This is a replica of the 1840’s Dunbrody Ship, which became known as The Famine Ship. She was launched originally as a cargo ship, but that same year in 1845 Famine struck Ireland, thousands of people were dying in the street of hunger and with no help from the
British Government, who ruled Ireland at the time those who could took their chances on ships like this, The Dunbrody, with her sails raised and a packed ship of men, women and children, she set across the Atlantic Ocean for, New York, America. The voyage would take months and disease was rampant, so hundreds never made it to America, those that did had either lost family members at home or on board the ship. They landed in America with just the shirts on their backs, but they were the lucky ones. At home millions died from hunger on the streets and field’s of Ireland. This Famine Ship and Famine museum’s are here to let us remember the plight of our ancestors, some of whom gave any money they had to their children so they could escape on board the ships.
Thank you for sharing the photos and the story behind them.
I have seen several movies about the famine in the 19th century but I cannot imagine how difficult it was for the people to leave their families and loved ones.
Do tourists visit this place? Is it possible to see the ship from the inside?
Hi @MoniDi Thank you for your lovely comments. Yes Tourists visit here, The Ship, Museum visitors Centre and Restaurant, but I didn’t visit that day, it’s a couple of hours from where I live, and I was attending another event and so just got the nice photos.
This may be the reason to go there again and take some more photos or better yet, I could also plan a trip to Ireland an visit the place myself. That country is on my bucket list. I hope I will be able to see it sooner or later.
