The National Famine Way is a new interactive outdoor experience which includes a unique National Famine Way Passport/Guide and OSI Trail Map. It was launched early September by the National Famine Museum and highlights local historical landmarks. The 27 stage stamps allow you to keep track of your progress along the route.
The National Famine Way is a waymarked 167km National walking trail that stretches from Strokestown Park, Co. Roscommon to Rowan Gillespie’s Famine memorial on Custom House Quay in Dublin along the banks of the Royal Canal. The Trail details the ill-fated journey of 1,490 famine emigrants who walked from Strokestown Park to ships in Dublin in 1847, at the height of the Irish Famine. The trail is waymarked with 30 plinths and pairs of 19th Century bronze shoe sculptures.
The Trail links two significant Irish Museums while connecting Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East. As well as the health benefits associated with walking, the trail also has the potential to boost the local economies along the route.
The passport costs €10 and is available online and from the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park. In addition to the passport stamping, guide and map it also offers discounted access to Strokestown Park House, Croke Park Museum, the Jeannie Johnson Famine Ship and EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.
Visit www.strokestownpark.ie for more details.
Images – Strokestown Park