National Walking Day 2026
27th Sept. 2026
Our annual National Walking Day is in its 7th year!
In the lead-up to National Walking Day 2026, we’ll be hosting a full week of walking, with a new theme to explore each day. As part of European Week of Sport we’re starting our week of celebrations on Monday 21st September. National Walking Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate how a simple stroll can boost both our physical health and mental wellbeing.
We’d love for everyone across Ireland to join us this year and #WalkHikeRunPushRoll.
Teen Step-out Day
Alongside our week of walking celebrations, Get Ireland Walking will be promoting a teen-focused, week-long programme of themed walking activities designed to increase participation among young people.
In association with European Week of Sport, the #TeenStepOut programme will engage with schools, youth organisations, walking clubs, disability groups, community organisations and local partners across Ireland and Northern Ireland. Activities will be free, accessible and non-competitive, ensuring young people of all abilities and backgrounds feel welcome and encouraged to participate.
Register Your Walk
We’re asking everyone to celebrate National Walking Day across Ireland by participating in one or more of our themed walking days during our walking week of celebrations.
If you already know what day you’d like to register for, click the button below. If you’re unsure, scroll down to read about our exciting week of walking celebrations!
Walk Leader Insurance
Please refer to the Get Ireland Walking insurance policy document for more information on our public liability cover for Walk Leaders.
Check out our week of walking celebrations! There’s a new theme to explore each day as part of European Week of Sport 2026!
Monday 21st September
Mindful Walking Day
Promoting mental wellbeing, stress reduction and positive social connection through guided and reflective walks for young people and communities.
Tuesday 22nd September
Equality, Diversity & Inclusivity Day
We’re celebrating inclusive participation by showcasing walks involving diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ groups, culturally diverse communities and participants with different abilities.
Wednesday 23rd September
Workplace Walking Day
This year, we’re encouraging workplaces, colleges, schools and youth services to support walking breaks for employees and students. We’ll also be sharing ways to promote active breaks throughout the day.
Thursday 24th September
Active Travel Day
We’ll be promoting walking as a sustainable and healthy transport option for teenagers travelling to school, college or local activities. Our 2026 campaign highlights the many benefits of adding active travel into the daily routine of teenagers across Ireland.
Friday 25th September
Access for All Day
Access for All Day Highlights accessible walking and active travel opportunities. We’ll be enncouraging participation from people with disabilities, mobility challenges and inclusive community groups.
Saturday 26th September
Happy Hiking Day
Mountaineering Ireland will run Hills Skills Days and encourage their clubs to hold a hikes throughout the weekend to celebrate.
If you are new to the hills, learn your skills!
Sunday 27th September
National Walking Day
Whether it's a short stroll around the block or a longer walk in a nearby park, getting outside and moving is a great way to celebrate National Walking day.
Why not organise a walking event, such as a group walk or a walking tour of a local neighbourhood, park or amenity? This is a great way to get friends, families and neighbours involved.
Share and promote walking on social media: we’re asking everyone to spread the word about National Walking Day and share photos and stories of your walks to encourage others to get out and #WalkHikeRunPushRoll.
Teen Step-out Day
On National Walking Day, Our flagship event; we’re inviting teenagers all over the country to step outside, get active, and enjoy walking together in their local communities. Check out our #TeenStepOut campaign on social media! We hope to inspire young people across Ireland to join in, connect socially, and have fun.
Our goal is to help teenagers build a lifelong passion for staying active by promoting the benefits of walking. We want to reinforce the message that walking is simple, social, and open to everyone, no matter your age, ability, or background.
Check out our National Walking Day Videos!
Our Mindful Walking Day video is with Sarah Hourigan from Woodlands for Health as she speaks about the importance and joy of mindfulness when walking
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Day video features John Boland from Get Up Adventures as he speaks about the positive impact of walking.
Our Workplace Walking Day video is with Prof. Mary Horgan, Chief Medical Officer with the Dept. of Health as she speaks about the benefits of walking during the working day.
Our Access for All Day video is with Special Olympics athletes Fiona Byrne and Niall Corcoran as they chat about their hillwalking experiences in Ireland.
Our Active Travel Day video features students from Stradbally National School as well as Thomas Connell from An Taisce.
Our Happy Hiking Day video is packed with great advice for everyone who’s planning on getting out for a hike!
Our National Walking Day video features the young people from Sligo Community Training Centre as they encourage everybody to walk!
Register your Walk here!
Please use the form below to register your group for National Walking Day 2026!
Get involved
We are delighted to work with the network of Sport Ireland Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) to facilitate a week of celebrations leading up to National Walking Day 2026!