View the Coffin Ship sculpture
John Behan's 1997 bronze shows a famine emigrant ship with skeletal figures clinging to the rigging. Unveiled by President Mary Robinson on 20 July 1997, it is the centrepiece of the memorial.
National Famine Memorial
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About
A haunting bronze "coffin ship" by sculptor John Behan, rising from the shore at the foot of Croagh Patrick with views across Clew Bay. It commemorates the million who died in the Great Famine of 1845–1850.
Things to Do
Read the inscription and panels
A bilingual (Irish/English) inscription dedicates the site to all who died, suffered and emigrated in the famine. Interpretive panels in the park set out the famine's toll in Mayo.
Take in Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay
The sculpture faces the sacred mountain and the drumlin islands of Clew Bay. Allow time to simply stand and absorb the setting, which sharpens the monument's impact.
Stroll Murrisk Millennium Peace Park
The memorial stands inside this small park, dedicated in 2001 to 2000 years of Christian worship. Flat, easy walking makes it a good stop for families.
Walk to Murrisk Abbey
A signposted 1 km walk leads to the 15th-century Augustinian friary ruins, with fine stonework and a still-used cemetery. Free to visit and quieter than the memorial.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Open 24 hours, all year; the site is an outdoor public monument in Murrisk Millennium Park.
- Admission: Free to visit
- Parking: Paid car park at the Croagh Patrick visitor centre, directly across the R335. Free parking on Murrisk village streets and near Murrisk Abbey (about 1 km away).
- Food: No food or drink on site. Nearest cafés, pubs and restaurants are in Westport, about 8 km east, or in Louisburgh to the west.
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