The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) has officially launched the 2026 Cork Alzheimer’s Memory Walks, scheduling six distinct local events for Sunday, September 20, ahead of World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21. County Cork leads the nation with the largest number of Memory Walk events hosted in a single county, matching a seven-year tradition of strong local backing for the charity.
Cork Hosts Six Locations for 2026 Memory Walk
Organizers announced that the September 20 walks will take place across six local areas: Mallow, Blarney, Bantry, Bessboro, Macroom, and the Beara Peninsula. The Mallow route features a 3.5-kilometer course starting at the main gate of Mallow Castle. The events invite families, neighbors, friends, and individuals living with dementia to walk together in remembrance and support.
The official launch took place at the ASI Day Centre in Bessboro, Blackrock. Lord Mayor of Cork City Cllr. Damian Boylan joined service users, families, ASI staff, and volunteers to open the registration period. Speaking at the launch, Cllr. Boylan stated that the walks give communities a chance to support one another and honor the memories that shape them, while encouraging public participation to strengthen local services.
Expansion of Dementia-Inclusive Communities Across Cork
Cork currently hosts five designated ASI Dementia Inclusive Communities located in Mallow, Bessboro, Blarney, Macroom, and Mahon Point Shopping Centre. These regions developed through the efforts of local Friends of ASI volunteer groups working to ensure neighborhoods welcome and include individuals affected by dementia.
This community-led framework has introduced several regular supports to local areas, including Memory Cafés, Singing for the Brain sessions, reminiscence events, and dementia awareness workshops tailored for local businesses, community groups, and sports clubs.
Registration Details and National Participation
The Alzheimer’s Memory Walk 2026 receives support from Aviva Ireland and spans over 40 locations nationwide on Sunday, September 20. Participants can register online through the official Memory Walk website. Adult registration costs €20 and children’s registration is €5, with each participant receiving an official Memory Walk pack including a t-shirt. Organizers invite participants to share their involvement on social media platforms using the tags #ASIMemoryWalk2026, #WalkWithAviva, and #ASIMakingMemories.
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