Slí - Men's Health Week
Men’s Health Week 2026 took place from 15–21 June. The Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) was pleased to support and encourage member sheds across the country to organise activities that promoted the health and wellbeing of their members.
The response from Men’s Sheds nationwide was outstanding, with members participating in a wide range of activities. While many organised Walk & Talk events or local Slí walks, others chose to host informal “Cuppa & Chat” gatherings, providing members with an opportunity to connect socially. Several sheds also incorporated warm-up sessions and group exercise routines before setting out on their walks, highlighting the importance of both physical activity and social engagement, of course part of this event had to be the lunch or the BBQ after with some of them going so far as to have street music.
On the right is a gallery of images from the Athenry Shed in Coole Park
Many of these events were attended by members from neighbouring sheds, creating opportunities not only for physical activity but also for strengthening social connections and fostering a sense of community.
Follow-up discussions with key contacts from participating sheds have been very positive. Several sheds are already planning their Men’s Health Week activities for 2027, with ambitions to expand participation and make their events even more successful.
This initiative began in 2024, when IMSA staff and approximately 80 members from sheds across the country travelled to Inis Oírr for a special event. Since then, participation has grown significantly each year, reflecting the increasing enthusiasm of Men’s Sheds to promote health, wellbeing, and community engagement through Men’s Health Week.
A Gallery of images from Ballybunion is on the left.
For 2026, we invited Sheds nationwide to come together individually, as a group of Sheds or by county to connect, chat and enjoy the great outdoors together on a walk, forest trail, park or simply around the town.
We encouraged existing Shedders to ‘bring a buddy’ to the event and utilise this opportunity to invite potential new members to the Shed. We also have available a Walkshop booklet which is useful background for organising outdoor walks.
A gallery of images of Borrisokane on the right.
Charleville Shed in Doneraile
Temmpleogue Shed in Tymon Park
Rush MS at Newbridge House
Seid na bFear Duiche Seoige at Clonbur
Drumshambo Men’s Shed
Donaghmede Men’s Shed Sli walk and talk event in Father Collins Park
