Cork is set to host six walk events on Sunday, 20th September as part of the 2026 Cork Alzheimer’s Memory Walks, inviting families, friends, neighbours and people living with dementia to walk together in remembrance and hope, ahead of World Alzheimer’s Day on Monday, 21st September.
This year’s walks take place locally at Mallow (3.5km walk – meeting at the main gate of Mallow Castle), along with other locations Blarney, Bantry, Bessboro, Macroom and on the Beara Peninsula. Cork is delighted to have the largest number of Memory Walk events in one county this year, and the growing number of events highlights the support of the Cork people for Memory Walk since the event first started seven years ago.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) was recently joined by the Lord Mayor of Cork City, Cllr. Damian Boylan, along with service users, their families, ASI staff and volunteers, to officially launch the 2026 Cork Alzheimer’s Memory Walks at the ASI Day Centre in Bessboro, Blackrock.
DEMENTIA INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
Speaking at the launch, the Lord Mayor of Cork City, Cllr. Damian Boylan, said that the walks ‘give families, neighbours and friends a chance to come together, support one another and honour the memories that shape us’.
“I encourage everyone to take part on the 20th September – every step taken helps strengthen the support available to families across Cork,” he said.
Cork is home to five ASI Dementia Inclusive Communities – Mallow, Bessboro, Blarney, Macroom and Mahon Point Shopping Centre – each shaped by the tireless work of local Friends of ASI groups over recent years. These volunteer-led groups have worked to make their towns, neighbourhoods, and communities places where people living with dementia are recognised, welcomed and included.
That work has brought tangible new supports into local areas, including Memory Cafés, Singing for the Brain sessions, dementia awareness workshops for local businesses, sports clubs and community groups, and reminiscence events that bring people together to share stories and connection.
REGSITER TODAY
The Alzheimer’s Memory Walk 2026, supported by Aviva Ireland, takes place in over 40 locations nationwide on Sunday, 20th September and people across Cork are encouraged to register now at www.memorywalk.ie. Participants receive an Alzheimer’s Memory Walk pack, including a t-shirt. Adult registration is €20, and a child’s pack is €5.
Walkers are invited to share their experience on social media using #ASIMemoryWalk2026 #WalkWithAviva #ASIMakingMemories.
