Locals walk in the steps of the Irish emigrants

Recently, a charity based in the Causeway Coast and Glens area brought together a group of over 20 individuals from a variety of local and world cultures to walk in the footsteps of emigrants who left these shores in the 19th century.

Building Communities Resource Centre (BCRC) organised the event which was expertly led by local guide Cathy O’Neill.

Siúlóid an Imircigh (The Emigrant’s Walk) was an opportunity for participants to walk in the footsteps of Irish migrants as they escaped the horrors of the Great Hunger and make their way to North America from the port of Derry.

Cathy spoke of their story on this gentle hike up the Carntogher Mountain, just outside Maghera along the Old Coach Road from Belfast to Derry. This 6k walk went through countryside almost unchanged since famine times and the reward at the top were stunning views of Lough Neagh, the Sperrins and the Mourne Mountains.

This was a fascinating and at times heartbreaking experience as the walkers listened to the story of why individuals left their family, their loved ones and the life they knew; namely famine, disease, rising rents and unemployment. On arrival in their new land they often faced discrimination, ostracisation and hostility but it was their only choice for a better life.

READ NEXT: Bishop Michael Router will succeed Bishop Dónal McKeown

One of those taking part in the walk described the event in the following way: “It was a deeply moving experience and gave me time to reflect. It is hard to imagine what the people who had to make that journey were feeling. Knowing that so many of them did not survive makes it all the more heartbreaking.”

Drawing on her wealth of experience and knowledge, Cathy said: “One of the strongest messages people take from The Emigrant’s Walk is that the story of migration hasn't changed over the course of history, it is only the direction of travel that has changed. In the 19th century, Irish families left these shores because of poverty, hunger, oppression and the hope of a better life for their children. Today, people arrive in Ireland and across Europe for many of the very same reasons. When you walk in the footsteps of those emigrants, it reminds us that behind every statistic is a human story of courage, loss, resilience and hope. History gives us a chance to look at modern immigration with greater empathy and understanding.”

BCRC would like to express their sincere gratitude to Cathy for leading everyone on The Emigrant’s Walk in such a professional and sensitive manner. If you would like to find out more about the work of BCRC visit theresourcecentre.org or on Facebook (building communities resource centre).