Coffin ship facts for kids

Replica of the "good ship" Jeanie Johnston, which sailed during the Great Hunger when coffin ships were common. No one ever died on the "good ship"

Coffin ships transported Irish immigrants to America and other colonies during the Great Irish Famine (1845-1852). They were the cheapest way to cross the Atlantic but it was a miserable and dangerous journey. The conditions on board were horrible because the ships were so crowded. Also, there was little food and water. There were often diseases on board.

One third (30%) of the passengers died before the arrival in Canada or the USA.

Images for kids

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  Famine national monument at Murrisk

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  The obverse side of a medal given to Samuel Plimsoll showing a coffin ship