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The ‘Great Famine’ began around 1845 when the potato crop failed. Many people had resorted to growing varieties of potato that were open to blight but produced a high yield so that they could feed their families on increasingly small plots of land. In 1845, the potato was the main source of food for most Irish people.
When a blight caused the crop to fail it led to widespread famine and due to government inaction, it took the lives of over a million people and forced another million to emigrate between 1845-49. It could be said that the country has never really recovered from this time. From the end of the famine in 1849 to 1900, 2 million more Irish people emigrated making the Irish exodus the largest of any population in the 19th Century and halving the population from its pre-famine total.
The mud-wall house in Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park was built in the traditional style using mud, straw, heather and animal hair. The cottage would be considered to be the third class house at the time and was quite luxurious in comparison to many fourth class houses during famine times. Unfortunately, it was the tenantry of dwellings like these who suffered the most during this tragic period.
To highlight the personal impact of emigration, the Park has added new exhibits on two Lullymore natives in the cottage – Michael Rush who departed in 1820 for Australia and Katie Gorey who left in 1908 for New York. Discover their very different reasons for leaving Ireland and how they overcame all challenges to set up a new life abroad
I booked the Halloween experience for my family of four. I made a mistake with the dates in the tickets and the guys at Lullymore were just so accommodating! They let me move the booking and saved the day.
Sarah KWhat a fantastic show Lullymore put on every year. Really enjoyed it as did my 11 and 14 year old. Cafe is lovely and the outside seating area comes with 2 inquisitive geese! The best thing about Lullymore more is the staff.
Jeanette GGreat day out with the kids. The staff are fantastic and you are met at the gates in your car by a weird and wonderful witch. The Terror Train is the highlight for kids and Adults alike.
Liam RGood spot reasonable entry fee and nice family day out.Didn't eat there but the restaurant was very busy so must be ok to eat in .The place is spotless and its great to see no litter plenty of bins around.
Mel HThis is a superb location with a wide range of fun and informative aspects - learn about bogs and peat, ancient Irish heritage, Irish Christian heritage, the 1798 Rebellion, the Famine and much, much more.
Dermot MWWe were greeted by Ray for our short visit to this attraction. The site tells an important part of Irish history and includes practical demonstrations of peat cutting and the history of the industry.
Malcolm TCame here with my 5 year old for her friends birthday party. Couldn't fault the service, we told them the child's name upon entry and that was that. The staff were so friendly and good with the kids.
Alex CA huge thank you to the staff at Lullymore, and a special thank to Myra,Kevin and Marie.We had our school tour with you yesterday and you all looked after us so well. The children and a fantastic day.
Fiona D Lullymore, Rathangan,
Co. Kildare, R51 E036
Open seven days a week
until the end of September.