Roscommon group to walk the National Famine Way in aid of Palestine

A group of residents from Boyle, Co. Roscommon, are organising a walk of solidarity this weekend in support of Palestine.

From August 2 to August 9, members of the Boyle Palestine Solidarity Group and supporters will walk the full 165-kilometre route from Strokestown Park, Roscommon, to the Famine Memorial Statues at Dublin Docklands, retracing Ireland’s National Famine Way.

"Our walk is an act of solidarity with Palestinians enduring horrific conditions in Gaza and beyond. We invite everyone along the route to join us. Walk a day, a mile, or simply come out and show support with your presence," the group said.

The route follows the path of the Strokestown 1490 – the same roads from Roscommon to Dublin that men, women and children were forced to walk in 1847 after being evicted during the Great Famine.

“We walk this same path now because we recognise the suffering of others. What happened to our ancestors is happening to Palestinians today — forced displacement, starvation, and grief,” said a group spokesperson.

“This is a walk of remembrance, resistance and humanity.”

The group is calling on anyone interested to join the walking route.

The walk's schedule is as follows:
Day 1 (Aug 2): Strokestown to Clondra
Day 2 (Aug 3): Clondra to Ballymahon
Day 3 (Aug 4): Ballymahon to Ballynacarrigy
Day 4 (Aug 5): Ballynacarrigy to Mullingar
Day 5 (Aug 6): Mullingar to Hill of Down
Day 6 (Aug 7): Hill of Down to Enfield
Day 7 (Aug 8): Enfield to Maynooth
Day 8 (Aug 9): Maynooth to Famine Statues, Dublin Docklands

Donations raised will go to TEA Collective, Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund and The Sameer Project.