National Famine Commemoration takes place in Portumna Workhouse
A ‘privilege’ for the people of Portumna to host significant national commemoration
The 19th National Famine Commemoration took place recently in the Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna, in remembrance of all those who suffered, died or were forced to emigrate due to An Gorta Mór.
The event was hosted by the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport and the Chair of the National Famine Commemoration Committee, Patrick O’Donovan TD.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD officiated at the event and delivered the keynote address. The Most Reverend Luis Mariano Montemayor, Apostolic Nuncio and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and the Cathaoirleach of the Galway County Council, Councillor David Collins, also took part in proceedings.
This was the first time the State Commemoration took place in Galway. As in previous years, the event included military honours, cultural and community elements before culminating in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony by the Taoiseach, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.
The event was broadcast live on the RTÉ News channel and is available for replay on the RTÉ Player and on irishfamine.ie.
The Taoiseach pointed out that the National Famine Commemoration provides an important opportunity to reflect on one of the most profound and defining periods in our history. “While the Famine represents immense loss and suffering,” he remarked, “it also reminds us of the resilience of ordinary people and the enduring strength of community in times of hardship."
He said The Irish Workhouse Centre stands as an important place of remembrance and education, ensuring that the experiences of those who lived through the Famine are honoured with dignity and that the lessons of compassion, solidarity and humanity continue to resonate with future generations.
Minister O’Donovan said it was an honour to host the 2026 National Famine Commemoration, “to remember all those who suffered due to the Great Irish Famine. I thank all those who are attending this dignified and solemn event and acknowledge all those who made this event possible. Special thanks are due to the team of the Irish Workhouse Centre and the people of Portumna who have opened their town to us to facilitate this opportunity to remember. In this county where the Famine destroyed communities, they did not remain broken; they were rebuilt, strong, vibrant and diverse in all their forms. This is surely one of the most fitting and important tributes to our ancestors.”
Cllr David Collins, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, pointed out that the story of An Gorta Mór is deeply interwoven with the history and identity of the county of Galway, shaping communities across the county and its wider diaspora, including places such as Portumna, “where loss, survival and emigration from that period can still be felt today. This event honours the memory of those who suffered or emigrated, acknowledges the strength and resilience of communities across this county, and encourages us to recognise the importance of compassion, dignity and solidarity in Irish society today. It is a privilege for Galway County Council and the people of Portumna to host this significant national commemoration.”