June 2026

The 2026 Famine Walk will take place on Saturday, 13th June, in Louisburgh from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Registration will be held at Louisburgh Town Hall.

An opening ceremony will begin at noon, giving participants an opportunity to enjoy conversation, talks, music, and reflection before shuttle buses transport walkers to the starting point at Delphi.

The walk covers approximately 18 kilometres through the scenic Doolough Valley.

Participants are asked to walk on the left-hand side of the road. Tea and coffee will be available at stations along the route near the lake. Toilet facilities will be available at the starting point, at the refreshment stations, and at the halfway point.

Shuttle vehicles will also be available to return walkers to Louisburgh if required.

The event is organised by Action from Ireland.

The first Famine Walk was held in 1988 to commemorate the “Doolough Tragedy,” one of the darkest episodes in Irish history, which took place on 31 March 1849 during the Great Famine.

The walk retraces the journey made by starving people who travelled through the Doolough Valley seeking famine relief. They had been instructed to attend an inspection, but for reasons unknown, the inspection did not take place and hundreds were directed onward to Delphi Lodge.

The people walked eleven miles in harsh winter conditions, only to be refused food and admission tickets to the workhouse upon arrival. On the journey home, more than 400 people died.

Today, the walk serves as an act of solidarity and remembrance, accompanied by music and moments of reflection.

At the conclusion of the walk, participants will return to Louisburgh Town Hall for refreshments and will receive a certificate of completion.

The event will finish with ceol agus craic in a local pub.