He is tackling an epic hike from Istanbul, Turkey, to his hometown Claremorris, Co Mayo, barefoot. He first flew to Istanbul in February 2025 and began his world record attempt of the longest barefoot walk, on March 4th. Eamonn Keaveney on his barefoot trek across Europe in an attempt to set a new world record. After walking around Ireland, he set his sights on walking across Europe. He spent a year preparing for it by walking barefoot everywhere he went outside of work, including the grocery shop, which resulted in him being told off by a security guard.

Source: The Irish Times January 23, 2026 12:00 UTC