National Famine Way
Walk in the footsteps of Strokestown missing 1,490
The National Famine Way is one of Irelands newest long-distance walking trails. A 165km thought-provoking experience from the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park through counties Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath, Meath, Kildare, before culminating at the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum and the Jeanie Johnston replica famine ship in Dublin.
National Famine Way
The National Famine Way is a 165km digital and physically waymarked trail along the tow-path of the Royal Canal. It follows the ill-fated story of assisted emigration in Ireland during the Great Famine of 1847, when 1,490 tenants were forced to emigrate from the Denis Mahon Estate at Strokestown, Co Roscommon to Canada on some of the worst coffin ships. It is believed over 700 emigrants died during the journey.
The Shoe Stories
Along the entire length of the trail are over thirty pairs of bronze shoe sculptures, each one telling the harrowing story of the emigrants as they were marched from Strokestown to Custom House Quay in Dublin. Each sculpture tells the story from the perspective of twelve-year-old Daniel Tighe as he walks with his family.
Renowned author Marita Conlon-McKenna tells the story of his journey in the National Famine Way Shoe Stories film.
National Famine Way Passport/Guide
Each walker or cyclist will be registered with the Irish Heritage Trust and receive their 14 page National Famine Way Passport/ Guide to record their progress with 27 stage stamps along the specially developed route.
Present your stamped Passport when you arrive in Dublin at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum and receive your Certificate of Completion.
In addition you will receive Discount Vouchers for the National Famine Museum, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, and Croke Park.
