Trip Planner

The National Famine Way is a 165km long meaningful and mindful trail and usually takes from 7-13 days to walk / 2 – 4 days to cycle but rewards an unhurried approach. It is an experience as well as a way marked trail and walkers are encouraged to explore the areas they pass through. The App and Passport Guide introduce local landmarks and places of interest like the iron age Corlea Trackway.

To fully plan your daily schedules you should consult our county by county information which highlights interesting key features in each of the areas you pass through, encouraging you to take in all that is around you as you embark on this once in a lifetime experience.

We’ve put together some useful information to help you plan a successful trip walking / cycling the National Famine Way below and we strongly recommend reading the FAQ’s page.

Different options will suit different people – some prefer to carry backpacks with all their gear, while others like to arrive at their accommodation and find their bags waiting for them.

One type of walker / cyclist enjoys the challenge of a self-guided experience while another type prefers a guided tour.

Private Operators – Packages

A number of private operators offer self guided and guided packages including baggage transfers, transport to and from the starting point each day and back up support throughout your journey.

Please Note: These are all private providers and work independently of the National Famine Way. We have no responsibility in relation to the Accommodation or experience provided by any of the package providers.

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Keenans Restaurant & Hotel, Tarmonbarry.

Self Booking

Please be aware that it is essential to book your accommodation ahead of time.

You should also confirm that everywhere you’d like to go (lunch stops, tourist attractions etc.) is open on the day of the week / time of year you are walking. Many premises are closed on Mondays / Tuesdays and opening hours and dates do fluctuate which prevents us giving up-to-date and accurate information on the website.

For accommodation list and self booking information please click here.

Please check with Accommodation at time of booking if they offer a facility to transfer you to and from the Trail if they are some distance off it and also if they have a facility to transfer your luggage for your arrival at your next Accommodation.

Please note: As the Trail is rural there are few public transport options and Taxis need to be booked well in advance.

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All Saints N.S. Mullingar, School children walking with NFW.

Daily Distances

People walk at varying paces and like to cover a different average distance per day. Although we know of athletes who have completed the entire 165km in just 36 hours, that’s definitely not the norm!

We find most groups take between seven and thirteen days to walk the route. We’ve given a few options below so you can choose whatever suits you.

Two of the options include a ‘down day’ in Mullingar which is highly recommended as there is much to see and do there and it gives a much needed rest to weary feet – see County Westmeath information.

Choose Your Way

– see details of the below on our Itinerary Options page:

Takin’ It All In (13 days)
Middle of the Road (9 days)
Full Tilt (7 days)
Doing it Your Way

Itinerary Options

ADDITIONAL TRAIL EXPERIENCES

Deepen and enrich your experience of the National Famine Way with a number of interesting options to dip deeper into culture, nature and history, as you pass through each area. All located on or close to the Trail – from Europe’s most ancient intact roadway to Farm visits, Scone Cookery Classes, Uisneach Ancient Site, Carn Famine Village, Pewter Factory Tour, Jenny’s Royal Canal Barge Trip, Daniel O Connell’s Grave, Croke Park Museum and Skyline and more.

Choose what appeals to you and take an hour or two out of some days to immerse yourself in what will most definitely be memorable experiences.

Discover Destination

Important to know

We advise all walkers to bring waterproof walking gear and shoes, a full length rain poncho – available in most Euroshops and compeed blister bandages – at the first sensation of a tingle put one on – don’t wait!

The trail is open all year round and ideal as a safe winter walk.
Our FREE App is the perfect accompaniment and really deepens the experience.
The Official Pack & Passport Guide Booklet is a super memento and adds another layer to your once in a lifetime experience.
If you’re organising a fundraising charity walk, check out our Charity Walks page.
We strongly recommend checking out our FAQ’s page also ahead of planning your trip.

Download FREE App Buy a Passport Charity Walks FAQ’s