About Us

 

The Irish Potato Famine was the most catastrophic event in Ireland's turbulent history. It is also regarded as being one of the worst Famines in history (deaths as a proportion to population). The use of the word 'Famine' in this context is controversial, for Ireland at the time was part of the richest Empire in the World (the British Empire). There was sufficient food in the country throughout the 'Famine' years, yet over a million people died from starvation and disease, and millions more were forced to flee. 

Some historians prefer to use the name 'Great Hunger' to describe this event.

Our exhibition is a temporary mobile museum / exhibition. We open on April 2nd 2024 and will run until September 28th, Tue-Sat (12pm to 6pm).

This Exhibition tells the story of what happened during those horrific years. We use rare 19th century photographs, witness accounts, contemporary sketches as well as maps and statistical information. Also on display are three American Newspapers containing articles on the state of Ireland at this time. A 15 minute film with seating is included in the Exhibition and the average time spent by visitors is 1 and 1/4 hours.

If you would like to know about more emigration stories, visit the Epic Museum in Dublin.

If you choose to purchase a book at our Reception desk, we will include a Free DVD, while stocks last. This DVD called Ireland Birth of a Nation will work on any DVD player worldwide. It tells the story of the three major events around Irelands fight for Independence - the 1916 Easter Rising, The War of Independence and the Civil War. The DVD contains original black and white footage from the period.

This Exhibition is dedicated to all victims of the Irish Potato Famine or The Great Hunger.