'Walk a day in their footsteps': Public urged to join National Famine Way walk
The bronze shoes along the Famine Way.
The National Famine Way annual Remembrance Walk, starting from Strokestown Park, gets underway on Sunday, May 17th.
Members of the public are invited to walk the entire 165km or to “walk a day in their footsteps” - a way to remember the 1,490 people who left Strokestown in 1847 on an assisted emigration journey to Canada.
While the full journey spans eight days of walking, the focus this year is simple: you don’t have to do it all, walking one day makes a difference. The distance walked each day is between 16 and 27km.
Communities along the route will welcome walkers throughout the week, creating moments of connection, conversation, and shared remembrance.
On the night before the walk begins, Saturday, May 16th, walkers are invited to join in the Canadian Wake at the National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park. This is an immersive evening of storytelling and music, inspired by the traditional gatherings that marked a final farewell before emigration. With candlelight, shared stories, and live music, the Canadian Wake brings people together in a way that is both intimate and deeply moving, a fitting beginning to a week of remembrance.
The Remembrance Walk concludes in Dublin on Sunday, May 24th with a simple completion ceremony at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, marking the end of the journey and reflecting on what it represents. Walkers will receive their completion certificate and discover the fate of their assigned famine family.
Registration is now open, with flexible options for day walkers and those wishing to take part in longer stages. The cost is €110 including official participation in the Remembrance Walk and associated events, event coordination, a walker’s pack and certification.
Find out more or register at: www.nationalfamineway.ie\
