About one million people died, and around two million people left Ireland in search of safety and a better life

Ireland Remembers: Stories of Home, Hardship and Solidarity – NavanDate: Friday, 16 October 2026

Time: 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Venue: Navan Library, Railway Street, Navan, Co. Meath, C15 RW31

Admission: Free

Integration & Wellbeing Co. Meath invites you to a special community event marking the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

Ireland Remembers: Stories of Home, Hardship and Solidarity connects Ireland’s history with the experiences of people facing poverty, migration, housing insecurity and the challenge of starting life again in a new country.

The event will have three parts:

Part 1: Remembering Ireland’s Great Famine

We will begin with a short presentation about the Great Famine in Ireland, which took place between 1845 and 1852.

Potato crop failure, poverty, unfair land conditions and an inadequate government response led to a national tragedy. Around one million people died, and more than one million were forced to leave Ireland.

We will remember the people who suffered, lost their homes and emigrated, and reflect on how this history still influences Ireland today.

Part 2: Stories of Migration, Strength and Hope

Participants will be invited to listen to and share personal stories of leaving home, forced migration and beginning a new life.

We will talk about where people find the strength to continue, how communities can support one another and what words of hope we can offer to ourselves and others during difficult times.

Sharing a personal story is completely voluntary. Everyone is welcome to listen, reflect and take part in a way that feels comfortable.

Part 3: Creative Workshop — “A Spoon of Hope”

The event will finish with a practical creative workshop facilitated by Yulia Obrizanova.

Each participant will decorate a teaspoon with crystals and take the finished piece home.

A spoon is a simple everyday object connected with food, home and family life. In the context of famine, poverty and losing one’s home, it reminds us how important ordinary things can be: food on the table, a safe home and stability.

The creative activity will focus not on hardship, but on recovery and hope. By transforming a simple object into something beautiful and valuable, we will reflect on how people can also rebuild their lives step by step.

Participants will leave with a small handmade symbol of hope and a warm reminder not to give up.

This is a free and welcoming event for people of all backgrounds. No previous art experience is required.

Contact:

Oleksandra: +353 87 441 3140

Organisation WhatsApp: +353 85 289 1261

The Department of Social Protection supports this project as part of its funding initiative for the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

#17October #EndPoverty #IrelandRemembers

Description supplied by the event organiser.