In an iconic tale of Irish migration post-famine, 15 vessels, loaded with destitute tenant farmers and farm workers, set sail from Mullet peninsula on Ireland’s northwestern coast starting in March of 1883. They were in pursuit of new opportunities in the US and Canada, marking what was known as the “first great exodus”.
Earlier this week, a new visitor centre was unveiled in the secluded village of Éachléim, Co Mayo. The centre, which is partly influenced by the cargo lists of these ships, aims to showcase the narratives of these people. The centre’s inauguration was presided over by Heather Humphreys, the Minister for Rural and Community Development.
At the centre, there is a display named Solas: Scéalta an Atlantaigh – Stories sculpted by the Atlantic, that asserts: “Their history is entwined with ours, and ours with theirs. In recollecting those who left, we greet their offspring with open arms.”
One of the distinguishing features of the centre is that it offers a wealth of data about the 15 voyages that departed from Elly Bay close-by between 1883 and 1884. These voyages were part of a migration aid programme piloted by renowned Quaker philanthropist James Tuke.
Long-term researcher at the original community-run Ionad Deirbhile centre, Rosemarie Geraghty, expressed, “This new centre brings to light the rich heritage of Blacksod lighthouse and life on the Inishkeas.
My personal intrigue was the migration aid project spearheaded by the Quaker, James Tuke, and his team. They aided thousands of poverty-stricken individuals from this locality in the years 1883 and 1884. Although these people were overlooked, the discovery of the ship cargo lists from the Allan line has reignited their stories.”
James Tuke’s migration aid scheme eventually saw 3,300 individuals from places including Erris, Achill, Inishbiggle, Inishglora, west Newport, and the Iniskeas, embarking on a journey to the new world.
It was surprising to learn that between 1883 and 1884, 15 steamships filled with emigrants left Elly Bay. In the spring of 1883 alone, 11 journeys took place, followed by 4 more in 1884. The SS Nestorian was the first ship to set sail on March 30th, 1883, carrying 305 passengers, including full family units. They congregated on Barnagh Island in Elly Bay before being taken by smaller vessels to their awaiting steamship. They landed in Boston on April 15th, beginning their new lives in America.
An article referred to as “Departure of the first batch of emigrants” provided a glimpse into the treacherous journey endured by those travelling by foot with their belongings for countless miles to the departure point.
The article revealed the significant occurrence of emigrants, funded and overseen by the government, leaving west Ireland’s isolated districts. They were destined for Boston, in the United States, from Belmullet, County Mayo. Over 350 individuals, encompassing both adults and children, embarked on this journey. Despite the absence of overt displays of sorrow, the scene was poignant and momentous.
According to the report, this exodus marked the beginning of a large-scale arrangement, supported by the government and private donors like the “Tuke Fund.” The Duchess of Marlborough was noted to have recently transferred £3,000 to this fund, a remain of the money collected to aid the needy in 1879 and 1889.
The authorities prioritised family transitions to avoid distress and probable harm caused by family separations. The proposal was exceedingly persuasive attracting hundreds of tenant farmers, agricultural workers, and others, who saw it as a remarkable opportunity.
Preparations for departure began in the early hours, with the committee arranging breakfast for those heading off. By six in the morning, the five-mile stretch between Belmullet and Barna, the point of setting sail, was packed with people preparing to leave, as mentioned in the article.
It is believed that the progeny of these 3,300 individuals who emigrated, add up to roughly two million people. The fund established to support them procured new attire for their voyage, “landing funds”, and mandated that at least one person in each family be proficient in the English language.
According to Geraghty, many of the offspring of these emigrants have made their way back to the land of their ancestors in an endeavour to learn more about their family’s history of emigration.
She boasts proudly about the new €4 million centre, which will enable this exploration and commends the outstanding efforts of Comharchumann Forbatha Ionad Deirbhile and its chairman, John Gallagher.
Besides this, the centre also commemorates other ‘scéalta an Atlantaigh’ such as the history of Blacksod lighthouse. Here, the late Maureen Sweeney made a significant contribution to the destiny of D-Day, by providing the Allies with weather updates during the Second World War. The centre also highlights life on the Inishkeas and their subsequent desertion following the infamous Cleggan catastrophe in October 1927.