A pair of old, worn-out black shoes with frayed laces are wrapped together with a tattered white cloth, sitting on a dark surface.
A group of people walk along a gravel path beside a calm canal, surrounded by green grass, trees, and bushes under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
People walk along a canal towpath under a clear blue sky, passing a stone bridge. Some are accompanied by a dog, with grass and trees lining the water on both sides.
A stone memorial with plaques and small shoes sits in front of a stone bridge, with colourful flower baskets on railings and houses in the background. The sky is cloudy.
A black cycling shoe sculpture is mounted on a stone plinth in the foreground, with two cyclists riding on a path and a stone bridge visible in the blurred background.

National Famine Way

  • Family friendly
  • Free to visit
  • Rainy days

Historic trail tracing the footsteps of famine emigrants.

The National Famine Way is a powerful 165km heritage trail passing through County Longford as The Royal Canal Greenway, and following one of the most significant journeys in Irish history.

It is a moving journey through Ireland’s past, connecting landscapes, stories, and communities along one of the country’s most important heritage routes.

Overview

The National Famine Way is a waymarked walking and cycling trail following the last known journey on Irish soil of 1,490 men, women and children who  were forced to leave Strokestown, Co Roscommon in 1847.

Follow their route to Dublin, collect passport stamps and discover stories, landscapes and local heritage along the way.

These 1,490 people became known as the “Missing 1490”, a lasting symbol of famine-era emigration and hardship.

Why Visit

  • Experience a powerful true story of emigration, resilience and survival.
  • Follow Daniel Tighe’s journey through audio stories at Bronze Shoes locations.
  • Receive a ship ticket linking you to one of the families who left Strokestown in 1847, walk in their footsteps along the National Famine Way and discover their fate when you reach Dublin.

Good To Know

  • Suitable for walkers, cyclists and families, with options for both short and long route sections.
  • Passport Packs and trail information are available online.
  • Download the free National Famine Way app for maps, navigation and audio stories.

 

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