Dunbrody (2001) facts for kids
Dunbrody at New Ross
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Quick facts for kids History |
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| Name | Dunbrody |
| Builder | J F Kennedy Trust |
| Launched | 11 February 2001 |
| General characteristics | |
| Displacement | 458 tonnes (451 long tons) |
| Length |
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| Beam | 8.5 m (27 ft 11 in) |
| Draft | 3.5 m (11 ft 6 in) |
| Sail plan | Barque, sail area 940 m2 (10,100 sq ft) |
The Dunbrody is a special ship that looks just like old sailing ships. It has three tall masts and was built in a town called New Ross in Ireland. This ship is a full-size copy of an older ship, also named Dunbrody, which sailed a long time ago. The new Dunbrody was built between 1997 and 2001 by the J F Kennedy Trust. Many people, including those learning new skills, helped build this amazing ship. They even fixed up an old dry dock to build it in!
Contents
Building the Dunbrody
The Dunbrody was built with wooden planks over strong wooden frames. Its main deck was also made from wood. When it was first finished in 2001, it had wooden masts and spars. These are the parts that hold the sails. Later, in 2006, the lower parts of the masts were changed to steel to make them stronger.
Making the Ship Ready
After the main parts were built, a German company helped finish the ship. They added important things like the ropes (called rigging), the deckhouse, and all the inside parts. They also put in electricity and plumbing. In 2006, the ship was made ready to carry passengers safely. For this, it got two main engines, a special propeller at the front (a bowthruster), and a modern navigation system. This allowed the ship to sail to England a couple of times.
The Ship Today
In 2010, the engines and electronics were taken out. Now, the Dunbrody stays in one place. It is permanently docked in New Ross, where it welcomes visitors.
Visiting the Dunbrody
Since May 2001, the replica Dunbrody has been open for people to visit. When you visit, you can explore an interactive exhibition. This show helps you imagine what life was like on an emigrant ship. These were ships that carried people from Ireland to other countries, often to find a new home.
Learning About Emigrants
At the Dunbrody visitor center, there is a large computer database. This database has information about many people who sailed from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales in the 1800s. It's a great way to learn about the journeys people took long ago.
See also
- Jeanie Johnston
- Dunbrody (1845), the original ship
External links
- Website of the Dunbrody replica project
- Cian T. McMahon, The Coffin Ship: Life and Death at Sea during the Great Irish Famine (NYU Press, 2021)
