Directions

The National Famine Way begins at the Glass Wall in Strokestown Park House, Co. Roscommon. The map below shows the location. Don’t forget to visit the award-winning, state of the art National Famine Museum and take a tour of historic Strokestown Park House, where landlord Major Denis Mahon lived, before you start your walk.

Of course the National Famine Way can be walked from any point along the route and the trail map will help you plan a day walk or longer walk.

Bronze shoes with cyclists on the National Famine Way.

Trail Information

The trail is graded as “easy”, meaning the surfaces are consistent and generally even suiting both walkers and cyclists. The average gradients are low as it follows a level canal towpath for much of the route and it gains just 40m between the start and end points.

An excellent surface on most of the trail means it is ideal for walking at any time of year. The trail can be walked in its entirety or in sections as day walks. Generally, walkers choose to do the full trail from Spring through to Autumn rather than in Winter with shorter days and cooler temperatures.

The first section from Strokestown to Tarmonbarry has picnic benches along the way but there are no shops or services so it’s essential to bring a picnic.
On the final day of your walk between Clonsilla and Castleknock, terrain is rough, and care needs to be taken, particularly through the Deep Sinking – this section is not suitable for bicycles. See cycling Diversion Map for this section.
The National Famine Way is a dog friendly route.

Trail Map

Way Marking

The route is clearly marked with the familiar yellow “walking man” long distance trail markers on black posts making it an ideal self-guided route. It is also way marked by bronze children’s shoes which are the symbol of the National Famine Way™. Through a free App, the story of the trail, the local history and 12-year old Daniel Tighe unfolds via audio and video at each pair of Bronze Shoes.

Attractive villages and towns dot the trail meaning it is reasonably well supplied with services and transport links along its length. Opening times and days vary; always check ahead. The trail begins at the memorial Glass Wall outside Strokestown Park House where the first pair of Bronze Shoes can be seen and touched.

Diversion Dublin at Castleknock/Clonsilla.

Diversions

CYCLISTS PLEASE NOTE – Currently a 5km section of the trail is not suitable for cycling. It is in Dublin at Castleknock/Clonsilla (see map). At Porterstown Bridge, do not follow trail signage but turn left onto Diswellstown Road and follow the pink diversion shown. Re-join the trail at the 12th lock in Castleknock by crossing the bridge to the south bank of the Royal Canal.
Due to works on the new N5 and the Strokestown Bypass there may be a diversion on this section.
On occasions Waterways Ireland and the Councils do upgrading work on the surfaces.
Up to date information on significant temporary diversions or ongoing works on the route is available from the Waterways Ireland website.

DIRECTIONS – OS MAP

The trail is graded as “easy”, meaning the surfaces are consistent and generally even suiting both walkers and cyclists.
Zoom in to see specific sections. As advised it is particularly important to study the first section of the Trail from Strokestown to Clondra.

Additional Information

The Trail Information

Grade: Easy
Time: 7-10 days
Length: 165 km
Format: Linear
Waymarking: Yellow arrow on black background
Grid Ref.: M 935 807/ O 176 534

Starting Point: Strokestown Park House
Starting Point Lat. and Long.: 53.776114, -8.098371/ 53.34827, -6.250464

Finish Point: Dublin Docklands
Finish point Lat. and Long.: 53.776114, -8.098371/ 53.34827, -6.250464

AUDIO APP

The National Famine Way Audio App is free and an excellent resource. It’s easy to use and with its rich content is the perfect companion along Ireland’s most poignant historical trail. As you walk in the Footsteps of Strokestown’s 1490 Famine Emigrants it geolocates each of the 32 pairs of Bronze Shoes so you can listen to key local and national history relevant to each of these areas. It also highlights sites of importance nearby that you may want to see or visit.

Download The App

LEAVE NO TRACE

The trail passes through important rural areas rich in wildlife and plant life. All users of the National Famine Way™ are asked to adhere to the principals of Leave No Trace based on an abiding respect for nature, culture and people. These are: