Introduction

Using images, letters and photographs from PRONI's archives, our exhibition traces the emigrants, from their decision to leave to their new lives in the Americas. Althoug not a definitive history, the exhibition gives readers an insight into life at the time and the problems faced by the emigrants.

Between 1800 and 1900, almost 8 million people bade farewell to their Irish home in search of new lives in a new world.  Enter our online exhibition and discover why they left, how they travelled and what awaited them in the 'prmised land.