New free educational initiative brings the story of An Gorta Mór to a worldwide audience
In recognition of National Famine Memorial Day, Ireland Reaching Out (IrelandXO), in partnership withAlison, today announced the launch of The Great Irish Famine: History, Diaspora, and Global Legacy — a free online course designed to bring one of Ireland’s most defining historical experiences to audiences around the world.
The initiative coincides with the National Famine Commemoration in Portumna and represents a significant step in expanding public understanding of 'An Gorta Mór' (The Great Hunger) through accessible digital education. Lasting from 1845-1852, the famine claimed one million lives, while a further two million people fled to the USA, Canada, Australia and Great Britain.
The course is available free online at:
The Great Irish Famine: History, Diaspora, and Global Legacy
Academic and Cultural Leadership
Developed by two of the most respected voices in the Irish cultural landscape, the course bridges the history of the island with the experience of the global diaspora:
Loretto Leary: A native of Portumna, Co. Galway, Leary is the Education & Cultural Director of Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum in Fairfield, Connecticut (IGHMF.org), the only institution in the US dedicated exclusively to the Famine. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Connecticut-Ireland Trade Commission.
Dr Elizabeth Stack: Originally from Listowel, Co. Kerry, Dr Stack is a PhD historian and the Education Director at the Celtic Junction Arts Center in Minneapolis-St. Paul. She is a member of the Historical Advisory Committee of Irish America 250 and was recently named the 2026 Kerry Person of the Year by the Kerry Association of New York.
Delivered through Alison’s global online learning platform, it is designed for learners in Ireland and across the Irish diaspora worldwide.
Speaking on the launch, Loretto Leary emphasised the importance of making this history accessible. “The history of the Irish Famine has lessons that deserve further attention, lessons from which we can learn about which can make this world a better place for all.
“It is my belief that this public history of the Irish Famine will allow all levels of learners to engage with the past in ways that will help them understand the nuances of the time period in a balanced and meaningful way.
“It is a great honour to be able to share this curriculum in collaboration with Ireland Reaching Out and inspire robust learning as well as encourage future generations to learn about the important lessons of the Irish Famine and bring the global Irish diaspora into the learning, the scholarship and conversation about those years of hunger and need.”
A Legacy of Connection
Over 70 million people globally claim Irish heritage, with many tracing their family origins to the famine period and subsequent emigration. The initiative seeks to transform remembrance into lasting engagement by providing an enduring educational resource, accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
“This initiative allows people everywhere to engage more deeply with one of the most important chapters in Irish history,” said a spokesperson for IrelandXO. “National Famine Memorial Day is a time of reflection and remembrance, but also an opportunity to ensure future generations understand the human stories, resilience, migration, and legacy that emerged from this tragic period.”
The course forms part of a broader effort to strengthen diaspora engagement and position Ireland as a leader in digital public history and heritage education. Learners completing the programme can also explore pathways into Irish genealogy, local heritage, and community connections through IrelandXO and associated heritage partners.
The initiative aligns with national priorities around diaspora engagement, public education, digital innovation in heritage, and meaningful commemoration. It demonstrates how Ireland can combine remembrance with accessible modern learning tools to share its story globally.
IrelandXO originally emerged as a diaspora engagement programme dedicated to reconnecting people of Irish descent with their ancestral communities throughout Ireland. Through this partnership with Alison, the organisation aims to ensure the story and lessons of the Great Hunger remain accessible and relevant for generations to come.
For further information, please contact: [email protected]m
Ireland Reaching Out (IrelandXO)
IrelandXO Official Website
The course is available at:
The Great Irish Famine: History, Diaspora, and Global Legacy
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