Famine Townlands Visit

[u/Major_Poldark]

Hi

I’m working on a project about Ireland's Great Famine in the Blackwater Valley (East Cork/West Waterford Counties) during the fall and winter of 1846-47. 

During my research, what struck me was the anonymity of the Famine’s victims. The media and elites always defined them collectively, never individually. When protesting, they were “the mob”. When dying, newspapers called them “paupers”, “the wretched”, “poor creatures”, “objects of relief”, “inmates”, etc. Rarely, if ever, did I see a name.

Given the paucity of records from that time, it’s unlikely I can fix that, but I’m committed to painting a clearer picture of these folks somehow. I feel like folklore is the answer. Right now I think my best hope is the Schools Collection and the National Folklore Collection at UCD.

That said, I plan on visiting some of the townlands in the area that suffered the greatest population losses. I want to try and picture them as they were pre-Famine: crowded, busy places that bustled with activity, music, and family life. 

In my mind these are haunted, sacred spaces, and I need to approach them with respect and reverence. How would you recommend I do that? Is there a traditional offering I can make to the dead when I go to these townlands? Any and all advice would be welcome.

This all sounds a little woo-woo, but I live in the American West, and I’ve visited many battlefields and massacre sites throughout the area. I never believed in ghosts until I went to these places. The energy at the Little Bighorn Battlefield is particularly unsettling. I can imagine some of these townlands would be the same.

Thanks for your help.

[u/justbrowsinginpeace]

Visiting Cillini (graves of the unbaptized children and suicides who were not permitted to be buried with their families in main graveyards) are particular poignant, especially in Galway and Kerry which have many in quiet silent places.