Introduction Death is an integral part of life and grief is a universal experience. How people die has changed radically over recent generations. People are living longer and for many, death comes much later in life. We are also more aware about the impact of grief on our lives. The commonality of these experiences should mean that they are well documented and understood, yet this is often not the case. Irish Hospice Foundation has produced this report on Dying, Death and Bereavement in Ireland 2026 to provide an overview of how Ireland experiences, addresses and responds to issues surrounding end-of-life and bereavement care. To improve these experiences, we need to know where we currently stand. This report brings together national and international research and data to examine the current realities of dying, death and bereavement. The themes of the Dying, Death and Bereavement in Ireland 2026 report are structured around the strategic priorities of Irish Hospice Foundation - the three interconnected stages of dying, death and bereavement: Conversations about Death, End of Life and Dying, Bereavement and Grief. Our first section focuses on conversations and planning ahead for end of life. How many of us are talking about dying and death? How many of us have captured our wishes and if not, why not? Our second theme investigates the experience of end of life and dying in Ireland. Where do people die? What are the challenges people face at end of life? What does the delivery of Specialist Palliative Care look like in Ireland? The final theme explored is bereavement and grief. We examine how many people are bereaved in Ireland, what are the financial and social impacts of bereavement and finally what is the impact of grief in the workplace? It is our hope that this Dying, Death and Bereavement in Ireland 2026 report will inform the public, not simply through the facts and figures presented, but in the reality of how we currently experience dying, death and bereavement, and the actions that are needed to improve this experience for everyone.
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Irish Hospice Foundation
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