Myles Duggan speaks with Dr. Cian McMahon, author of The Coffin Ship: Life and Death at Sea during the Great Irish Famine.

The coffin ship, long a symbol of the Famine and Irish migration, represents the perilous journeys many took in hopes of escaping the catastrophe. Dr. McMahon offers a fresh perspective on the migration experience, focusing on the often-overlooked journey itself.

In his book, he examines the harsh realities faced by Irish emigrants and convicts aboard ships crossing the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans between 1845 and 1855, providing a detailed look at their lived experiences.

‍