Aware’s scenic Harbour2Harbour Walk returns this St Patrick’s Day to support mental health
3 March 2026
Thousands expected for 26km much-loved walking challenge around Dublin Bay on March 17
Broadcaster and wellbeing commentator, Dr Ciara Kelly has launched Aware’s 19th annual Harbour2Harbour Walk which will take place on St Patrick’s Day, Tuesday 17th March. An official event partner of St Patrick’s Festival 2026, over 3,000 walkers of all ages, families and beloved family dogs are expected to take on the 26km challenge, raising vital funds and awareness of charity Aware’s free mental health supports. Registration is now open at www.aware.ie/harbour2harbour.
Participants have the choice of starting the Aware Harbour2Harbour Walk from either Howth Harbour or Dún Laoghaire Harbour, with a ‘Halfway Hooley’ hosted by Dublin Port at East Point Business Park. Suitable for most fitness levels, the Harbour2Harbour route takes in all the sights and sounds of Dublin Bay along the UNESCO Biosphere.
Dr Ciara Kelly commented: “I’m truly delighted to return as ambassador for the Aware Harbour2Harbour Walk for a second year, in support of Aware’s vital work across Ireland. I had watched the event take place annually for several years before finally taking part myself last year. The sense of achievement on completing the challenge is incredibly rewarding, and there’s something very special about sharing that journey with so many people all moving toward the same goal. Walking is one of the most powerful things we can do for our overall wellbeing. Regular walking provides significant physical and mental health benefits, including reduced risk of chronic diseases and lowers stress and anxiety. It offers a simple yet mindful way to reset and recharge and, best of all, it’s something you can enjoy alongside friends and family. Events like this remind us just how uplifting community, movement and fresh air can be.”
The Aware Harbour2Harbour Walk is a flagship fundraising event for Aware, the national charity supporting people impacted by depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety. According to a recent *Aware survey, 3 in 4 respondents reported facing mental health challenges, with almost one third of those citing a diagnosis of depression. This event plays a crucial role in raising essential funds, enabling Aware to continue providing free support, therapy, education, and information services to individuals, their loved ones and communities across the country.
Aware CEO Stephen Butterly said: “We are thrilled to launch this year’s walk and very much looking forward to seeing everyone on St Patrick’s Day. This is a very important date in our calendar, and we really value all the support that is shown by the walkers and their sponsors. Aware, now 40 years old, still provides all its mental health supports free of charge to anyone who seeks them out in a time of crisis or when they start to feel they could need some extra support and understanding. Anxiety is the biggest reason people get in touch and we are seeing growing numbers of people year on year getting in touch with us. We can offer education, listening, information and counselling for any adult experiencing mental health challenges.”
Dublin Port Head of External Affairs Claire Percy said: “The Aware Harbour2Harbour Walk is a fantastic (and healthy) way to get out and about this Patrick’s Day, enjoying the sights of the incredible UNESCO Biosphere, which runs all along Dublin Bay via Dublin Port. The walk is a highlight of the Port’s community programme and one we always look forward to each year. Dublin Port offers Dubliners a wide range of amenities that both help people better understand our work here at the Port and also support both physical and mental wellbeing. These include the Great South Wall, our Distributed Museum and of course the Dublin Port Greenway which has welcomed over a quarter of a million visits since it opened.”