About this Event
About this event:
In May 2023, we held our first “Long Road Home – Ag Siúl le Chéile” Fundraising Walk along the , from Dublin to Strokestown. In May 2027 we are inviting you to join us again!
The 2027 walk will take place over the weekend of May 15th-16th, is split into stages, You can choose to walk a whole stage, half a stage, as much or as little as suits you!
Saturday, 15 May 2027 – Dublin and the Eight Stages
The walk will begin at in Dublin’s Docklands. Participants should arrive by 10:00am, with groups setting off at 10:30am. The route is divided into eight stages, with each stage approximately 20km. Participants can take part in their chosen stage.
Sunday, 16 May 2027 – The Final Stage and Homecoming
All participants will walk together from Tarmonbarry, meeting at Keenan’s Hotel, to Strokestown Park House and the National Famine Museum, Co. Roscommon. On arrival, our Ambassador will host a special Homecoming event to mark the occasion.
Cost:
A one-off registration fee of €30, inclusive of Eventbrite fees, covers attendance for both 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).
About the National Famine Way:
The is a 165km walking and cycling trail that retraces the journey of 1,490 men, women and children who were forced to leave Strokestown, Co. Roscommon, for Dublin in May 1847, during Black ’47, one of the darkest years of the Great Irish Famine. 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'.
Today, 32 pairs of bronze children’s shoes mark the trail, each linked to digital stories and audio recordings that bring the emigrants’ experiences to life. Their memory is also commemorated through an anthem by renowned folk singer Declan O’Rourke.
In recognition of our work supporting returning Irish emigrants, the Long Road Home – Ag Siúl le Chéile Fundraising Walk retraces the route in reverse, from Dublin to Roscommon, symbolising the journey home.
Event venue & nearby stays
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1, Ireland
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.