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The National Famine Way

The National Famine Way is a historic walking and cycling route that stretches 165 km from the National Famine Museum in Strokestown Park, Co. Roscommon, to the Famine Memorial on Custom House Quay, Co. Dublin. The trail is both digitally and physically waymarked, following the ill-fated footsteps of 1,490 emigrants who were forced to walk this route during the 1847 famine.

THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE FAMINE

The National Famine Way is steeped in history, art and culture, giving walkers and cyclists an insight into the life of Irish people during the famine. This route acted as the first leg of their difficult journey in search of a better life in Canada. Along the trail, there are approximately 30 pairs of bronze 19th Century shoe sculptures marking the way. It is so poignant as almost a third of emigrants did not survive the transatlantic “coffin ships” to see their final destination.

STEEPED IN HISTORY

The 165 km trail takes walkers and cyclers through unspoiled countryside, country lanes, villages and towns, from Roscommon to Dublin City Centre. Along the way, you can learn the fascinating and tragic stories of the Irish Famine. The route begins and ends with two iconic and thought-provoking museums, starting with Roscommon’s National Famine Museum and ending with the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin. As well as exploring Ireland’s natural beauty, you will also gain an appreciation of its deep history.

THE NATIONAL FAMINE WAY PASSPORT

Walkers and cyclists can choose to purchase the National Famine Way Passport and Guide, which highlights the local historical landmarks along the trail. 27 stage stamps can be collected along the way, which will serve as a record of your journey’s progress. Upon the collection of all stamps, you can receive a completion certificate as a reminder of your special experience. The National Famine Way route is marked by more than 30 pairs of bronze children’s shoes. A free app follows the experience of 12-year-old Daniel Tighe, with relevant audio and video centred around the bronze shoes.

The National Famine Way can be completed in sections or all in one go, and B&B Accommodation can act as the ideal base for this adventure.

Roscommon B&Bs | Westmeath B&Bs | Meath B&Bs | Kildare B&Bs | Dublin B&Bs

Header image and National Famine Way Map image: National Famine Way

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Cycling Holidays in Ireland

Cycling Holidays in Ireland

If there was a country that was made for a cycling holiday, then it has to be Ireland. From North to South and from East to West, the Emerald Isle is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With a wealth of unbelievable landscapes, exciting tourist attractions and fascinating history and culture to be explored, the bicycle is the perfect mode of transport to fully appreciate all that Ireland has to offer.

Cycling Holidays in IrelandAccommodation plays a key role in your cycling holiday in Ireland and bed & breakfasts are the perfect choice. They are conveniently located along all cycling routes, which means you are never too far away from your selected home. B&Bs are accustomed to cyclists and provide secure storage for your bike and travelling equipment. If you decide not to bring your own bike, rest assured, there are plenty of bike hire operators in whichever destination you choose to explore. Picking where you want to cycle is also an important decision. A few locations that never fail to captivate visitors and are perfect for exploring by bicycle are as follows:

Causeway Coastal Route

Causeway Coastal Route in Northern IrelandCauseway Coastal Route, in Northern Ireland, spans 193km from Belfast to Derry/Londonderry. The route has the most amazing scenery, history and must-see attractions such as the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Dunluce Castle to name a few. This amazing coastal route, with its unique beauty, will capture your heart and one visit won’t be enough!

The Wild Atlantic Way

Cycling Holidays in IrelandThe Wild Atlantic Way is another coastal route, this time on the west coast
of Ireland. It spans from Donegal to Cork and the Atlantic Ocean will be your companion along this spectacular pathway. You will visit some of the most breath-taking areas of scenic beauty on your journey, along with picturesque harbours, sandy beaches, quaint towns and villages, wonderful seafood restaurants and pubs that have the best traditional music nights and craic. You can explore the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, the Burren in County Clare and discover County Mayo’s natural beauty and unspoilt environs. There are so many great locations that you will remember long after you cycling holiday to Ireland is complete!

Great Western Greenway

Cycling holidays in Ireland along the Great Western GreenwayMayo’s also home to the Great Western Greenway, a 42km traffic-free cycling and walking facility that follows the line of the famous Westport to Achill railway line. The route runs along the coast of Clew Bay which is overlooked by Croagh Patrick Mountain to the South and Nephin Range to the North. Daily bike hire is available in the many Westport bike hire shops.

The Ring of Kerry

Cycling holidays in IrelandThis famous 179km circular scenic tourist route is quite challenging and like all the other routes, can be completed in stages. The route takes you along stunning landscapes, quaint villages and the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula with its many sandy beaches. You will experience the Atlantic Coast, Dingle Bay and Kenmare Bay. Places of interest include the famed Molls Gap, Ladies View and Killarney National Park.

Slea Head Drive

Cycling holidays in IrelandThere are several bike hire operators in Dingle, if you don’t have your own bike with you. Slea Head Drive forms part of the Wild Atlantic Way and again, you will be met with spectacular countryside and stunning views, as well as a wealth of attractions including Dunbeg Fort, Mount Brandon and ancient ruins along the way.

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