The Story of a Proud Irish Emigrant Ship

A step aboard the Jeanie Johnston is a step towards understanding the daunting experience of the millions of people who crossed the Atlantic seeking survival and hope in the “New World” of North America. Its to experience the fear of the unknown ahead, the flight from poverty and famine, the pain of separation from family, and the challenge of a 3,000 mile voyage braving gales and harsh seas.

A tour of the re-created Jeanie Johnston enables visitors to see what it was like on board a wooden tall ship during the Famine era. The tour will convey a deep sense of history and will to be a memorable experience for all who come on board.

Once on board, visitors are transported back in time 150 years or more to join the poverty stricken Irish emigrants as they boarded the sturdy ship for the difficult transatlantic voyage and uncertain future in the ‘New World’.

In descending to the dimly-lit quarters below deck, the grim realities that faced the passengers soon become evident. Accommodation consisted of bare bunks, where people were pressed tightly together, with four adults sharing a six foot-square space.

The life-sized figures that are present in the museum below deck are all based on actual passengers who sailed on the ship. From the 15 year old girl (Margaret Conway) travelling only with her 12 year old brother, to the father of 11 (James Stack) whose livelihood was ruined by the famine….all the misery, anguish and confusion of the emigrant Irish are vividly brought to mind.

Back up on deck, visitors have an opportunity to marvel at the skill, ingenuity and craftwork involved in re creating this genuine replica of a wooden tall ship, one of the last of its type to sail the Atlantic in the 19th Century.

Jeanie Johnston is docked at Custom House Quay in Dublin’s city centre and is an accurate replica of the original ship which sailed between Tralee in Co. Kerry and North America between 1847 and 1855. Guided tours for visitors are conducted daily.

The vessel is available for private hire for special events.

Up to FIVE guided tours daily from the chq building.