Irish Guide Dogs marks 50th anniversary with Cork art trail 

A dog-themed public art trail throughout the city is one of two events being organised by the Irish Guide Dogs (IGD) to mark its 50th anniversary, kicking off this weekend.

IGD is inviting businesses, community groups, and the public to be part of the events for the celebrations, running from this Saturday to August 28.

In partnership with Munster Technological University (MTU), and the Faculty of Creative and Performing Arts and Media, A City of Tails will showcase 50 individually designed dog sculptures, each sponsored and decorated by IDG clients, businesses, schools, community groups, and professional artists.

Visitors will be able to follow the trail through Cork city, while discovering the stories behind each sculpture at locations like the Marina Market, City Hall, Fireman’s Rest, Cork Library, the MTU gallery, and Grand Parade.

 One of the sculptures features the signatures of well-known supporters including IDG ambassadors Roy Keane, Jack Crowley, Shane Casey, Doireann Garrihy, and Caoimhín Kelleher, alongside Sonia O’Sullivan, Jimmy Barry Murphy, John Spillane, and Cork camogie star Amy O’Connor.

Download trail map

Children will be able to download a trail map from the IGD website, which they can use to explore each sculpture along the route and be in with a chance of winning a hamper of prizes.

The celebrations will culminate on August 29, with the charity’s annual Open Day at its training centre on Model Farm Rd.

Visitors can enjoy puppy training demonstrations, guided tours, family entertainment, opportunities to meet guide and assistance dogs, trainers, volunteers, and clients — as well as learn more about how the charity helps to transform lives every day.

The event runs from 12pm until 4pm, with tickets available on the IGD website — priced at €5 for adults while children attend free.

The events mark five decades of IDG providing guide dogs to people who are vision impaired, assistance dogs to families of children with autism, and community dogs to schools and facilities.

The charity has successfully partnered more than 2,000 guide dogs, assistance dogs, and community dogs with individuals and families situated across Ireland since 1976.

Tim O’Mahony, CEO of IDG, said: “Our 50th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the thousands of lives that have been changed thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters over the past five decades.”