The Great Irish Famine by Mylo Miller

Mylo Miller, a staff member at Johnstown Castle, has been working on a new museum exhibition titled “Changing Farming Fortunes”.

The exhibition traces Ireland’s agricultural history from the Great Irish Famine through to modern times, highlighting Johnstown Castle’s role during the Famine and the later impact of Teagasc in advancing Irish farming practices.

As part of this project, Mylo has created an illustrated talk, “The Great Irish Famine”, based on his in-depth research into this tragic period. The talk explores why Ireland’s poorest communities were the most vulnerable, examines the causes of the Famine, and describes the harsh and often devastating conditions endured by much of the population.

While Wexford is often considered to have escaped the worst effects of the Famine, the presentation will use the Wexford Workhouse as a case study to demonstrate the significant hardship faced by many poorer families.

It will also discuss the role of Hamilton Knox Grogan Morgan, Resident Landlord of the Johnstown Castle Estate during the Famine years.

Following the talk, attendees will be invited to join Mylo for a short guided tour of the new Changing Farming Fortunes exhibition.