Famine Ship Experience Upgraded

The new Dunbrody Famine Ship visitor experience in New Ross, Co. Wexford, has been officially opened by Taoiseach Simon Harris TD.

This enhanced visitor experience follows an investment of €1.6 million from the Department of Rural and Community Development, Fáilte Ireland and Wexford County Council.

The upgraded experience tells the famine emigrant story, centred on a reproduction of an 1840s vessel that set sail for America during the Great Famine. The new immersive visitor experience uses a mix of digital interpretation and archive material, such as personal letters and records from the time, to bring to life one of the most pivotal events in Irish history, helping visitors to connect with the human stories of those who journeyed across the Atlantic.

Fáilte Ireland estimates that over a ten-year period, the Dunbrody Famine Ship experience has the potential to attract over 211,000 additional local, domestic and overseas visitors, generating over €9 million in visitor expenditure for the local economy and supporting 36 jobs.

Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland said:

“Investing in standout attractions and unique experiences is a key element of attracting international visitors to Ireland and encouraging domestic tourists to explore different areas of the country. Fáilte Ireland is proud to contribute €295,000 in capital investment to the overall €1.6 million Dunbrody Famine Ship upgrade, delivered in collaboration with Department of Rural and Community Development and Wexford County Council.”