Relay For Life Sligo

What to Expect

Relay For Life Sligo is the Irish Cancer Society’s overnight fundraising relay, taking place at ATU Sligo from 1pm on Saturday 5 September through to 1pm on Sunday 6 September 2026. Teams of walkers take turns keeping at least one member on the track for the full 24 hours, a format built around the idea that cancer never sleeps, so the relay does not either. The day includes music, entertainment and stalls around the track, but the emotional centrepiece is the Candle of Hope ceremony at dusk, when the track is lined with candle bags bought in memory of, or in tribute to, someone affected by cancer.

The event is organised locally by the volunteer Relay For Life Sligo Committee on behalf of the Irish Cancer Society, and it is built almost entirely around team fundraising rather than a simple ticket price. Teams register in advance and raise sponsorship in the run-up to the weekend, and anyone can support the event without walking by buying a Candle of Hope bag online. Spectators and family members of participants are welcome to drop in and out over the 24 hours to cheer teams on, watch the Candle of Hope ceremony, or browse the stalls, even if they are not part of a registered team.

Good to Know

• Date and time: 1pm Saturday 5 September to 1pm Sunday 6 September 2026, overnight relay
• Venue: ATU Sligo, Ash Lane, Ballytivnan, Sligo
• Price: Free to attend as a spectator; participating teams register and fundraise, Candle of Hope bags available to buy
• Recurrence: Annual Irish Cancer Society fundraiser, held every September
• Contact: relayforlifesligo@gmail.com for team registration

Getting There

ATU Sligo’s Ash Lane campus is on the northern edge of Sligo town, a short drive or bus ride from the town centre, with on-site car parking for the event.