade

Sun, 01 Mar, 2026 - 17:20

Eliza Mann

The Irish Guide Dogs will lead the way as grand marshal of this year’s Cork St Patrick’s Day parade.

Organised by Cork City Council, the Cork St Patrick’s Festival will take place from March 13 to March 17, seeing thousands of people come together in honour of our patron saint.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Irish Guide Dogs will showcase several of its hardworking canines on the day, many of which support numerous people throughout the country.

Irish Guide Dogs chief executive Tim O’Mahony said that for five decades, the organisation has been proud to support people and families across Ireland, and to be recognised in this way by the people of Cork is deeply meaningful to everyone involved.

“This moment belongs to our incredible clients, volunteers, staff, supporters, and of course, our amazing dogs, whose impact on communities nationwide continues to inspire us every day,” said Mr O’Mahony.

Proud

The Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Fergal Dennehy, said the local authority is “proud to honour an organisation whose life-changing work embodies community spirit, compassion and resilience”.

The theme of this year’s festival is “Marsh, Myth, and Magic”, inspired by Cork’s geography and mythology. The “marsh” refers to the marshland Cork resides on, and the “myth and magic” pull from folklore passed down through generations.

There will also be several performances and activities spread out over the five day festival, including a performance from the Irish Women in Harmony on March 13; Siblings Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta on March 16; and a range of family-friendly experiences such as the Tailteann Games in Elizabeth Fort, reimagining one of Ireland’s ancient festival of games, on March 15.

“Playing in the Park” will also take place at Bishop Lucey Park on March 14, with a special sensory play zone for young people with additional needs.

On March 15, “Coffee House Lates” will return, as well as a Céilí Mór, which will be held at Cork City Hall.