Name: Dunbrody Famine Ship
Rating: 5.0

Dunbrody Famine Ship

Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, New Ross, County Wexford, Ireland

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

The Dunbrody Famine Ship is a world-class maritime museum and historical experience docked at the quay in New Ross. Centred around a stunning, full-scale reproduction of an 1840s emigrant vessel, it brings to life the powerful stories of Irish people who fled their homeland during the Great Famine. It is one of the best things to do with kids in New Ross, offering a unique activity category that blends interactive historical theatre with a floating museum adventure.

Prices start from €10.00 for children and teenagers, while adult tickets are €15.00. A major benefit for families is the variety of bundle options, with family tickets starting at €32.00, and joint tickets available that include entry to the nearby Kennedy Homestead for a complete historical day out.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines education with a real-time adventure, the Dunbrody is an excellent choice. As a participant in the Failte Ireland "Family Friendly Programme," the museum ensures historical presentations are engaging for young minds without being unnecessarily upsetting. Children will love stepping into the shoes of young emigrants as they explore the decks and interact with costumed characters.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Costumed Performers: Skilled actors bring history to life by interacting with visitors as if they were fellow passengers from the 1840s.
Educational Day Out: The tour provides a deep but accessible insight into Irish heritage and ancestral stories.
Interactive Exhibits: The experience is divided into three parts—Departure, Voyage, and New World—using audio and set design to create an immersive illusion.
Sensory Learning: Children can sit on bunks and explore the physical reality of a tall ship, engaging their imaginations through real-time experience.

Top 5 Highlights

The Tall Ship Replica: Kids will be awestruck as they approach the majestic 1840s vessel floating in the River Barrow.
The Emigrant Experience: Step below deck to see the cramped living conditions and meagre rations, helping kids understand the bravery of past generations.
Irish America Hall of Fame: Explore the success stories of famous Irish descendants like John F. Kennedy and Henry Ford.
The Departure Theatre: Begin your journey with voices from the past in a specially designed theatre set.
River View Dining: After the tour, enjoy a meal in the restaurant which offers a dedicated children's menu and great views of the quay.

Facilities

Toilets & Changing: Facilities are located on-site and are easy to access.
Buggy Parking: The museum and ship are stroller-friendly, though some narrow areas of the ship may require care.
Dining: The Captain’s Table Restaurant serves breakfast, light lunches, and has vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Gift Shop: A well-stocked souvenir shop for Irish heritage items and memorabilia.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Best Time to Visit: Arrive for the first tour at 9:45 am to enjoy the ship when it is quietest.
Rainy Day Savvy: This is an excellent indoor activity as most of the exhibition and tour take place inside the ship or terminal building.
Joint Tickets: Save money by booking the joint ticket option that includes entry to the Kennedy Homestead if you plan to see both.
Booking: It is highly recommended to pre-book online to guarantee your preferred time slot, especially during school holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Dunbrody Famine Ship worth it for toddlers? The ship is free for children under 5, and while they will enjoy exploring the deck, the experience is best suited for primary school kids. The costumed characters and stories are designed to be accessible, but toddlers may not grasp the full historical context.
How long does a visit to the Dunbrody take? A standard guided tour plus time to look around the museum typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. If you plan to visit the Hall of Fame and have lunch in the restaurant, you should allow at least 2 hours.
Where is the best place to park for the Dunbrody? The on-site car park at the Quay is the most convenient option for families. If it is full, there are several public car parks within a 5-minute walk along the New Ross riverfront.
Are there cheap indoor activities in New Ross for kids? The Dunbrody represents great value because it combines a museum, a theatre performance, and a tall ship tour for one price. It is one of the most cost-effective "near me" options in Wexford for high-quality rainy-day entertainment.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

Engaging Actors: The costumed performers are consistently praised for being friendly and making history fascinating for kids.
Educational Depth: Parents value the clear and impactful way the story of the Famine is told without being overwhelming.
Accessibility: The fact that the ship and museum are wheelchair and stroller friendly is a major plus for families with young children.

What Visitors Don't Like

Tour Duration: Some find the tour a bit short and wish they could spend more time exploring the lower decks freely.
Crowds at Peak Times: During the height of summer, tours can fill up quickly, leading to longer waits for those who haven't pre-booked.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The museum experience includes several specific sub-exhibits and objects:
The Ship’s Bunks: Authentic representations of where passengers slept during the long Atlantic crossing.
Original Ships' Logs: Documents detailing the real-life voyages of the original Dunbrody.
Replica Rations: Displays showing the sparse food provided to passengers in the 1840s.
Memorabilia Collection: The souvenir shop houses a range of Irish heritage books, prints, and crystal.
Costumed Character Encounters: Live interpreters who guide you through the "metaphorical pilgrimage".
Hall of Fame Portraits: Specific tributes to notable figures in the Irish diaspora.

Beyond the Main Attraction

While in New Ross, you can walk along the Emigrant Trail or visit the Kennedy Homestead, the ancestral home of JFK, which is only a short drive away. For an active outdoor break, the nearby Hook Peninsula offers stunning lighthouses and coastal scenery.

New for 2026

For the 2026 season, the museum continues to offer its popular seasonal events, which often transform the ship into a festive adventure for families during key holidays.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Individual Tickets

Adult (18–64): €15
Senior (65+): €14 (ID required)
Student (16+): €10 (ID required)
Teenager (13–17): €10
Child (5–12): €10
Infant (0–4): FREE

Family Tickets

2 Adults + 1 Child: €32
2 Adults + 2 Children: €42
2 Adults + 3 Children: €50

Joint Tickets (Dunbrody & Kennedy Homestead)

Joint Adult: €22
Joint Senior: €20
Joint Family (2 Adults + 1 Child): €51
Joint Family (2 Adults + 2 Children): €61
Joint Family (2 Adults + 3 Children): €72
Joint Group Ticket: €20

Pricing URL: https://dunbrody.com/booking-system/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The museum does not list standard birthday party packages. For private event inquiries or group bookings, please contact [email protected] or call +353 (0)51 425239.

Open 7 days a week: 9:00am to 6:00pm.

Address: Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, New Ross, County Wexford, Ireland

Post Code: IE

Council: New Ross

County: County Wexford

By Car: Use Eircode Y34 A786. New Ross is roughly 25 minutes from Waterford City and 35 minutes from Wexford Town.
Parking: On-site car and coach parking is available with designated accessible spaces near the entrance.
By Bus: The nearest accessible bus stop is at Supervalu, just a short walk from the museum entrance.