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Irish Guide Dogs

Changing Lives

Ireland's national charity empowering people with vision impairment and families of children with autism through world-class dog partnerships — since 1976.

One Community. Changing Lives.

Irish Guide Dogs is Ireland's national charity dedicated to enabling people who are vision impaired and families of children with autism to achieve improved mobility and independence.

For over 50 years, a community of breeders, puppy raisers, home socialisers, trainers, staff, volunteers and supporters has worked together to change as many lives as possible. All services are provided completely free of charge to clients.

Over 85% of our income comes from voluntary donations and fundraising — which is exactly where Bark & Ride comes in.

Irish Guide Dogs in training
50+
Years Changing Lives
400+
Active Guide & Assistance Dog Clients
€5m+
Annual Cost to Run the Organisation
Free
All Services to Every Client
What Irish Guide Dogs Does

Three Ways We Change Lives

We run three life-changing programmes, all provided free of charge to the people and families who need them most.

Guide Dogs

Highly trained dogs matched with people who have vision impairment, providing safe independent mobility, confidence and freedom to move through the world on their own terms.

Assistance Dogs

Placed with families of children with autism, these dogs provide safety, calming support and help the whole family reconnect with their community. We were the first organisation in Europe to offer this programme, launching in 2005.

Ambassador Dogs

Visiting teams that bring the proven therapeutic benefits of dogs to hospitals, care homes, schools and community groups across Ireland — spreading warmth one wagging tail at a time.

From Pup to Partner

The Journey of a Guide Dog

In under two years, an Irish Guide Dog pup becomes one of the most skilled and responsible dogs in the country. Here's how that journey unfolds.

1

Puppy Academy

From 8 weeks old, pups move in with Puppy Raiser families for around 10 months — learning socialisation, obedience, and confidence in everything from busy towns to railway stations.

2

Technical Training

At around 13 months, pups return to the National Training Centre for advanced skills: crossing roads, avoiding obstacles, and the precise behaviours that keep a visually impaired person safe.

3

The Perfect Match

Once trained, each dog is carefully matched with a client based on personality, pace and lifestyle. The pair attend residential training together before heading home — a partnership for life.

How Bark & Ride Helps

Pedalling to Fund It All

Every guide dog and assistance dog partnership costs approximately €50,000 to breed, raise and train — and every single one is provided free of charge to the client. That model only works because of people like you.

Bark & Ride was created to raise vital funds for Irish Guide Dogs. Every registration fee and every euro fundraised by our riders goes directly towards training dogs, supporting clients and keeping all services free.

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Join Us

Clip In. Roll Out. Change a Life.

With three routes designed for all levels — from first-time sportive riders to seasoned competitors — Bark & Ride is a day of great cycling in aid of an even greater cause.

Every kilometre you ride helps us keep our services free for the people who need them most.

Register Now

Learn More About Irish Guide Dogs

Discover the full story of the charity behind this cycle — 50 years of changing lives, one dog at a time.

Visit guidedogs.ie