LIVE: Barefoot Across Europe - walker passes through Tipperary on record-breaking journey

Tipperary welcomed an unusual visitor this week as a man walked barefoot through the town of Clonmel in the latest stage of an extraordinary journey across Europe.

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In a post on Facebook dated January 20, the walker known as Barefoot Across Europe on social media noted it was day 322 of his trek, covering 23.62 kilometres that day and bringing his total distance to 6,038.56 kilometres.

The journey began on 4 March 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey, when Eamonn Keaveney set off for his hometown of Claremorris, County Mayo, Ireland. 

His aim is to set a new world record for the longest barefoot journey, surpassing the current Guinness World Record of 3,409.75 kilometres, which he has already exceeded.

As he walks, he is raising funds for Jigsaw and Friends of the Earth. Donations so far have surpassed expectations, reaching €11,075 against a target of €10,000. Contributions remain open until 4 March 2026.

He is fundraising for two separate charitable causes. The first is Friends of the Earth is an environmental and climate campaigning organisation focused on protecting the planet and promoting a transition to a zero-pollution future. 

The second charity is Jigsaw which provides free mental health support for young people aged 15 to 25, both online and in-person, supporting individuals, their families, and communities. 

All donations are split equally between the two charities and are processed securely through his online page.

If you’d like to support the final steps of this incredible journey, you can donate here: https://www.idonate.ie/profile/176084

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