A visit to Dublin Docklands would not be complete without seeing the famine replica ship the Jeanie Johnston. The recreation of the Jeanie Johnston was one of the most ambitious maritime heritage projects undertaken in Ireland taking several years to complete. Acquired by Docklands Authority in September 2005, the ship is moored at North Wall Quay and near to the striking Rowan Gillespie famine sculpture [link]. Together, they act as a national monument to the famine.
The original Jeanie Johnston was purchased in 1848 as a cargo ship by Tralee merchant Nicholas Donovan. As the famine gripped Ireland, the owners began to carry the fleeing Irish emigrants. Over the next seven years the ship made 16 voyages to America carrying over 2,500 emigrants. Though the conditions were hard the Jeanie Johnston never became a 'coffin ship'. In fact, it achieved the remarkable record of never having had a death on board. This is largely due to the care taken by owner Nicholas Donovan, the ship’s captain, Castletownshend-born James Attridge and the experienced Ship's Doctor, Dr Richard Blennerhassett.
Today, the Jeanie Johnston is used as a sail training vessel and to host corporate events. It is not open to the general public but group or specialist visits can be accommodated by arrangement in advance.