The Famine Walk Memorial, Doolough Pass, Delph Valley, County Mayo, Ireland
The Famine Walk Memorial was erected as a tribute to the 400 County Mayo famine victims who died in 1849 after a frigid march from Louisburgh over the Doolough Pass through the Delph Valley to Delphi House (a distance of 12 miles) where their Landlord the Marquis of Sligo was meeting with Famine Relief Commissioners. Their only request was for sustenance that was denied. Of the 600 that made the journey, 400 died along the road on the way back home. This memorial was one of two that we saw along this road as we entered County Mayo. The other, though more simplistic was just as moving. The Famine Walk Memorial memorializes these famine victims and other third world victims (and includes quotes from both Gandhi and Desmond Tutu). The setting is magnificent; the history is tragic. This devastating loss of life is commemorated every year in an annual famine walk that is sponsored by Afri "a justice peace and human rights organization." 2012 will be the 25th year of this event.
