It’s all happening at the end of April.

More than 5,000 dog lovers and their canine companions are expected to visit Cork’s first Pups in the Park festival on April 29th and 30th, 2023 with new details of the action-packed lineup of doggy-inspired events and attractions announced.

Crufts favourite Anne Shuker will be bringing her fabulous ‘Dancing Dogs’ show to Leeside, treating audiences to spectacular demonstrations of incredible heelwork and entertaining freestyle dance techniques.

Guests and their canine companions can also enjoy the Puppy Play Pen, the Leader Bark Park, the Hay Bale Race, and the Petinsurance.ie Obedience Ring. The popular Chin-Wag Talk Stage will also form part of the Cork line-up, where the dogs as well as the humans can learn some new tips and tricks.

This special canine festival has also joined forces with the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, the national charity dedicated to enabling people who are vision impaired and families of children with autism to achieve improved mobility and independence, as the official charity partner for the Cork Showgrounds event.

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind will have a stall at the event, and their team of trainers will provide a full demonstration on both days, while their clients will participate in panel discussions about their life experiences with their dogs.

The Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind team will also be judging the Fun Dog Show, with a range of fantastic prizes to win, including a coveted Pups in the Park Rosette.

The Leader Main Arena in Cork will be hosted by pop singer/songwriter Jake Carter and will boast an exciting lineup of sessions including the Breed Meet Ups, a doggy-designated event for a host of breeds including collies, dachshunds, golden retrievers, frenchies and more to play together.

Humans can meet fellow dog owners too so it’s a great way to find out more about your pet in a relaxed environment.