County Sligo Heritage & Genealogy Society in association with Wild West Irish Tours are delighted to announce the success of the first ever emigrant trail tour. The event, which is part of the Gathering in Ireland 2013 celebrations, got off to a flying start on the 19th May 2013 with the official launch of the tour taking place in County Sligo Heritage and Genealogy Centre. Renowned Sligo author and historian John McTernan welcomed the group on behalf of the Society.
A poignant video depicting life in Ireland in the 1800’s and the background to the terrible famine and subsequent mass emigration was shown. This was followed by an interesting discussion, with many genealogy and emigration related questions arising from the group. Most of the group followed up on genealogical research on their Sligo ancestry as part of their trip. One delighted tour member even managed to locate the ruins of the old family homestead and made an emotional visit there as part of the trip .
Other highlights of the tour included a boat trip on the Sligo channel which was reminiscent of an emigrants departure, a visit to Culkins Emigration Museum , The Famine Memorial in Sligo and a highly enjoyable American Wake and story telling evening hosted in Dollys traditional thatched Cottage in Strandhill, Co. Sligo.