Dates: July 4–14, 2026
Ireland: National Famine Way – Strokestown to Dublin
10‑Day Walking Tour
- Living history: Follow the famine emigrants’ path, guided by bronze shoes along the route and deeply enriched by our historical guide.
- App with Shoes stories: Enhance your journey with a dedicated mobile app that brings the National Famine Way to life.
- Scenic walking: Flat, peaceful canal towpaths rich with wildlife.
- Charming stops: Quaint towns and villages for refreshments.
- Memorable finish: Certificate at EPIC in Dublin.
- Cultural immersion: Meet locals, hear folklore, and discover Irish traditions.
- Wildlife spotting: Herons, swans, otters, and more along the Royal Canal Greenway.
- Safety & security: Our luxury van follows alongside, allowing you to access your bag or take a breather.
Ireland | National Famine Way from Strokestown to Dublin
July 4–14, 2026 | Itinerary
Begin your journey at the official trailhead at the Glass Wall, where the first bronze shoes stand in silent testimony. As you leave Strokestown, the route winds through gentle countryside, passing rolling farmland, quiet lanes, and rural villages.
Along today’s walk, you will encounter multiple bronze shoe installations—first within Strokestown village itself, then again at Scramogue, followed by a further pair in the surrounding bogland countryside, and another in Tarmonbarry village—each marking a poignant moment in the emigrants’ journey before reaching Clondra. At Clondra, the National Famine Way meets the historic Royal Canal, which you will follow for the remainder of the route toward Dublin.
The Royal Canal Greenway stretches for approximately 130–145 kilometres, following a flat towpath that makes for comfortable walking. From Clondra, the canal meanders through charming villages and lively towns such as Mullingar, Enfield, and Maynooth, eventually flowing into Dublin—offering a peaceful and reflective route through Ireland’s heartland.
The surrounding landscape is tranquil and ever-changing, with reeds, waterways, and wide skies creating a calming rhythm for the walk.
Accommodation: Keenans Restaurant & Boutique Hotel – A beautiful Shannonside boutique hotel renowned for its excellent food and warm hospitality.
Evening Flow: Enjoy a celebratory pint at The Richmond Inn in Clondra before a short transfer (5 minutes) to Keenans Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
A shorter walking day brings you onward to the vibrant town of Mullingar, where the canal meets a lively urban centre.
Accommodation: Mullingar Park Hotel
Optional Experience: With a shorter walking distance today, we recommend a pre-arranged guided visit to the ancient Hill of Uisneach, one of Ireland’s most sacred and symbolic landscapes.
Approach the vibrant university town of Maynooth. Visit the historic college or wander along the marina before settling in for the night.
Savor the charm of this lively Irish town, where old-world architecture meets a youthful energy. Pause for a coffee in one of Maynooth’s cozy cafés, browse quaint shops, or stroll through leafy streets lined with Georgian facades. As the sun dips low, enjoy a hearty meal in a welcoming pub before retreating to your accommodations, ready for the adventures ahead.
If time allows, take a short detour to explore the lush grounds of Carton House Estate, once home to Irish nobility. Meander through its sweeping parklands, dotted with centuries-old trees and tranquil waterways, offering a peaceful contrast to the town’s lively center. It’s the perfect spot to reflect on the day’s journey before settling in for a restful night.
Meals: Breakfast at your accommodation, lunch in Maynooth, dinner at leisure.
Your final walking stage takes you past the 12th and storied 13th Locks before entering Dublin. End at the Famine Memorial and receive your completion certificate at EPIC. Celebrate your achievement with a special dinner in the city.
Meals: Breakfast at your accommodation, lunch en route, celebratory dinner in Dublin.
Bid farewell to Dublin and the friends you’ve shared this journey with. Whether you’re heading straight home or continuing your travels, you’ll carry with you more than just photographs—your memories will be stitched together with the laughter along the towpath, the stories of Ireland’s history, and the warmth of its people. As the plane lifts off, take one last look at the patchwork of green below and know that Ireland will be waiting should you ever return.
| Day | Date | Start & Finish | Distance | Transfer Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | July 4, Saturday | Visit the National Famine Way Museum and pick up Passport | N/A | Pickup from airport and dropped to accommodation. |
| 2 | July 5, Sunday | Start the walk from Strokestown to Cloondara | 20km – average time 3 – 4 hours | Transfers to/from your hike start/end point. Luggage Transfer next accommodation. |
| 3 | July 6, Monday | Cloondara to Ballymahon | 25km – average time 4 – 5 hours | Transfers to/from your hike start/end point. |
| 4 | July 7, Tuesday | Ballymahon to Ballynacarrigy | 20km – average time 3 – 4 hours | Transfers to/from your hike start/end point. Luggage Transfer next accommodation. |
| 5 | July 8, Wednesday | Ballynacarrigy to Mullingar | 19km – average time 3 – 4 hours | Transfers to/from your hike start/end point. Luggage Transfer next accommodation. |
| 6 | July 9, Thursday | Mullingar to Hill of Down | 25km – average time 4 – 5 hours | Transfers to/from your hike start/end point. |
| 7 | July 10, Friday | Hill of Down to Enfield | 20km – average time 3 – 4 hours | Transfers to/from your hike start/end point. Luggage Transfer next accommodation. |
| 8 | July 11, Saturday | Enfield to Maynooth | 20km – average time 3 – 4 hours | Transfers to/from your hike start/end point. |
| 9 | July 12, Sunday | Maynooth to Dublin | 27km – average time 5 – 6 hours | Transfers to/from your hike start/end point. Luggage Transfer next accommodation. |
| 10 | July 13, Monday | Second night in Dublin | N/A | Luggage Transfer. |
- Daily luggage transfers (one bag pp; weight limits apply)
- Bed & breakfast each morning
- Transfers to/from trailheads where needed
- Digital route maps + detailed route notes
- Pre‑trip travel planning advice
- 24/7 on‑trip phone support
- Dublin Bay Boat Trip (Dublin City → Howth; weather/ops permitting)
- Passport Pack
- National Famine Museum Ticket
- Jeanie Johnson Ticket
- EPIC Museum Ticket
- Flights and airport transfers
- Lunches, dinners
- Personal expenses
- Museum/attraction fees unless stated
- Alcoholic beverages or specialty drinks
- Tips
- How hard is it? Mostly flat; longest day is 27 km (~6 hrs).
- Navigation? Waymarked; you’ll also have GPX/turn‑by‑turn notes.
- Solo travellers? Welcome—single‑room supplement applies.
- Weather? Changeable—bring waterproofs and comfy broken‑in shoes.
- Baggage? 1 bag pp (weight limits apply).
- Transfers? Trailhead shuttles to/from accommodations where needed.
- Sustainability? Follow Leave No Trace; support local cafés and family‑run stays.
- 50% at time of booking to confirm
- Balance due at 60 days prior to departure
- Time of booking to 90 days prior: $100
- 50%: 90 – 45 days prior
- 100%: 45 days to departure date
