Coping with the Great Irish Famine: the agency of Skibbereen

Abstract Skibbereen has become a byword for famine, frequently appearing in academic literature on humanitarian disasters — but almost always as a symbol of Irish victimhood. By contrast, this article seeks to demonstrate that the town of Skibbereen was a centre of agency and innovation with far-reaching impact throughout Ireland and beyond. It examines the hands-on efforts of local people to take charge of a dire situation, highlighting three key aspects inadequately considered by previous research. First, a Skibbereen deputation to London played a crucial role in establishing the British Relief Association, the major voluntary aid effort at the time. Secondly, a soup house founded in Skibbereen became the model for the most effective governmental relief effort in Ireland. Thirdly, Skibbereen was the home of an elaborate emigration scheme to rescue starving individuals that was launched early and sustained for a long time. This article reveals a significant disparity between the widely accepted image of Skibbereen as a place of passive suffering and the lesser-known agency and innovation of its people. Ultimately, this case study not only sheds light on the recipient perspectives and complexities of humanitarian aid, but also serves as a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of local Irish leaders.