Westport - Louisburgh - Clare Island 

 

National Famine Monument. This stark and striking monument in Murrisk is an appropriate commemoration of the millions who perished in the Great Famine over one hundred and fifty years ago.

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Crafted in bronze by John Behan, the dramatic sculpture depicts a “Coffin Ship” with skeleton bodies in the rigging.

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“Coffin Ship” was the term used to describe the ships which left our shores horrendously overcrowded with emigrants fleeing the famine.