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by Mary Dunlop and Jim Dennehy. The Mansion House in Dublin is the site of the very first meeting, chaired by Jim Sherwin from RTÉ. The charity is incorporated into the official register of Irish Charities on 23 June, 1976.
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A site in Cork is purchased from John Henchy in 1979. Negotiations started at IR £13,000 but ended up at IR £8,000 for 3 acres and an old farmhouse.
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Cork man Pat Kenneally and Guide Dog Turk along with Ann Casey from Westmeath and her Guide Dog Finlay are the first partnerships to be matched.
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Our 50th successful Guide Dog Fota is matched with owner Loretta.Â
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Also known as Long Cane or White Cane training, this programme empowers people with visual impairments or autism to navigate their world safely and independently.
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The programme, in conjunction with the Department of Education, aims to provide children with specialised training in many aspects of life, including personal care.
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A new building to house the administration areas and induction areas opens on 5 October 2001 by Minister for Health & Children, Micheál Martin T.D.
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Manchester and Ireland legend Roy Keane comes on board as IGD Ambassador, marking the start of decades of unwavering support.
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to help our clients manage everyday tasks, including cooking, household tasks, organisation and using equipment that makes life easier.
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for families of children with autism – the first organisation in Europe to do so. Assistance Dog Airt (not pictured) was the first match. The programme is now the largest and most successful of its kind in Ireland.
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Taoiseach Enda Kenny officially opens €5m redevelopment of the Training Centre on 13 June.
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April 2013, Taoiseach Enda Kenny helps to mark the successful match of the 250th Assistance Dog.
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President Michael D. Higgins visits the Training Centre to celebrate our 40th anniversary and to recognise the organisation's significant contribution to the voluntary community.
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The Duchess of Cornwall visits the Training Centre, meeting several clients and watching a dog training demonstration. She can't resist getting a cuddle from one of our beautiful puppies.
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Specially trained dogs are assigned to schools and facilities where they support children or adults with autism or other individual needs. Today, the programme supports over 15,000 people. Pictured is the first Community Dog,Travis.
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Up-and-coming Munster and Ireland rugby player Jack joins IGD. With his family background of puppy raising, he's a perfect fit for us.
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A significant milestone is reached when Guide Dog, Winter is matched with his owner, Jade.
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A dedicated sensory assessment room opens at our Training Centre in Cork, specifically designed for our Assistance Dog Programme clients. The space offers a safe environment for assessments, featuring a high-energy activity zone and a low-sensory, dark area for calming and self-regulation.
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The campaign aims to raise awareness of the legal rights of Guide and Assistance Dog owners. Businesses and organisations are encouraged to display Show Your Paw for Access Rights window stickers.
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The Young Offender actor and playwright is welcomed as an Ambassador. Pictured with Puppy Casey as he takes his first paw steps in the world.
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Our virtual reality (VR) headset, called the Eyes Reality Sight Loss Simulator, allows users to experience various types of vision impairments to help raise awareness of the difficulties faced daily by IGD clients.
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Broadcaster, podcaster, and presenter Doireann Garrihy appointed as an ambassador.
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The lighting in green of Leinster House by Minister Jack Chambers in January 2026 marks the beginning of a momentous year for the entire IGD community.
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IGD anniversary is honoured by being Grand Marshal at the Cork City St. Patrick's Day parade.
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State-of-the-art training space with accessible designs and adaptive technologies for our Independent Living Skills Programme is unveiled with support from H&MV Engineering.
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On 23 June 2026, we celebrate 50 incredible years of changing the lives through over 2,000 partnerships. THANK YOU for your continued support changing more lives.
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