Our History

We started from humble beginnings in a small farmhouse in Co. Cork in 1976, where the charity was founded by Mary Dunlop and Jim Dennehy who had lost his sight 8 years earlier.  

Since starting our journey, we have consistently focused on innovation to advance our knowledge and understanding of dog training. We have invested in state-of-the-art training facilities and developed programmes that deliver the best dog, at the right time, with the most suitable temperament to match our clients’ needs. 

All our programmes are offered free of charge, with intensive support and aftercare available to all our clients. 

Milestones  

1976: Organisation founded by Mary Dunlop and Jim Dennehy 

1980: Opened our Model Farm Road, Cork site and trained our first Guide Dog partnership 

1988: Introduction of the Orientation & Mobility Programme (Long Cane Training) 

1999: Introduction of the Child Mobility Programme 

2004: Launch of the Independent Living Skills Programme and training facility 

2005: Introduction of our Assistance Dog Programme for families of children with autism – the first organisation in Europe to do so.  

2010: Taoiseach Enda Kenny officially opens €5m redevelopment of National Headquarters and Training Centre. 

2016: President Michael D. Higgins visits the National Headquarters and Training Centre to celebrate our 40th Anniversary and to recognise the organisation's significant contribution to its voluntary community. 

2018: The Duchess of Cornwall visits the Training Centre, meeting a number of Clients and watching a demonstration of our dogs being trained.

2019: Opened our office in Dublin City Centre to support Clients in the East Region.

One constant throughout the years has been the generosity of our supporters and the public who believe in the value of our work and see the impact in their community.