Supporting global hunger relief: a gift from Swatragh visitors to Self Help Africa

This September, Gorta Swatragh's Famine Story was honoured by the visit of Ronan Scully from Self Help Africa, who accepted a cheque for £1,200 on behalf of the charity.

This significant donation was made possible through the generosity of Gorta’s guests, since opening on September 5 2024, a percentage of every entry ticket has gone towards supporting Self Help Africa’s vital programmes, alongside additional gifts from individual visitors.

The partnership reflects a deep acknowledgement of Gorta’s own legacy; “gorta” means “hunger” in Irish, tying Swatragh’s story of famine survival and resilience to ongoing efforts against hunger and poverty in rural Africa today.

Self Help Africa, supports communities by improving food security, sustainable agriculture, and livelihoods across the continent, continuing the legacy of solidarity and mutual aid born out of Ireland’s own traumatic history.

This connection ensures that the story of struggle and hope chronicled at Gorta Swatragh not only honours the emigrants of the past but also helps transform lives in the present. Forging practical links between the lessons of An Gorta Mór and the mission to build lasting futures in communities facing hunger and hardship across Africa.

Looking ahead, from the next 12 months a percentage of all entry tickets to Gorta will be donated to Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), a charity providing critical medical aid and healthcare support to Palestinians affected by conflict and occupation. This continued commitment highlights Gorta’s enduring ethos of solidarity with communities facing hunger, hardship, and displacement.

Plan Your Visit

Gorta Visitor Centre welcomes all who wish to connect with Ireland’s poignant famine story. Self-guided tours run daily; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10am – 4pm, Thursday 10am – 7pm, Saturday 10am – 3pm and Sunday 10am – 1pm. Admission can be booked online, by phone (028 7940 1206), or guests can simply drop in during opening hours. Discover the remarkable exhibits, including Kieran Tuohy’s emotive Bog Oak sculptures and trace Swatragh’s connections from to America’s shores.