The National Famine Memorial honors all who died, suffered, and emigrated because of the Great Famine of 1845 - 1850, as well as the victims of all famines. It was unveiled by the President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, on 20 July 1997. The Coffin Ship was created by John Behan, R.H.A., commissioned by Minister of State Avril Doyle T.D., chairperson of the Government's Famine Commemoration Committee, with the assistance of the Office of Public Works in co-operation with Mayo Co. Council, Westport Historical Society, and the Murrisk community. The site was made available by Mr. James Fair in honor of his parents Seamus and Brigid.