National Famine MemorialAbout National Famine Memorial
The National Famine Memorial is a public bronze sculpture located near the village of Murrisk in County Mayo, Ireland, commemorating victims of the Great Famine. The memorial is known for its striking ship-shaped form and national significance.
The site is dominated by the large sculptural work often referred to as a ‘coffin ship’ motif; visitors come to view the memorial, reflect on its symbolism and take in views across Clew Bay toward the west. The setting is open and exposed, with the sculpture placed on land near the shoreline.
The memorial was commissioned as a national monument and created by sculptor John Behan; it was unveiled in 1997. Since its installation it has served as a focal point for commemorations and educational visits about the famine.
Located at Murrisk on the western coast of Ireland, the memorial sits close to the pilgrimage mountain Croagh Patrick and the town of Westport in County Mayo.
- Unveiling: The bronze sculpture was created by John Behan and was unveiled in 1997 as the national memorial to the Great Famine.
Nearby Attractions to National Famine Memorial
Best Time to Visit National Famine Memorial
Any season for atmosphere: spring-summer for accessibility and autumn-winter for solitude and dramatic light.
Weather & Climate near National Famine Memorial
National Famine Memorial's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1184 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 3° - 8° | 1° | 132 mm | overcast | 91% | 6.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.9h |
| February | Poor | 3° - 8° | 1° | 85 mm | overcast | 90% | 6.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.6h |
| March | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 3° | 94 mm | overcast | 88% | 6.5 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 5° - 12° | 5° | 63 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.5 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Acceptable | 7° - 15° | 11° | 72 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.3 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.7h |
| June | Good | 10° - 16° | 13° | 68 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.1 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.7h |
| July | Good | 12° - 18° | 15° | 72 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.0 m/s | 1.2 high | 16.2h |
| August | Good | 11° - 18° | 15° | 93 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.0 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 14.6h |
| September | Good | 10° - 16° | 13° | 109 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Poor | 8° - 13° | 10° | 130 mm | overcast | 89% | 6.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Poor | 5° - 10° | 4° | 135 mm | overcast | 91% | 6.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.4h |
| December | Poor | 4° - 9° | 2° | 131 mm | overcast | 92% | 6.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.3h |
How to Get to National Famine Memorial
From Westport, take the N59 west toward Louisburgh; Murrisk and the memorial are a short drive (roughly 10-15 minutes) from Westport. There is roadside parking near the memorial; local buses between Westport and Louisburgh stop in the area but schedules are limited.
Tips for Visiting National Famine Memorial
- Visit at sunrise for the sparsest crowds and to catch Croagh Patrick silhouetted behind the memorial.
- Park on the roadside near Murrisk Abbey or use the small car park at the base of Croagh Patrick and walk a short distance.
- Be respectful - many visitors treat the site as a place of memory and private mourning.