The replica of a 19th century famine ship will set sail on her maiden international voyage next month when she crosses the Irish Sea bound for Pembrokeshire.

The Dunbrody, a replica of the original three-masted barque which carried Irish emigrants to the new world during the potato famine, will sail into Milford Haven in a week when the county hosts a major gathering of traditional and classic boats.

There will be guided tours of the square rigged tall ship and the highlight of her week-long visit will be an opportunity for passengers to spend a day aboard sailing around the Pembrokeshire coast.

Richard James, the Interreg 3A officer who is leading the project, says the experience promises to be worth every penny of the £80 ticket price.

"Passengers will be encouraged to get involved with sailing this ship to give them a real sense of what it was like for the people fleeing Ireland during the potato famine," he said.

The ship will carry 60 passengers a day from June 28th - 30th.

On the final day the Dunbrody will be at the centre of a spectacle of traditional sail during the culmination of Seafair Haven, a festival of sailing for traditional and classic craft.

The Dunbrody is a recognised icon for the part she played in transporting thousands of peasant farmers from Ireland to the new world during the 1800s, including the family of John F. Kennedy.

Although the John F. Kennedy Trust built the replica in Ireland, students and lecturers from Pembrokeshire College were involved; one of the reasons Pembrokeshire was chosen as the destination for her maiden voyage.

Visitors and school parties will be able to board the Dunbrody at Milford Docks between June 24th and 27th to see the Dunbrody Players re-enact the hardships endured by the emigrants.

Bookings for a day's sailing, which will include lunch, or a tour of the ship can be made by contacting Richard James on 01646 696371 or richard.james@mhpa.co.uk