Boston Irish Famine Memorial image

Boston Irish Famine Memorial

Tourist attraction

Snug park along the Freedom Trail commemorating the 1845 Irish potato famine with statues & plaques. People often mention Irish, Boston, history, memorial, people, Memorial, famine, great, Famine, Ireland,


Address

Boston, MA 02108

Website

irishfaminememorials.com

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (305 reviews)

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Working Hours

  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: (Easter), Open 24 hours, Hours might differ
  • Monday: Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Irish (29) Boston (22) history (18) memorial (16) people (12) Memorial (12) famine (9) great (9) Famine (8) Ireland (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Alan V. 1 year ago on Google • 627 reviews
    A monument that reminds people of needless suffering when governments (the 1840's British one) treat a section of their people poorly, leading to the death of a million Irish at home, forcing them to escape and seek refuge. The monument also reminds you of the treacherous journey the poor had to take, which also took the lives of thousands, making the Atlantic ocean get the name the bowl of tears. Very happy I took this 10 minute stop while walking through the historic parts of Boston.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alexander L. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) This composition shows the life of ordinary Irish who emigrated to the United States. This country presents the same chance to everyone who is ready to work, to work hard, honestly and honestly. There is a place under the American sun for everyone. (Original) Эта композиция показывает, к изменилась жизнь простых ирландцев, эмигрировавших в США. Такой же шанс эта страна представляет всем, кто готов работать, много работать, честно и на совесть. Место под американским солнцем найдётся для всех.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 BradJill 5 years ago on Google • 4322 reviews
    Located in a small patch of green space at the corner of School Street and Washington Street is the Irish Famine Memorial, sculpted by Robert Shure in 1998 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the devastating potato famine in Ireland in 1848. The Memorial is a pair of bronze siblings. On one pedestal, you see three starving children in despair, representing the situation in Ireland during the famine (1845-1852). While on the other pedestal you find three healthy, happy and nicely clothed children, representing the American Dream. This is an interesting composition, serving to remind of the plight of the Irish at this time in history. Conveniently located in between King's Chapel and the Old South Meeting House, you can easily have a quick look-see the Irish Famine Memorial when making your way between attractions as part of your Freedom Trail sightseeing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ARC 2 months ago on Google • 424 reviews New
    Very moving tribute to the thousands of Irish who came to America between 1845 and 1850, and Boston was one of the main seaports of their landing. Many Irish immigrants barely had the means to make the trip, and had no money to move on once they landed in Boston. Many died in the coffin ships during the terrible journey - trying to escape famine in Ireland. By 1850, 35,000 of Boston's 136,000 residents — 26 percent — were Irish.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katey D. 5 years ago on Google • 243 reviews
    Whether you share Irish Heritage or not, this is still a really neat part of Boston history with beautifully sorrowful statues. Seating is also available for resting if you have been travelling the Freedom Trail and need a quick break.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Conor M. 4 years ago on Google
    Throughout our history, tragedy continues to strike humanity. Whether it be a natural evil that exists out of chance or moral injustice that plagues the downcast, humans alike suffer. From this misery, a timeless call to commemorate the fallen echos through art. In “Memorializing the Unspeakable: Public Monuments and Collective Grieving” Caro Gold Calo explains the ultimate function of a memorial is to remember the unspeakable, “by personalizing tragedy, ensuring remembrance of the victims, and motivating people to take action to realize a more hopeful future.” This notable Memorial stands on the corner of Washington Street in Boston Massachusetts. The Boston Irish Famine Memorial honors one of the greatest social disasters that led to the largest loss of life in the 19th-century. Despite its critiques, this Memorial blends traditional architecture with contemporary design to both, pay tribute to those who endured Ireland's greatest tragedy and celebrate the success in paving the way for future migrant generations. Through the contrast of vertical and horizontal lines, open and closed form, and composition, the viewer is left with reverence for the countless lives lost and pride in Irish American succession.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Koldo T. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It is a very important place for the Irish (Original) Oso leku garrantzitsua da irlandarrentzat
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jose O. 2 years ago on Google • 337 reviews
    An often forgotten moment in history. This is an amazing memorial to an event that really changed the world. It changes Ireland and it changed the people who came to this country. Boston was greatly affect by this tragic event. I love seeing this type of art because it does remind you that many have come to this country in need.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anthony 1 year ago on Google • 152 reviews
    Being half Irish, it is certainly appreciated that Boston erected and preserves this monument educating people of the hardships the Irish had to endure. Despite the pigeons, it's clean and well maintained. Thank you Boston!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lucien Edward F. 4 years ago on Google
    Very moving and most timely in relation to our current immigration problems. Should be visited by all Americans and visitors alike.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julius L. 4 years ago on Google
    Very important place for irish people. They come here to thank for their success in the US.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Natnael T. 2 years ago on Google
    The statue and the history behind it is sad yet hopefully but the surrounding was a bit shady and is a bit scary at night. Nonetheless, a nice place to visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wyatt M W. 5 years ago on Google
    It's important not just for the Irish but all humans on Earth not to repeat this major tragedy in history. Wish it was given more focus, maybe they include it in history tours of Boston.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Branden M. 2 years ago on Google
    This memorial is a tribute to the Great Potatoe Famine in Ireland. It tells the story of the plight of the Irish and their journey to the new Republic.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Petre E. 5 years ago on Google
    Sad history but cool monument
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jainif M. 2 years ago on Google
    Cool area worth stopping by to check out
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jon R. 1 month ago on Google • 202 reviews New
    We really enjoyed the information and sculptures at this memorial. Highly recommend a stop to anyone in the area. Right next to 'Freedom Trail' too, which was a huge plus in our particular case.

