The replica famine ship Dunbrody was launched this morning at a ceremony in New Ross, Co Wexford.
The launch was attended by thousands of people, including the Taoiseach Mr Bertie Ahern and the former US Ambassador to Ireland Ms Jean Kennedy-Smith.
Speaking at the launch the Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern said it was important that Irish people "remember the hardships and prejudices we faced in the past while we promote equality and tolerance and reject racism and prejudice wherever we find it," he said.
"The truth is, we are becoming a society of many cultures and this trend will continue over the coming years," he added.
Mr Ahern said "we need to recognise the value of openness to other cultures as we work together to build a prosperous, tolerant, multi-cultural society for our children."
The famine ship is an exact copy of a 19th Century ship that travelled between Ireland and New York.
It will be moored in the harbour from May to serve as a tourist and educational attraction.
The project was partly financed by the Department of the Marine and the JFK Trust.