North Cork was to the forefront this week as the Barefoot Across Europe journey brought record-breaking walker Eamonn Keaveney through Castletownroche, Killavullen, Mallow and on towards Kanturk, during the latest leg of his remarkable journey.
Originally from Claremorris, Co Mayo, Keaveney set off from Istanbul on March 4, 2025, with an ambitious goal to walk barefoot across Europe, break a Guinness World Record and raise funds for youth mental health charity Jigsaw and environmental group Friends of the Earth. After almost ten months on the road, he has now returned to Ireland and is making his way home to Mayo.
The North Cork reception was a warm one, with locals in Killavullen Parish stopping to offer encouragement as he passed through the area. The journey will continue towards Dingle before turning north for the final stretch to Claremorris.
While in Mallow, Keaveney took time to enjoy some well-earned local favourites, including a creamy pint of Beamish at the Bridge House, followed by a stop at the Inver Garage on the N72 for a portion of chips. Gardaí also checked in during his visit, ensuring his safe passage through the region.
The walk continued with a stop at Annabella Lodge before reaching Kanturk, where further hospitality awaited at Kelly’s Bar. Day 326 of the challenge saw Keaveney complete a 21.03km walk into the town, accompanied by friendly faces and strong support along the roadside.
Day 327 was marked as a rest day in Kanturk, spent catching up with friend Méidhbhín and her cat Cleo. While no distance was covered on the day, Keaveney’s total barefoot journey now stands at an incredible 6,128.07km.
Earlier in the journey, on Day 185 at the Hungary–Austria border, the 33-year-old surpassed the previous Guinness World Record for the longest barefoot walk, breaking the record of 3,409.76km.
With a fundraising target of €10,000, Keaveney is now just €2,000 short of reaching his goal and hopes to achieve it before arriving home in Claremorris in February.
