If an adoration of dogs is at the top of your criteria for finding the perfect partner, keep Sunday free.

You may be about to bump into your dream man or woman, or at least make a few new like-minded friends.

In association with Leads 2 Love, Ireland’s first ever online dating and walks site for dog lovers, First Fortnight at Blackrock Castle presents Leads 2 Better Mental Health, a chill, all-ages coffee event designed to celebrate all the many benefits of having a dog.

Not only are dogs good for people (they reduce stress and anxiety, for instance) but they are also funny; curious and unpredictable; all brilliant traits for breaking the ice between human strangers.

Leads 2 Better Mental Health invites Cork dog-lovers to come together to enjoy a dog-filled day in the outdoors for walks and chats. Afterwards have coffee in the Castle grounds with your dog and continue the conversation.

The meet-up is being held in association with Leads 2 Love, an online dating site where dog lovers can meet each other and arrange to go on a ‘getting to know you’ walk in the great outdoors (a heavenly alternative to the usual awkward drink in a noisy bar).

You don’t even have to own a dog to join in the fun; both dog owners and those who simply love dogs are welcome.

Cork Dog Action Welfare Group will be bringing a merry band of their adorable residents so there’ll be plenty of company for anyone arriving solo.

Participation is free and the fun begins at 12pm on Sunday, January 14th at Blackrock Castle.