  • 5/5 java 5. 2 years ago on Google
    Very interesting. This is right outside Walgreens as well. I love this area of Boston go check it out

  • 5/5 اسما �. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The place is very quiet and comfortable for the same very nice to take pictures (Original) المكان هادئ جدا ومريح للنفس جميل جدا لالتقاط الصور

  • 5/5 Carol Daxata D. 4 years ago on Google
    Very pretty statues. The ideality of the American dream.

  • 5/5 Giorgio dal f. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Exciting, intense (Original) Emozionante, intenso

  • 5/5 Mandy-Jo W. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful

  • 3/5 Kathy J. 4 years ago on Google
    It's just a statue in a couple places to sit in front of Walgreens

  • 5/5 Itasim08 J. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Touching (Original) Toccante

  • 5/5 Tim M. 4 years ago on Google
    Boston is a very historic city to visit.

  • 5/5 carl b. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful statue

  • 4/5 Piotrek H. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place to sit and rest especially when you visiting Boston and you do lots of walking. I think there is always a bit of shade so you can cool down a little bit. The Irish Famine Memorial is a nice piece of art with I teresting history and a good subject for street photography. The only bad thing we experienced was couple agresive drunk people that yelled at each other and leave a mess.

  • 5/5 Jacob C. 7 months ago on Google • 99 reviews
    Awesome to see. Some very cool and not widely known Irish history. An inspiration to all.

  • 4/5 V B (. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice thought, I suppose, but the story is a bit too up to interpretation. The meaning is not clear and can look very condescending, almost, depending on how you look at it. The area, though, is kind of nice and there is some seating surrounding the memorial.

  • 4/5 Monica M C. 3 years ago on Google
    A small memorial depicting the plight of those in Ireland during the potato famine.

  • 4/5 Mauricio P. 2 years ago on Google
    Powerful and deep thinking statues

  • 5/5 Liam G. 11 months ago on Google
    This is one of them most moving monuments I’ve ever visited. The plaques do a great job taking the sort of the plight and rise of Irish immigrants over the past 2 centuries. Everyone should spend a few minutes visiting this special place in Boston

  • 5/5 A N. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice statues and display with details on the tragedy of the Irish Famine.

  • 5/5 Zoe O. 1 year ago on Google
    Both my husband and I are of Irish heritage. So, seeing the Famine Memorial was on our list of to-dos when visiting Boston for the first time. We actually stumbled across it quite by accident on our way to dinner our first night. It's in a rather unexpected yet highly visible place with plenty of foot traffic. Surely thousands of people pass it each day without giving it a second thought. So, be sure to stop and check it out if you see it - and be sure to read the plaques. Having visited Ireland, we've seen many famine memorials and museums. So, it was very nice to see a memorial that approaches the history from the other side of the Atlantic. The plaques offered the Boston point of view and helped demystify the reasons behind Boston's strong ties to Irish heritage.

