The Bronze Famine Shoes, an iconic representation of Ireland’s historic Famine Heritage Trail will soon be making their way across the Atlantic Ocean to Canada aboard the Marine Institute’s Research Vessel Celtic Explorer. The symbolic sculptures, crafted by artist Alannah O'Kelly, pay tribute to the millions affected by the devastating Great Irish Famine of 1845-1852. The journey to Canada follows the launch of the Global Irish Famine Way, a project aimed at raising awareness about the significant historical event and its enduring impact on Irish communities worldwide.
The Bronze Famine Shoes serve as a powerful symbol of remembrance for the victims of the famine, and the forced migration of Irish people during that period. The decision to bring the sculptures to Canada highlights the shared history and cultural ties between Ireland and Canada, particularly the significant Irish diaspora in Canada. It presents an opportunity to engage Canadian audiences in meaningful conversations about Irish migration, resilience, and commemoration.
The Marine Institute is proud to partner with Strokestown House to bring the Bronze Famine Shoes to Canada aboard the RV Celtic Explorer. This collaboration combines the expertise of the Marine Institute in maritime research and cultural exchange with Strokestown House's commitment to preserving Irish heritage and fostering dialogue about the Great Irish Famine.
The RV Celtic Explorer is Ireland’s largest national research vessel and has played an essential role in fisheries surveys, seabed mapping, and oceanographic research for over 20 years. The vessel will travel to St. Johns, Newfoundland to mobilize for a significant survey along the western Greenland shelf as part of the Biological Carbon Export in the Labrador Sea (BELAS) survey. This international, collaborative, interdisciplinary survey is being led by the University of Galway with partners from Dalhousie University of Nova Scotia and Memorial University of Newfoundland, and is supported by Ship-time funding from the Marine Institute, the Canadian Research council, the Ocean frontiers Institute (Canada) as well as the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre in Applied Geosciences, University College Dublin (iCRAG).
Caroilin Callery of the Irish Famine Way with the replica Bronze Shoes that are to be transported and presented in Canada during a Marine Institute research trip Photo: Andrew Downes
Dr Rick Officer, CEO Marine Institute, expressed his honor in bringing the Bronze Famine Shoes to Canada aboard the RV Celtic Explorer. He stated that “This journey represents a powerful symbol of solidarity and remembrance, highlighting the enduring legacy of the Great Irish Famine and its impact on Irish communities around the world.”
The arrival of the Bronze Famine Shoes in St. Johns will be marked by the launch of the Global Irish Famine Way, and a series of events and exhibitions hosted by Dept of Foreign Affairs, Strokestown House, and their partners.
