Emigration has had a huge impact on Irish society ever since thousands of people fled
our shores to escape the Great Hunger of 1848. They endured terrible conditions on board
the Coffin Ships which brought the emigrants to America and many didn't
survive the journey as disease was rife amid the crowded quarters below deck.
Emigration remained part of Irish life throughout the 19th and 20th centuries as
people left in search of prosperity in England, America, Canada, Australia and
New Zealand.
Now, a new generation is in danger of being lost as the Celtic Tiger is but a distant
and bitter memory with the Irish economy suffering severely in the recession.
Picture taken at event organised by the Greenore Historical Association and the
Killowen Historical Society on the shores of Carlingford Lough.