Famine walls

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N67 - Wall, Grassland, Dwellings north of Famine Memorial - geograph.org.uk - 3087580

Famine walls refer to the stone walls built during the period of the Great Famine in Ireland, which lasted from 1845 to 1849. These walls were constructed as a form of famine relief work, where destitute people were employed to build stone walls in order to earn food or money. The Great Famine, also known as the Irish Potato Famine, led to the death of approximately one million people and the emigration of more than a million more, drastically reducing Ireland's population.

Background

The Great Famine was primarily caused by the failure of the potato crop, which was a staple food in Ireland, due to a disease known as potato blight (Phytophthora infestans). The British government's response to the crisis was widely criticized for being inadequate and for relying heavily on a laissez-faire economic policy. One of the measures taken by the government to alleviate the suffering was the creation of public works programs, intended to provide employment to the starving population.

Construction of Famine Walls

Famine walls were built without a practical purpose, serving merely as a means to justify the provision of aid in the form of employment. These walls can be found in various parts of Ireland, often in remote areas, running through mountains and countryside. They are typically made of local stone, constructed without mortar, and vary in height and width. The construction of these walls was grueling work, and the wages were meager, but for many, it was the only available means to earn food or money during the famine years.

Legacy

Today, famine walls stand as a somber reminder of the Great Famine and its devastating impact on Ireland. They are historical monuments to a tragic period in Irish history, symbolizing both the desperation of the Irish people and the inadequacies of the response to their suffering. The walls are scattered throughout the Irish landscape, often unnoticed or overlooked, but they represent an important part of the country's heritage.

Preservation

Efforts have been made to preserve famine walls as part of Ireland's national heritage. These structures are protected under various heritage and conservation laws, recognizing their significance not only as physical remnants of the past but also as memorials to those who suffered and died during the famine. Preservation efforts ensure that future generations can learn about and reflect on this pivotal period in Irish history.

See Also

• Great Famine (Ireland)
• Irish Potato Famine
• Public works
• History of Ireland