Irish Commemorate Great Famine

Q. We plan to travel to Ireland this year and would like information on events commemorating the Great Famine.

A. Hundreds of thousands of people died and more than a million emigrated from Ireland during the famine from 1845 to 1850; 1997 marks 150 years since “Black ‘47,” considered the worst year.

One major project designed to commemorate the tragedy and recognize the emigrants’ contributions is the Great Irish Famine Event on May 31 and June 1, centered on Millstreet in County Cork. It is being organized, with the support of the Irish government, by the Big Issues Social Initiative, a charity that publishes a magazine sold by vendors who are homeless or unemployed.

The event will include “The Gathering” on May 31 at Drishane Castle, with readings and songs and the lighting of a Famine Candle by Ireland’s President, Mary Robinson. Also in Millstreet, there will be a concert June 1 celebrating Irish culture, with the Chieftains and the Dubliners expected to appear.

In Cobh (the port for Cork, about an hour’s drive from Millstreet), a copy of a 19th-century ship will be moored, with flowers placed on board by visitors in memory of the emigrants; on June 1, the ship will set sail to lay the flowers at sea.

A single ticket for both days’ events is about $171, calculated at $1.71 in United States currency to the Irish punt, including a contribution of $102. Information or reservations: (800) 586-3197. The event has a Web site at http://www.-famine.ie/

A Boston-based company is arranging packages around the event; contact Conferences International, 25 Huntington Avenue, Suite 607, Boston, Mass. 02116; (800) 221-8747, fax (617) 266-5886.

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