About this Event
About this event
In May 2023, we held our first “Long Road Home – Ag Soúl le Chéile” Fundraising Walk along the National Famine Way, from Dublin to Strokestown. In May 2026 we are inviting you to join us again!
The is a powerful and historic trail that follows the footsteps of 1,490 famine emigrants who, in 1847, were forced to leave Ireland and walked from Roscommon to Dublin. From there, they boarded ships to Liverpool before making the perilous journey to North America on some of the worst coffin ships of the time. In recognition of our work with returning Irish emigrants, we will once again walk the route in reverse from Dublin back to Roscommon symbolising the journey home.
The 2026 walk will take place over the weekend of May 23rd–24th, across eight stages. We will launch the walk at in Dublin’s Docklands on Saturday, May 23rd, with groups setting off at 10:30am to walk one stage each (approximately 20km per stage). We meet promptly at 10am.
On Sunday, May 24th, all participants will walk together on the final stage from Tarmonbarry (meet at to Strokestown Park House & National Famine Museum, Co. Roscommon. To mark the occasion, our Ambassador will be hold a short Homecoming event on arrival in Strokestown.
There is a once-off registration fee of €30 (inclusive of Eventbrite fees). Full details of the walk stages will be provided upon registration. NOTE - this fee covers the full wak (i.e. two days)
Each participant will receive a Walk Pack which includes: the Walk route, a T-shirt and Baseball Hat - together with a Sponsorship Card (optional).
Don't miss out on this incredible experience! Your support is greatly appreciated.
About the National Famine Way
The National Famine Way is a 165km cross country walking and cycling trail that traces the footsteps of 1,490 tenants - men, women and children who were marched from Strokestown, Co. Roscommon to Dublin in May 1847 – known as ‘Black 47’, one of the worst years of suffering of the Great Irish Famine, after they failed to pay their rent. The route weaves through country lanes, villages, towns and Dublin city mostly along the banks of the Royal Canal. In Dublin, they boarded a ship to Liverpool before journeying to North America on board some of the worst coffin ships of the time. Of the 1,490 who had left Strokestown over 700 died, and were buried at sea or on Grosse Île. They became known as the 'Missing 1,490'.
The National Famine Way is marked by 32 pairs of Bronze Children’s Shoes, each linked to a digital storybook and audio recordings that bring their journey to life. An accompanying anthem by renowned folk singer Declan O’Rourke further commemorates their memory. The digital resources are available through the National Famine Way website and the National Famine Way Audio App.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1, Ireland
EUR 30.00
