The Great Irish Famine (1845–1852) was one of the most devastating periods in Irish history. Over a million people died, and a further million emigrated, reshaping Irish society forever.
Each May, the Irish government marks National Famine Commemoration Day with events that honour the lives lost and those who fled. It's a time for reflection, remembrance, and learning.
In schools, this day offers an opportunity to explore not only the historical facts but the resilience of communities, the legacy of emigration, and the social and political consequences still felt today.
First appearance of potato blight; first crop failure.
Second crop failure. Food prices rise; food exports continue.
"Black '47": worst year of the famine; workhouses overwhelmed.
Mass emigration begins; thousands die on 'coffin ships'.
Irish census shows population has fallen by 2 million.
Famine ends, but the impact lasts for generations.
The Famine, British-Irish relations, population change
Human geography, population distribution, land use
Human rights, social justice, state responsibility
Sovereignty and British policy
Settlement and migration
Government action and inequality
Understanding the roots and long-term effects of poverty in Irish history.
Examining historical famine to inform modern discussions on food security.
Exploring social divisions, class structures, and inequalities of the time.
Encouraging reflection on the role of institutions and governance in crisis response.
A creative entry point into the Famine period, combining film, art, and reflection activities.
Click HereA visual overview of the Famine, featuring artwork from the “Coming Home” exhibition.
Click HereExplores emigration through a personal object, with cross-curricular links to SPHE and Drama.
Click HereAuthentic letters offering insights into life during the Famine, ideal for literacy and history integration.
Click HereA poignant song set during the Famine, useful for exploring cultural responses to historical events.
Click HereComprehensive resource covering the Famine's causes, impacts, and legacy.
Click HereEncourages critical thinking through contemporary artworks depicting Famine-era living conditions.
Click HereExplores parish-level data on literacy, housing, and population during the Famine.
Click HereAn informative article detailing the perilous journeys of Famine emigrants.
Click HereA sequence of lessons and materials providing a comprehensive overview of the Famine.
Click HereA comprehensive hub featuring articles, interactive maps, and multimedia content exploring various aspects of the Famine.
Click HereA two-part documentary narrated by Liam Neeson, delving into the events of the Famine and its profound effects on Ireland.
Click HereA series of activity-based lessons designed to help students understand the key events and implications of the Famine.
Click HereA project-based module encouraging students to explore the Famine through maps, documents, and images.
Click HereAn informative overview detailing the social and economic impacts of the Famine, suitable for both teachers and students.
Click HereAn article providing insights into Irish society prior to the Famine, utilizing data from the 1841 census.
Click HereA piece highlighting the observations of Asenath Nicholson, an American who documented Irish conditions during the Famine.
Click HereA compilation of online resources, including maps and archival materials, to support further study of the Famine.
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