Famine, departure and the emigrant port

The Great Famine intensified a movement of people that continued for generations. Cobh, then Queenstown for much of this period, became one of the principal departure points for Irish emigrants.

The scale is difficult to absorb until you stand at the old railway station and waterfront. Families passed through this town before crossing to Britain, North America, Australia and beyond. Some left by choice; many left because poverty, hunger or lack of opportunity gave them little alternative.