Education
School Tours
The guided tour lasts 50 minutes and students will learn about the hardship of The Famine and how it forced millions of Irish people to flee the country. They will find out what the conditions were like for those who travelled on board the Jeanie Johnston, learn the history of the ship, hear the true stories of real-life passengers and discover what fate awaited them at their destination.
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK:
50 MINUTE TOUR
Tour Times Mon-Sun:
10.00, 10.30, 11.00, 11.30, 12.00, 12.30, 13.30, 14.00, 14.30, 15.00, 15.30, 16.00, 16.30
Curriculum Links
From Primary and Secondary right through to Third Level, students of all ages will be thrilled with the chance to get a real insight into what life was like for those who fled the Famine on the Jeanie Johnston.
Resources
At Jeanie Johnston we think that learning should be fun. We’ve got lots of information and activity packs that your students will enjoy.
Types of Tours
You can choose to take a standalone tour of the Jeanie Johnston or dive even deeper with a combined visit to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. Why not make a day of it by exploring the historic Dublin Docklands while you’re here?
Jeanie Johnston School Tour
- A 50-minute guided tour of the Jeanie Johnston Famine ship.
- Brings the history of the Famine out of the classroom and goes beyond the text books to capture the children’s imaginations and show them firsthand what life was like on board a Famine ship.
FREE Self-Guided Dublin Dockland’s Tour
- From a Viking Port to a departure point for Ireland’s Famine Emigrants to today’s bustling tech hub, Dublin Docklands has a fascinating history that’s just waiting to be explored. Find out about all the other nearby attractions that you and your class will enjoy.
Jeanie Johnston & EPIC Combo Tour
- • A 50-minute guided tour of the Jeanie Johnston Famine ship.
• A visit to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.
Learn even more about the history of the Famine, hear the stories of Ireland’s emigrants, find out why they left, where they went, and discover how they shaped and influenced the world.
Jeanie Johnston & EPIC Combo Tour & Self-Guided Dublin Docklands Tour
- • A 50-minute guided tour of the Jeanie Johnston Famine ship.
• A visit to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.
Learn even more about the history of the Famine, hear the stories of Ireland’s emigrants, find out why they left, where they went, and discover how they shaped and influenced the world.
TESTIMONIALS
From Teachers and Schools
Highly recommend!
5/5 •••••
I visited Jeanie Johnston famine ship with a group of my students and we simply loved the tour. Owen was very skilled, such a great storyteller! The tour was fun and engaging. My kids truly enjoyed this experience and so did I!
Daniela • June 2024
Fascinating and incredibly moving
5/5 •••••
The tour itself was fascinating and incredibly moving, offering deep insight into Ireland's history, especially during the Famine era. What truly made the experience unforgettable was our tour guide... his storytelling brought the ship's history to life.
Tiffany • June 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What will students learn on a Jeanie Johnston school tour?
Students will learn about the Great Famine, Irish emigration and what life was like for people crossing the Atlantic in the 19th century. Through the real stories of passengers and crew, they’ll discover why people left Ireland, the conditions they experienced on board and what happened when they reached their destination.
How long does a Jeanie Johnston school tour take?
The guided school tour takes approximately 50 minutes.
What age groups are Jeanie Johnston school tours suitable for?
The Jeanie Johnston welcomes students from Primary and Secondary through to Third Level, with the experience offering students an opportunity to explore the history of the Great Famine and Irish emigration outside the classroom.
How does the Jeanie Johnston school tour link to the curriculum?
The tour supports learning around the Great Famine, Irish emigration and 19th-century Irish history, giving students the opportunity to explore these subjects through the ship itself and the real experiences of its passengers.
What does a school tour of the Jeanie Johnston include?
The visit includes a 50-minute guided tour of the Jeanie Johnston, where students explore the ship and learn about the Great Famine, the history of the Jeanie Johnston and the experiences of the emigrants who travelled aboard.
Can schools combine the Jeanie Johnston with EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum?
Yes. Schools can combine a guided tour of the Jeanie Johnston with a visit to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, allowing students to explore the wider story of Irish emigration and the influence of Irish emigrants around the world.
Is the Jeanie Johnston accessible for school groups?
Because access to the ship is via a gangplank, there are some accessibility limitations. If a member of your group has mobility or other accessibility requirements, we recommend checking the Access Welcome Guide or contacting the team before booking.
How do I book a Jeanie Johnston school tour?
School visits can be arranged directly with the Jeanie Johnston team. Enquire about a school visit and the team can help you choose the most suitable tour option for your group.
