Dublin
A ship built to commemorate the Irish emigration to America has finally left port, three years late and at three times the estimated cost. The SS Jeanie Johnston is a replica of a boat that ferried people from Kerry to the U.S. and Canada between 1848 and 1855, during the potato famine. At least 1 million people died when a blight destroyed Ireland’s staple crop of potatoes, and 2 million emigrated, mostly to the U.S. Irish groups in North America wanted to honor their ancestors by sponsoring a commemorative voyage, but the project was plagued by delays, financial mismanagement, and graft, and ended up costing $17 million. The original ship packed in more than 200 passengers on each trip, but the replica is carrying just 39—in considerably more comfort.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.