Walk a day in their footsteps – National Famine Way Remembrance Walk 2026
The National Famine Way annual Remembrance Walk begins on Sunday, May 17 2026. Members of the public are invited to walk the entire 165km or to “walk a day in their footsteps” an accessible way to remember the 1,490 people who left Strokestown in County Roscommon in 1847 on an assisted emigration journey to Canada.
While the full journey is 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.
On the night before the walk begins, Saturday 16 May, walkers are invited to join in the Canadian Wake at the National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park.
That is an immersive evening of storytelling and music, inspired by the traditional gatherings that marked a final farewell before emigration. It is a moment to pause, reflect, and connect. All are welcome.
After just one stage on country roads, the route follows the Royal Canal from Clondra in Longford to Dublin.
It is a largely flat and manageable path, it suitable for individuals, families, and groups.
Completion Ceremony
The Remembrance Walk concludes in Dublin on Sunday 24 May with a simple ceremony at EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum, marking the end of the journey and reflecting on what it represents.
Walkers will receive their completion certificates and discover the fate of their assigned famine families.
The gathering will bring participants together to acknowledge the significance of the walk, connecting the experience of departure in 1847 with the wider story of Irish emigration.
Registration
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.
Dates and Distances
Saturday 16th May Canadian Wake at Strokestown Park House, Roscommon
Sunday 17th 20km Strokestown to Cloondara
Monday 18th 25km Cloondara to Ballymahon
Tuesday 19th 20km Ballymahon to Ballynacargy
Wednesday 20th 19km Ballynacargy to Mullingar
Thursday 21st 25km Mullingar to Hill of Down
Friday 22nd 16km Hill of Down to Enfield
Saturday 23rd 20km Enfield to Maynooth
Sunday 24th 27km Maynooth to Dublin, Arrival Ceremony
Monday 25th Recommended visit to EPIC and the Jeanie Johnston
The National Famine Way
The National Famine Way is a 165km way marked walking and cycling trail commemorating a walk of forced emigration in 1847 at the height of the Irish Famine.
It begins at the memorial glass wall at The National Famine Museum | Strokestown Park in Roscommon and continues through six counties to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in the Dublin Docklands.
The route is marked by more than 30 pairs of bronze children’s shoes and the route and associated stories can be followed through a free app. Walkers can also purchase an official passport to get stamped along the route.
Jim and Caroilín Callery honoured with international award
Father and daughter Jim and Caroilín Callery, founders of the National Famine Museum and the National Famine Way, were honoured with the international Éire Society of Boston Award at a ceremony in Boston on Friday 24 April.
Previous recipients of the gold medal award include Seamus Heaney, John Hume, George Mitchell, Mary Robinson and John F Kennedy.
The mission of the Éire Society of Boston is to promote the knowledge of Irish culture through the encouragement of study in the arts, sciences, literature, language and the history of Ireland, and to raise awareness of the contributions made by the Irish and those of Irish ancestry.
The dedication reads 'Honoring James Callery for his creative leadership and generosity in preserving the lessons and legacy of Ireland’s Great Hunger by founding Ireland’s National Famine Museum Archive in 1994 at Strokestown. Caroilín Callery’s contributions include organising a homecoming for the Canadian descendants of the 1,490 Strokestown tenants who were sent into exile in 1847, launching the biannual Irish Famine Summer Schools, and developing Ireland’s National Famine Way in 2019 and the Global Irish Famine Way in 2022'.
Jim and Caroilin travelled to Boston for the award winner at the historic Omni Parker Hotel (where Charles Dickens stayed in the 1800s).
Caroilin Callery said: “It was an honour and delight to have this experience with my father - very special. The Éire Society were such amazing hosts with a series of events culminating in the awards dinner."
Jim Callery added: “The power of the Irish Diaspora and their sense of connection and rootedness back to their home country is palpable here. We were shown an amazing time by one and all.”
Two years ago Jim celebrated his 90th birthday by walking the full 165km length of the National Famine Way as a fundraiser for immigration related charities. He raised over €165,000 – €1,000 for every kilometre walked.
Jim was the person responsible for saving Strokestown Park House for the nation in 1979 and for setting up the National Famine Museum there.
Previous honours include a European Heritage Europa Nostra Award (EU Prizes for Cultural Heritage) in 1979 when the citation declared that 'The restoration and establishment of the world renowned Irish National Famine Museum and Archive by Mr Callery has been the largest act of private philanthropy for cultural heritage in the history of modern Ireland'.