About Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship
Moored proudly on Custom House Quay in the heart of Dublin's Docklands, the Jeanie Johnston is an exact replica of the legendary 1848 famine ship that carried 2,500 emigrants to North America without losing a single soul at sea. Step aboard this creaking wooden tall ship and time-travel to the perilous Atlantic crossings of the Great Hunger era. Guided tours plunge you into the gritty reality of 'coffin ship' life: cramped steerage quarters, tales of bravery amid typhus and starvation, and the miracle birth of a baby boy on her maiden voyage. Amid the Docklands' shiny skyscrapers and bustling quays, this floating museum contrasts starkly with modern Ireland, honouring the resilience of those who built new lives abroad.
What to Expect
45-minute tours (book ahead) start with a captain's welcome on deck, then descend into the hold for hammock demos and famine facts. Feel the wooden planks underfoot, smell the tarred ropes, and hear waves lapping the Liffey. Exhibits detail 16 voyages, passenger stories via audio, and shipbuilding craftsmanship. Up top, admire masts towering over the quay, with views to the 3Arena and Samuel Beckett Bridge. It's raw, emotional history brought vividly alive by passionate guides.
Insider Tips
Combine with EPIC Museum opposite for a discounted heritage double; tours run hourly, best in morning light for photos. Wear comfy shoes for steep ladders, and brace for wind on deck. Families appreciate the adventure vibe, while poignant for Irish descendants. After, wander to nearby Luke Kelly statue for artistic Docklands vibes, or grab seafood at a quay pub. In summer, catch sail-training events. This Docklands icon perfectly blends maritime history with the area's regeneration story, making it a must for any itinerary exploring best things to do here.