During the Great Famine (1845-1849), around one million Irish people left Ireland for North America, Australia, Canada and England. They emigrated in order to escape starvation and poverty and to seek employment.
The ships that many of these emigrants travelled on, particularly for the transatlantic journeys, became known as 'coffin ships'. Conditions were poor on board. The ships were often overcrowded and food was in short supply. Many people died before reaching their destination.