The Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience in New Ross, County Wexford, marks its 25th anniversary in February 2026, having hosted nearly two million visitors since opening on 11 February 2001.
The full-scale replica of an 1840s barque, developed by the John F. Kennedy Trust, transformed the quayside and supported local regeneration amid high unemployment in the late 1980s. The attraction has drawn more than €20m in investment to the town through tourism and related developments including the Emigrant Flame and Irish America Hall of Fame.
Visitors explore recreated emigrant conditions below deck with costumed interpreters, beginning at a period ticket office and ending at exhibitions on the diaspora. A silver jubilee gala ball takes place on 7 February at the Brandon House Hotel, with an open day scheduled for 15 February.
Seán Connick shared “Today, the Dunbrody stands as a testament to that vision.”
