Paw-ty animals

Dog lovers, mark your calendar as there’s a big paw-ty coming to town.

Dog festival Pups in the Park is coming to Cork for the first time and will take place at the famous Showgrounds venue.

The much-loved festival is truly the ‘paw-fect’ day out for all the family and will also take place in Dublin.

The Marlay Park Dublin event will take place on 22 and 23 April, while the Cork Showgrounds event will be held on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 April. The festival is open from 9.30am-5.30pm each day, with plenty of time for exploring. The returning headline sponsor is Leader Dog Food.

Over 14,000 dog lovers and their canine companions are expected to join the Dublin and Cork events this year, where guests will enjoy a fun-filled and action packed line up of events and attractions including new additions such as Dancing Dogs hosted by Crufts favourite Anne Shuker in the Leader Main Arena, or some of the returning favourites such as the Puppy Play Pen, the Hay Bale Race or the Obedience Ring. The hugely popular Chin Wag Talk Stage is also back for this years’ events, where the dogs as well as the humans can learn some new tips and tricks.

Experts including well-known TV vet Pete Wedderburn, Rob Walshe ‘The Irish Dogfather’, Steph Rousseau and many more will also be on hand to share their expert advice in canine training and care.

For any hungry humans, there will be some delicious dining options to feast on including Little Dumpling and All Bar Chicken, while the four-legged pawty-goers can have a nibble and natter over a doggy snack from vendors including Bon a Pet Treats, Ruby Reese and Butternut Box.

Visitors can ensure their 4-legged pawty-animals are donning the latest must-have accessories and apparel with the best dog and pet-based brands like Ecclesia, Happy Tails and Fur Fox Sake all on site with their latest ranges to kit the canines out in some super stylish attire for their big day out!