One of the Famine Cemeteries in Donegal Town

Throughout Ireland, there are famine cemeteries along with famine houses that date back to the 1845. Though the Great Famine occurred between 1845 to 1848 with 1847 being known as "The Black Year" where death and disease peaked, there were other less severe famines in the middle to late 1800's. Though famine hit all parts of Ireland, those who lived near fishing areas were able to survive longer than those who lived on the farms. Donegal was not hit as hard as County Mayo where 90% of its population relied on the farms.