The Jeanie Johnston

Here, just a short distance from the haunting Famine Memorial – statues commemorating those who died in Ireland’s Great Famine of 1845-1849 – is the tall and elegant Jeanie Johnston, a ship built to remember and honour Ireland’s Famine emigrants. Almost a quarter of Ireland’s population died or fled the island during the Famine years, and those who left would have departed on ships such as the Jeanie, and to discover their stories and the gruelling journey they undertook, all you have to do is step on board.

Painstakingly recreated from the original 19th century Jeanie Johnston, the ship you see today is a majestic vessel with soaring masts and creaking wood. The tour starts above deck, with information on the original Jeanie Johnston, as well as the history of tall ships and the 19th century shipping trade. Downstairs, you can witness life what life was like for the 250 passengers who spent around 23 and a half hours a day down here, in cramped, claustrophobic and unsanitary conditions. To learn more about the lives of Ireland’s emigrants, pair your visit to the Jeanie Johnston with a tour of EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, just nearby.