Examining representations of the great Irish famine : the contribution of rural household archeaology

Abstract

The Great Irish Famine, 1845-1852, has been the focus of significant historical research, but less archaeological investigations. This study examines the Famine through rural house sites occupied before, during, and after the Famine in comparison to historical images of the Famine. The images represent a barrenness that is not evidenced fully in the archaeological record. These images which are used to give an overall view of the Famine, give a biased interpretation of what was actually happening in Ireland during the Famine.