National Famine Way

Bronze shoes at Mosstown Harbour, County Longford representing those who walked the fateful journey on the National Famine Way

The National Famine Way is a self-guided Trail detailing the ill-fated journey of famine emigrants who walked from Strokestown Park to ships in Dublin in 1847, at the height of the Irish Famine. With its captivating layers of history and culture, the Trail will give you a truly immersive experience.  It is centred around the walk of twelve-year-old Daniel Tighe - one of the original famine walkers from Strokestown Park - who remarkably survived the horrific journey to Quebec in Canada in 1847. Daniel’s journey is reimagined in vignettes written by award-winning author Marita Conlon-McKenna. These are connected to over thirty pairs of 19th-century bronze children’s shoes interspersed along the route which create a thought-provoking experience.  Follow in the footsteps of 1,490 people, who walked the 165 kilometre route through six counties including Longford, mostly through countryside along the Royal Canal on flat and well-surfaced paths.

Walkers/Cyclists are invited to become an Officially Registered Participant by obtaining the new Passport/Guide, personalised Ship Ticket and Certificate of Completion. Whether you’re a casual walker, cyclist, historical enthusiast, or out for the day with your family, enjoy the trail at your own pace. This is a safe, recreational option available all year round with signposting and trailheads along the route and can be done in sections or all at once.

The National Famine Way is an integrated inter County collaboration between Waterways Ireland and county councils along the route: Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath, Meath, Kildare, Fingal and Dublin. It has been developed by Strokestown Park House, the National Famine Museum, and the Irish Heritage Trust in partnership with Waterways Ireland, the ADAPT Centre for Digital Content Technology, and EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.

Visit Website