Scoil Iosa, Ballina, Co.Mayo

Jeanie Johnston
Quebec shipbuilder John Munn built the Jeanie Johnston in 1847. He loaded the barque with timber and sailed to Liverpool where the cargo was sold. There the vessel was surveyed by Lloyds before being sold to a Tralee merchant, Nicholas Donovan who used the vessel to import timber from North America to Europe.

During the 1840's and 1850's Ireland was devastated by famine and disease resulting in mass emigration. On return voyages to the U.S.A. and Canada
Jeanie Johnston carried passengers from Tralee.

While large numbers of emigrants died on other ships at this time (known as "coffin ships), the Jeanie Johnston never lost a soul, despite carrying an average of 200 people on voyages of approximately 47 days long. In all Jeanie Johnston carried 2,500 people on 16 voyages to North America.
The Crossing
The Trans Atlantic crossing by sail ship in the mid 19 century was a highly uncertain and dangerous journey for the weary Irish, many whom were starving and under fed from the effects of the Famine. The journey could take up to 2 months.
Conditions were harsh. Passengers were housed in cramped basic bunks. They were pressed tightly together in tiny spaces four adults to a 2 metre square bunk. Toilets were practically non –existent.
They had limited amounts of food.
They had to bring some food and they were given 21 quarts water, 2½ lbs bread or biscuits, 1lb flour, 5lbs of oatmeal, 2lbs of rice, 2ozs tea, ½lbs sugar and ½lbs molasses each week.

James Attridge was captain of the Jeanie Johnston from 1848 until 1855.