President Michael D. Higgins led the National Famine Commemoration taking place in Kilrush, County Clare, on 12 May 2013.
Schools around the country held a minute of silent reflection on the Friday preceding the National Famine Commemoration in memory of those who perished or suffered loss during the famine; and sporting organisations observed a minute of silent reflection at sporting and public events that took place on the day of the National Famine Commemoration.