Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience — Attraction in The Municipal District of New Ross

We visited Dunbrody on the 5th Jan 2025 and received an excellent tour from a most interesting and knowledgeable lady. She told us about the following.

The Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, located in New Ross, County Wexford, Ireland, is a popular tourist attraction that provides an immersive insight into Irish emigration during the 19th century, particularly during the Great Famine. Here’s an overview:

The Ship

The Dunbrody is a full-scale replica of a 19th-century famine ship, also known as a coffin ship because of the perilous conditions endured by emigrants.

The original Dunbrody, built in 1845, was a three-masted barque designed to carry cargo but often transported emigrants fleeing famine and poverty in Ireland.

Visitors board the replica ship and explore its interior, including the cramped steerage quarters where emigrants lived during the voyage.

Costumed actors portray crew members and emigrants, recounting real-life stories of those who emigrated to North America in search of a better life. The lady who spoke to us was incredibly authentic and made a big impression on our understanding of the voyage faced by the people trying to escape famine.

Multimedia presentations provide a vivid depiction of the transatlantic journey.

The Great Famine (1845-1852) forced over a million Irish people to emigrate due to starvation and poverty. The Dunbrody ship carried emigrants primarily to destinations like Canada and the United States.

The attraction offers a database where visitors can trace their Irish ancestry and learn about emigrant records. John F Kennedy' forefathers left Ireland on a similar ship, a family member of JFK opened the centre.

The meseum reminds us that Presidents Rwgan, Biden and Obama also have Irish heritage. Along with Marilyn Monroe, john Wayne, Henry Ford, Grace Kelly, Tom Brady (football) and many many more.

This experience is both educational and emotional, providing a deeper understanding of Irish history and the resilience of those who emigrated under desperate...

We finally got to visit the Dunbrody last week. We started our visit with a snack in the cafe and met the industrious and charming, Olive, who recommended the delicious vegetable soup for my companion. Itcame with really good brown bread. My sweet tooth got the better of me and I opted for a scone with strawberry jam. We had tea and coffee with our food and paid less than €15.00. A nice start to a very good visit.

Our tour guides were Marie and Ólan. Marie is very knowledgeable and obviously loves her job. Ólan who is relatively new to the job, is doing his mentor proud in how he delivered his parts of the tour. We were very lucky to be the only two people for our particular tour so we had the two of them to ourselves and were able to have all our questions answered. The ship is an accurate replica of the original Dunbrody from the 1840s which carried Irish emigrants to the Americas in the wake of the Great Famine. Hearing about their experiences and hardships made us appreciate just how privileged we are today. It is hard to credit the privations the Steerage passengers suffered on what was considered a well captained, good emigrant ship.

There were very few First Class passengers catered for on the Dunbrody. And though they were treated far better than those travelling in Steerage, I doubt that any of us today would cope with their conditions on the ship.

There were two short re-enactments during our tour - one from a mother of five from Steerage and the second from a First Class passenger. Both were very well done and really enhanced the experience.

We would strongly recommend this tour to anyone who wants an insight into Ireland in 1840s and if you're lucky enough to get the same guides as we had, you will have your eyes, hearts and minds opened. As we are both Seniors, our tour cost €26 for...

This is an absolute treasure for history enthusiasts and those seeking a deeply moving and educational journey. My visit to this immersive attraction left me profoundly impressed.

The experience begins with a warm welcome from the staff, who are not just knowledgeable but also passionate about sharing the history of the Great Famine. The guides provide a captivating narrative, transporting visitors back in time and shedding light on the harsh realities faced by those who embarked on this historical voyage.

The attention to detail on the replica of the Dunbrody Famine Ship is remarkable. From the authentic interiors to the engaging exhibits, every aspect of the ship's reconstruction contributes to a realistic and impactful experience. It's a poignant reminder of the struggles endured by Irish emigrants during the 19th century.

Absolutely loved the interactive nature of the tour. Visitors have the opportunity to engage in various activities, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the overall experience. It's both educational and emotionally stirring.

The dedication of the staff to preserving and sharing this important chapter of Irish history is evident throughout the visit. The on-site restaurant, The Captain's Table, is a perfect complement to the experience, offering a culinary journey with a view of the River Barrow.

In conclusion, the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience is a must-visit for those seeking a thought-provoking and immersive exploration of Ireland's history. I highly recommend it for its educational value, attention to detail, and the passionate commitment of the staff to preserving this vital part of the...