This original 19th century coffin carrier played a vital role during the Irish Potato Famine (1845 to 1852).

The body of a person who died in the workhouse was placed in a coffin and brought to their final resting place on the coffin carrier.

Some workhouses found a way to cut costs by using a sliding coffin which included a hinged door. Once the burial took place, the body would drop out while the coffin could be lifted from the grave and used for the next victim.

This coffin carrier will be on display at the Irish Potato Famine exhibition in Stephen's Green Shopping Centre, Dublin  between May 14th and September 30th 2018.

See Irish Famine Exhibition for details.