Introduction
The Ireland‘s National Famine Way is a 165km (103 miles) heritage trail that stretches from Strokestown in County Roscommon to Dublin. It serves as a poignant reminder of the forced emigration of nearly 1,490 Irish tenants during the Great Famine in 1847. This trail not only retraces their harrowing journey but also offers modern-day hikers an immersive experience into Ireland’s tragic history, creating a connection between past and present.
Strokestown: A Small Town with a Big History
Strokestown, a quiet town in central Ireland, may seem unassuming at first glance, but its historical significance looms large. With a population of just 850 according to the 2022 census, the town feels remote and peaceful. However, it holds a dark legacy as the starting point of one of the most sorrowful walks in Irish history. This rural community was the epicenter of one of the largest forced emigrations during the Irish Famine, a time of unimaginable hardship and loss.
The Ireland’s National Famine Way: Commemorating the Missing 1490
The National Famine Way trail, dotted with bronze shoe markers, was inaugurated in 2020 to honor the 1,490 Strokestown residents who were forced to walk from their homes to Dublin in 1847. These individuals were evicted by their landlord, Major Denis Mahon, who offered them a choice: eviction, workhouse, or an assisted passage to Canada. Starving and destitute, they took the latter option. Sadly, many did not survive the journey, and those who did often lost touch with their families, earning them the name “the missing 1,490.”
The trail is designed to be completed in at least six days, allowing walkers to reflect on the historical weight of the journey while enjoying the scenic Irish landscape. The route is framed by two significant landmarks: the National Famine Museum in Strokestown and the EPIC Museum of Irish Emigration in Dublin. These museums provide deeper insights into the famine and its impact on Irish society and the global Irish diaspora.
The Great Famine: A Catastrophe of Unimaginable Proportions
The Irish Famine, known as An Gorta Mór, began in 1845 when a potato blight devastated the country’s primary food source. For tenant farmers who relied heavily on potatoes, the blight spelled disaster. Potatoes, once abundant and capable of feeding entire families, became scarce, and starvation quickly spread.
During this period, Ireland lost an estimated one million people to starvation and another million to emigration. All of this occurred under British colonial rule, leading to widespread criticism of the British government’s response to the crisis. Despite millions of pounds being spent on relief efforts, the government’s approach was seen as inadequate, especially in comparison to other expenses, such as the Crimean War.
Emigration as a Solution
One of the British government’s strategies to deal with the famine was to assist in the emigration of Irish tenants to the New World. This allowed landlords to clear their debts by vacating unprofitable lands while also reducing the population in famine-stricken areas.
Strokestown’s forced emigration was one of the most significant of its kind. The town, centered around Strokestown Park Estate, was home to tenants who were unable to pay their rent. By 1847, Major Denis Mahon had secured the right to evict them. In exchange for free passage to Canada, the tenants had to walk the 165km to Dublin, a journey fraught with peril.
The Agonizing Journey to Dublin
Walking from Strokestown to Dublin was no easy feat. The tenants, already weakened by starvation, were forced to traverse treacherous terrain, often with small children in tow. Along the way, they faced exposure to harsh weather, hostile mobs, and the ever-present threat of disease. Many did not survive the journey, and those who did often found themselves separated from their loved ones.
The National Famine Way follows the path taken by these tenants, and efforts have been made to trace the original individuals who made the journey. One such individual was Daniel Tighe, a 12-year-old boy who survived the journey to Dublin and eventually made it to Canada. In 2013, his grandson returned to Strokestown, a momentous event that brought the town together in remembrance.
A Modern-Day Experience of the Trail
In August, my father and I set out to walk the National Famine Way. Our journey began in Strokestown and on the first day, we walked 15km to Cloondara, the starting point of the Royal Canal. This canal, which once served as the most direct route to Dublin, was a bustling hub of passengers and freight during the 19th century.
As we walked alongside the canal, passing meadows and counting down the locks, we couldn’t help but reflect on the enormity of the journey undertaken by the famine walkers. The National Famine Way app provided audio guides that shared the stories of those who had walked this path before us, including a haunting rendition of Daniel Tighe’s memories of leaving Roscommon.
The Challenges of the Trail in Ireland’s National Famine Way
By the second day, we were faced with the reality of the trail’s challenges. The stretch from Cloondara to Abbeyshrule, a 32km section, was demanding but visually stunning. The canal’s calm waters were lined with wildflowers, and the occasional heron would take flight as we passed. Yet, the walk was long, and by the time we reached Abbeyshrule, blisters had already started to form.
One of the most significant stops on the trail was Mullingar, home to a workhouse and famine graveyard. These sites served as stark reminders of the desperation and suffering experienced by so many during the famine years. The workhouse, built in 1841, was overcrowded and disease-ridden, offering little refuge to those seeking shelter.
The Final Push to Dublin
Our final stop before reaching Dublin was Maynooth, a lively university town with castle ruins and beautiful architecture. Despite the town’s charm, the last leg of the journey was the hardest. Blisters and exhaustion made every step painful, but the thought of those who had made this journey under far worse conditions kept us going.
As we finally arrived at the River Liffey in Dublin, a sense of accomplishment and sorrow washed over us. The National Famine Way is more than just a physical trek; it is a journey through one of the darkest chapters in Irish history. The memory of the 1,490 who walked this path, many of whom never saw the New World they had been promised, remains a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
How to Walk the Ireland’s National Famine Way
The National Famine Way begins at the National Famine Museum in Strokestown and ends at the River Liffey in Dublin. The trail takes a minimum of six days to complete and offers opportunities for detours to sites such as the Mullingar Workhouse, Corlea Trackway, and Maynooth Castle. The National Famine Way app provides step-by-step guidance and historical insights, making it a rich and educational experience for all who walk it.
