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. The National Famine Way follows the same route as the Royal Canal Greenway
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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 Irish Heritage Trust
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Explore the stories of the Royal Canal in County LongfordCounty Longford tells the story of the Royal Canal and the National Famine Way with 11 storyboards placed at different intervals → explore here
Website: View the National Famine Way Website
Social Media: View the National Famine Way Facebook page , click here and "Like" the page
View the National Famine Way Twitter page
View the National Famine Way Instagram page
How to get here: The Dublin to Sligo train passes through County Longford, stopping in both Edgeworthstown and Longford Town. Longford town is the most suitable stop for the Royal Canal. There are up to 12 trains daily, taking 1hr 50mins from Dublin Connolly and 1hr 20mins from Sligo (MacDiarmada).
You can also bring a bike on the train. (Please remember these services require bike spaces to be booked in advance). See the Royal Canal Greenway section on the Irishrail website .
→ Irish Rail Dublin to Sligo train info
The Expressway services of Ballina to Dublin and Sligo to Dublin pass through Longford Town (direct to Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre).
→Route 22 Ballina to Dublin / Route 23 Sligo to Dublin
Check out the →Getting to Longford
Accommodation: Please see the accommodation section of this website accommodation close to the Royal Canal
Food & Drink: Please see the Food & Drink section of this website Food & Drink near Royal Canal Greenway . The following businesses are also providing picnics - Richmond Inn Foigha Bar & Lounge Glebe House B&B
Other Services: Longford is home to two breweries - Wide Street Brewing St Mels Brewing Company Wilder and Gold
Itineraries: Explore the ready made Itineraries → here
Keenagh Killashee Cloondara Cookery School & Farm
Alternatively, build your own itinerary from the details provided on our website.
