Into the west in Strokestown

02/10/2026: Very interesting viewpoint of how the Irish potato famine came about and it's impacts on residents and resulting exodus.

26/09/2026: An excellent and very moving museum. The National Famine Museum at Strokestown tells the story of the Great Famine in a powerful, informative and thought-provoking way. What makes it particularly interesting is its connection to the local area and the original Strokestown estate records. The story of the 1,490 tenants who left the estate in 1847, walking 165km to Dublin before beginning their journey to Canada, is especially moving. The displays explain not only the potato blight, but also the poverty, land system, relief efforts, evictions, emigration and wider circumstances that contributed to the enormous suffering experienced by ordinary Irish people. There is a huge amount of information, but it is presented in a modern and engaging way, with original documents, personal stories and exhibits that put real people behind the statistics. A sobering experience, but an extremely important part of Irish history. I came away knowing considerably more than when I entered. I would highly recommend a visit and would allow plenty of time to properly take everything in.