Frequently Asked Questions
Self-Guided Tours
For our self-guided walking and cycling tours, you should be comfortable without the assistance of a guide. The National Famine Way is well signposted and follows quiet country roads on the first day, the remainder of the route takes you along the Royal Canal Greenway to Dublin. We have classified the route as Easy to Moderate for both walkers and cyclists. The average distance for walkers is 20km per day, although there are two days of 26km. For cyclists, daily distances range from 40 to 65 km per day, depending on the selected tour. All participants should have an adequate level of fitness and be, at least, a regular walker or cyclist.
The main advantage of a self-guided tour is you can start any day that suits your itinerary. We would advise booking early as there may be limited accommodation options along sections of the route.
Yes, our self-guided tours all start at the trailhead at the National Famine Way in Strokestown, Co Roscommon. We would advise you to arrive at Strokestown by lunchtime, allowing time to visit the National Famine Museum during the afternoon. Otherwise, we’d recommend booking a second night in Strokestown.
Self-guided tours are flexible, lets us know if you want to schedule a rest day and we can book extra nights accommodation.
Breakfast is provided each morning and ranges from continental style to the full Irish breakfast. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirement at the booking stage.
Our self-guided walking tours come with baggage transfers included. Luggage transfers are an optional extra for our self-guided cycling tours. We provide you with a set of panniers (rear carrier bags) for your cycle tour. Contact us if you would like to avail of luggage transfers for cycling tours.
You will drop overnight bags (one 15kg bag allowance per person) by an allotted time each morning at your hotel or B&B. This leaves you free to walk unencumbered, with only your day pack of essentials. Your baggage will be transferred to your next night’s accommodation and will arrive before you do!
We strongly encourage that you arrange adequate travel insurance to cover you for any eventuality during your trip, for example, medical expenses or loss of personal items. You should take out a travel insurance policy to cover you on any trip you take. Make sure your insurance provider covers you for any activities you will be taking part in on your trip.
Pick the tour you would like to join and fill in the booking form. Within a few days you will receive confirmation of your booking. When we receive your deposit to secure the booking, we will start putting everything together for you. The final payment is due four weeks before the start of the tour, and you will then receive all information on your tour.
Guided Tours
Most people who go on a guided walking or cycling tour worry about how difficult they are going to be and will I be able to keep up with the group, well no need to worry. Our tours are aimed at those who wish to explore the countryside at a moderate pace. The walks are 4 to 5 hours in duration. All our walking/ cycling leaders are experienced, and professional guides and all have first aid training. . All participants should have an adequate level of fitness and be, at least, a regular walker or cyclist.
Our groups are small and friendly – 8 to 16 of diverse nationalities. The emphasis is on fun and enjoyment, and you will be in the company of like-minded travellers who enjoy the great outdoors. We cater for all age groups from early teens. Many of our clients travel alone, some are couples, and we also cater for larger groups. We can custom-design a tour to suit the requirements of a group of 8 or more members at a discounted price.
Yes, we can book extra nights accommodation at the start and end locations of the tour.
08.30 Breakfast
10.00 Start Walking
11.00 Tea/Coffee Break
13.00 Lunch Break
15.30 Afternoon Refreshment Break
17.00 Arrive at Accommodation
19.00 Evening Meal
20.30 Time to relax with some Guinness and hopefully some traditional Irish music in a local Irish Pub
Breakfast is provided with each nights accommodation. Lunches are included on the days the group is walking, this could be a picnic along the banks of the Royal Canal or at local cafés or restaurants. Evening meals will be included for each day of the tour except for the rest day in Mullingar. If your evening meal is not at your accommodation, it will be in one of our very carefully chosen restaurants, and you will be transported to and from the restaurant.
We strongly encourage that you arrange adequate travel insurance to cover you for any eventuality during your trip, for example, personal accident, cancellation charges, medical expenses, loss of money or baggage, travel and personal liability. You should take out a travel insurance policy to cover you on any trip you take. Make sure your insurance provider covers you for any activities you will be taking part in on your trip. Famine Way Tours or its employees or agents cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to your baggage, or any illness or injury while on our tours. We also cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage resulting from circumstances beyond our control.
Pick the tour you would like to join and fill in the booking form. Within a few days you will receive confirmation of your booking. When we receive your deposit to secure the booking, we will start putting everything together for you. The final payment is due four weeks before the start of the tour, and you will then receive all information on your tour.
What To Bring
Walking Tours
- Comfortable walking shoes (Preferably Waterproof)
- Waterproof gear. e.g. jacket and over trousers
- Light comfortable clothing that can be layered
- Waterbottles, Rucksack/day pack, lined with plastic bag or waterproof rucksack liner
- Sun-block, factor 30 or higher
- Camera & Powerbank for recharging phones etc.
Cycling Tours
- Comfortable shoes for cycling (Preferably Waterproof)
- Waterproof gear. e.g. jacket and over trousers
- Light comfortable clothing that can be layered
- Padded cycling shorts and gloves
- Sun-block, factor 30 or higher
- Camera & Powerbank for recharging phones etc.
Recommended
- Hiking Poles
- Insect/midge repellent
- First Aid kit with blister care bandages
Irish Weather
The Irish weather is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 20°C during the summer months. It can also be unpredictable and constantly changing, and it’s wise to expect everything. A walker coming in the Spring or Autumn can expect more fluctuation in weather, a bit more rain, and cooler temperatures.
Spring (March to May)
In spring it becomes gradually warmer with average temperatures between 8 – 12°C (46 – 53°F). Towards the end of the season, the temperature often reaches 15 °C (59°F), with April usually being a particularly pleasant month. Long sleeves and a light wind and waterproof jacket are perfect for this kind of weather.
Summer (June to August)
The average temperature during the summer is between 16 – 20°C (60 – 68°F). Apart from short refreshing showers, this is Ireland’s driest season. Take a light raincoat but also sunglasses! Although the sun may not seem very bright, it is still important to use sunscreen. The hottest months, July and August, get about 18 hours of daylight, only turning dark after 11 pm in the evening. Hence the well-known saying in Ireland, “make the most of your evening”.
Autumn (September to November)
In Autumn, the temperature ranges between 14-18 °C (57 – 64°F). September is considered a mild, moderate month. The season is characterized by beautiful autumn colours and slightly more frequent rainfall than in summer. The temperature will drop further at the end of the season, to below 10 °C (50°F). Take a waterproof, padded jacket and long sleeves to stay warm and dry.
