165km National Famine Way launched - 'The trail has the potential to open up rural Ireland'

Walkers and cyclists can stamp a special passport as they follow the route of the "Missing 1,490" from Strokestown to Dublin, writes Pól Ó Conghaile

Walkers on Ireland's new National Famine Way

Pól Ó Conghaile

A new National Famine Way has been launched, following the footsteps of 1,490 emigrants who walked from Strokestown, Co Roscommon, to Dublin at the height of the famine in 1847.

The 165km trail, which mostly follows off-road paths along the Royal Canal, will be open year-round to walkers and cyclists, and is detailed in a new, downloadable OSI Trail Map.