National Famine Commemoration

Welcome to the Great Irish Famine Commemoration Website

No other event in our history can be likened to the Great Famine, either for its immediate, tragic impact, or its legacy of emigration, cultural loss and decline of the Irish language.  The population of Ireland, which was close to 8.5 million in 1845, fell to 6.6 million by 1851. Every year, thousands of people attend both the National and International Famine Commemorations which take place, to remember the many who died and emigrated, and to reflect on the appalling events during this period.

The annual national commemoration revolves between the four provinces of Ireland. An international event also takes place annually to commemorate the Great Irish Famine. Details of the work of the National Famine Commemoration Committees since 2008 in implementing a varied and diverse annual programme of events to coincide with the National Famine Commemoration are available on this website.