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 & America
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 and thousands of Irish fled there.
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-American communities. Their impact on America's demographic, religious, and cultural identity is still evident today.
James Donovan in 1916 - a 17 year old Irish Sweeper in Fall River Iron Works, Fall River, Massachusetts
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
- American tourists tracing family roots
- Families and groups
- Travelers seeking deeper cultural experiences