An Emigrant Ship, Dublin Bay, Sunset, by Edwin Hayes
Irish Famine Exhibition, Stephens Green Centre, Dublin
Practical Info
Open Daily 12pm-6pm April 1st to September 30th 2026
2nd Floor, Stephens Green Shopping Centre, Dublin
Allow 45 minutes to 60 minutes to visit
More suited to a mature visitor, no crowds, no student groups, not high-tech
Wheelchair Accessible / Elevators / Stairs / Food Court / Toilets nearby
Note: This is likely to be the final summer that this exhibition will open
Located a 5 minute walk from Trinity College and across from the main entrance to St Stephens Green Park, it fits easily into any sightseeing itinerary.
You can choose to purchase an entrance ticket on TripAdvisor or at the Exhibition Reception Desk upon arrival.
€15 / €13
Gift Book
You can purchase a high quality book at our exhibition for just €15.
What You’ll See Inside
- Storyboards with simple text and great 19th century photographs
- Learn about causes, soup kitchens, workhouses, evictions, emigration
- Sit down overview film (optional)
- Original newspaper articles and letter
- Original soup pot for feeding the poor
The Story That Connects Ireland & Canada
Under British colonial rule, nearly three million poor Irish people depended on potatoes as their sole source of food.
In 1845, an unknown blight destroyed the potato crop, and it continued to fail in the following years.
Instead of treating the crisis as a humanitarian emergency, the British government viewed it as an opportunity to reshape Ireland.
The policies they imposed ensured that the ensuing famine would lead to widespread starvation and death.
In desperation, many Irish people chose to flee Ireland.
America was the favourite destination but passage to Canada was cheaper, and in 1847, almost 100,000 people opted for Canada, or British North America as it was known then.
Conditions on board many of the ships were appalling.
Though thousands died in transit or upon arrival, tens of thousands survived and became founders of Irish-Canadian communities. Their impact on Canada’s demographic, religious, and cultural identity is still evident today.
Unveiling of The Irish Commemorative Stone in Montreal in 1859
Reviews
A Top Thing to Do in Dublin
Looking for meaningful things to do in Dublin? This exhibition is ideal for:
- History lovers
- Visitors exploring Irish heritage
- Learning about the Irish Potato Famine
- Learning about the Epic story of Irish Emigration
- Those seeking a small niche museum
- Canadian tourists tracing family roots
- Families and groups
- Travelers seeking deeper cultural experiences