  • 4/5 Artist Don S. 2 years ago on Google
    A reminder of the past. *** This partial quote I found will explain a little bit of the history of this Memorial : *** To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Irish famine the Boston Irish community raised one million dollars for this Memorial and Park , which was completed on June 28, 1998. That is basically the history I could find on this monument.

  • 5/5 Mariano M. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) very pretty place (Original) muy lindo lugar

  • 5/5 Milind N. 4 years ago on Google
    The detail on the plaques put up by the memorial tell us the story, the background of the events in Ireland and how people of Massachusetts helped during those days.

  • 4/5 Jana S. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice memorial in the middle of the city, few spots to sit down on the edge. And there's street folk's who hang out there too sometimes as it is the city. Overall pretty clean and nice area to eat lunch in the summer.

  • 4/5 John F. 5 years ago on Google
    Nicely done. Not much there.

  • 5/5 Matthew M. 4 years ago on Google
    Somber reminder of a terrible tragedy. The Brits will get theirs. We will never forget.

  • 5/5 Farid A. 4 years ago on Google
    Loved visiting this area.

  • 4/5 Jane K. 3 years ago on Google
    Although there are places to sit, they are covered with bird poop, so be wary! The memorial itself is wonderfully done and impactful. It's a great place to stop and look along the Freedom Trail.

  • 5/5 Anthony S. 3 years ago on Google
    Touching and Appropriate, The Boston Irish Famine memorial is directly adjacent to the Freedom Trail and so it is easy to stop and linger there. It is very well done, a combination of moving statuary and informative plaques. Whoever designed it put a lot of thought and intelligence into this tasteful and touching tribute to a great tragedy which altered the destiny of two continents. Somber reminder in the middle of a bustling neighborhood that the Irish were once the unwelcome refugees here. There are cafes nearby to grab a drink and sit and reflect.

  • 5/5 Derek M. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice memorial, worth checking out.

  • 5/5 Joceline L. 3 years ago on Google
    Many Irish immigrants fled to America during the great famine. This memorial pays tribute to those who desperately came to America and were able to have more opportunities.

  • 5/5 Sunessa S. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautifully done, simple Memorial with a wide circle for gathering or eating as you learn about the great famine.

  • 5/5 Mara F. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It is a very beautiful area. It has many interesting places to visit in the surroundings. (Original) Es una zona muy bonita. Tiene muchos lugares interesantes para recorrer en los alrededores.

  • 5/5 Clean C. 4 years ago on Google
    Great historical visit. Add it to your list.

  • 4/5 Charles D. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place

  • 5/5 Zsazsa O. 4 years ago on Google
    History

  • 4/5 Ron R. 4 years ago on Google
    Took a walk on the freedom trail in Boston pretty cool historical trail

  • 4/5 Eli G. 4 years ago on Google
    Two beautuful monuments

  • 5/5 Kaki S. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice Memorial

  • 5/5 Wendi T. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing place to visit if you spend some time to read the lines about the great famine story.

  • 5/5 Joshua F. 4 years ago on Google
    Dope memorial. Never forget.

  • 5/5 Dominic T. 4 years ago on Google
    A good reminder that through our history there were people that struggled harder than me and that problems no matter how big will pass, life moves on, God is great

  • 5/5 Victor Hurtado VH I.T. S. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome park, great atmosphere!

  • 5/5 lesly f. 4 years ago on Google
    I remember when i left my home country !

  • 5/5 Brendan O. 4 years ago on Google
    A very worthy memorial created by the residents of Boston to commemorate a most tragic time in Irish history. Thank you Boston.

  • 5/5 Jorge P. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It is the story of what the Irish people suffered. (Original) Es la historia de lo que sufrio el pueblo Irlandes.

  • 5/5 Bonny H. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Cozy (Original) Hyggeligt

  • 5/5 Pratham G. 4 years ago on Google
    It's a great historic place along the freedom trail. Tours can be taken from Faneuil Hall for free which go by this memorial.

  • 1/5 Richard H. 4 years ago on Google
    Still too many survivors. (I do not like Boston and I do not like the people there).

  • 5/5 Kris E. 4 years ago on Google
    This little corner was actually quite educational and with a stop. Places to sit and rest a bit as well along the history tour. Knowing something about the history, I would have loved to see more info about the causes etc. The history is fascinating but I suppose you can't put a whole chapter on a plaque


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Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance

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