Sure, Dublin might have gone for Vogue Williams.

But Cork has chosen a furrier Grand Marshal for the 2026 Cork St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind — who are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year — will lead the celebration on Leeside this year.

The much-loved charity will lead the parade through the city streets on Tuesday, March 17th, with festivities kicking off at 1pm. It’s a fitting honour for an organisation that has spent five decades transforming lives across Ireland by providing guide dogs and assistance dogs to those who need them most.

Joan Denise Moriarty School of Dance student Kate Wallace with Irish Guide Dog Keano at the launch of the Cork St. Patrick’s Festival. Picture: Darragh Kane

The parade forms part of the wider Cork St. Patrick’s Festival, which runs from Friday, March 13th to Tuesday, March 17th. This year’s theme, “Marsh, Myth and Magic,” draws inspiration from Cork’s origins as a settlement built on marshland, layered with centuries of folklore, storytelling and rich cultural traditions.

Festival organisers promise a packed programme across the long weekend, including trad performances from the Lee Sessions, live music, guided tours, dance, comedy, exhibitions and plenty of family-friendly events.

But it’s the image of those iconic guide dogs — and the volunteers and trainers behind them — leading the 2026 parade that’s already capturing hearts. Expect wagging tails, proud puppy raisers and a few emotional moments when they take centre stage.