Great Hunger

Learn about one of the worst disasters in Irish history, second only to the Black Death pandemic in death toll estimates - the Great Famine. Also referred to as "The Great Hunger", the Famine, which was caused by a potato blight, lasted between 1845 and 1849, decimating Ireland's population and resulting in emigration on an unprecedented scale.

History

Friendship in the Irish Famine, an under-told story of selflessness

The bond between the Native American Choctaw Nation and the Irish people stretches back to the Great Hunger.

Politics

President Joe Biden's Irish roots - from fleeing Famine Ireland to winning the White House

President Joe Biden's rich Irish ancestry helped lead him to the White House.

Horrific tale of a Mayo village's death during the Great Famine

A group of 600 Irish starving during the Great Hunger set out to Doolough to find food. Most of them did not survive.

Cork wealthy dined on “turtle soup and champagne” during Ireland’s Great Hunger

19th century letters and recipe book describe luxury as deprivation and Famine riddled the land.

History

Little known tale of generous Turkish aid to the Irish during the Great Hunger

The film “Famine” portrays the story of how the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire sent aid to the Irish during the Great Hunger.

Entertainment

RTÉ's "superb" new Great Hunger documentary makes for emotional viewing

RTÉ's "The Hunger: The Story of the Irish Famine" documentary has drawn a strong reaction from viewers in Ireland.

History

Great Hunger documentary explores how Irish people turned to survivor cannibalism

Irish people engaged in "survivor cannibalism" to stay alive during the Great Hunger, according to a new documentary.

History

How Choctaw Indians raised money for Irish Great Hunger relief

On Native American Heritage Day, we remember how a nation with a history of deprivation raised the equivalent to tens of thousands for the Irish in 1847.

History