Attractions in Kerry - Kerry attractions - Best attractions Kerry – Kerry Bog Village
The great Irish Famine 1845 – 1852
The Great Hunger – An Gorta Mor

Between 1845 – 1852 famine devastated Ireland. The great famine was in fact one of the worst famines in modern history. A large portion of the population died or emigrated. Such was the drastic effect of the famine that many historians refer to Ireland as pre-famine or post-famine. Potato blight meant the potato crop failed and a as result left many Irish farmers and households without food. However, the potato failure alone did not cause the famine. It was a host of political, social and economic factors which all contributed.

An astonishing amount of food, animals and materials were exported by force from the country, at a time when it was needed most by the natives. The great famine was undoubtedly the darkest time in Irish history. Starvation, disease, emigration and mass graves were all prevalent during these awful years.
Some quick facts about the great famine
  • Irelands population fell by 20-25%.
  • Starvation and illness were rampant.
  • One million people died as a direct result of the famine.
  • It is estimated that a further one million immigrated to countries such as Canada, U.S.A, U.K & Australia. Sadly not all passengers made it to their final destination alive.
  • Up to 20,000 Irish people died on the coffin ships to Canada alone. Emigration continued for many years after the famine.
  • A village like the 'Kerry Bog Village' would have been close to ruin by this time.
  • The potato blight played a part in the famine. Many farmers relied on the crop as the main source of food.
  • Workhouses were centres where many Irish peasants lived and worked in dreadful conditions so as to avoid certain death.
              
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Kerry Bog Village Museum, Ballincleave, Glenbeigh, Co. Kerry
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