The original Jeanie Johnston was built in 1847 in Quebec, Canada . She was commissioned by a Scottish-born shipbuilder and master craftsman, John Munn. She was purchased by Kerry-based merchants, John Donovan and Sons, for their family business.

Originally intended as a cargo ship for transporting timber, rope, molasses, rum, tobacco, tea, textiles, letters and more, she ended up carrying a very different kind of cargo – desperate men, women and children fleeing the Famine. Between 1848 and 1855 she made 16 crossings carrying emigrants from Tralee to Canada and sailing back with timber.

What became of the Jeanie Johnston?

By 1858, legislation restricted the use of cargo ships for transporting passengers so the Donovans sold the ship to William Johnson of North Shields in England. It was then used mainly for transporting cargo again.

In 1858 on the way from Hull in England to Québec in Canada, the ship began to take on water. The timber being carried on deck became waterlogged and began to weigh the ship down. The crew climbed into the rigging and tied themselves to the mast as the ship slowly sank. After 9 gruelling days, they were rescued by a Dutch ship, the Sophie Elizabeth, and the Jeanie Johnston was left to sink.

Even in her loss, she maintained her perfect safety record.

A humanitarian captain – Captain James Attridge

Cork-born Captain James Attridge spent his life at sea, starting with his first voyage in 1820 at the age of 15. He became a captain at 23, and had accumulated 28 years of experience before he joined the Jeanie Johnston. Discover how his humanitarian attitude set him apart from other captains of the time.

A noble doctor – Dr. Richard Blennerhassett

Although the voyage was grim, the passengers on the Jeanie Johnston were very fortunate to have Dr. Richard Blennerhassett on board to tend to them. With his social status and prestigious education, he could have enjoyed a far more comfortable life but chose to work on this Famine ship. Find out how he made the journey more bearable and and learn why no passengers died on his watch.