On Toronto’s waterfront you will find a poignant tribute to Irish #refugees, who made the harrowing #transatlantic journey to #Canada to escape starvation and disease during the #GreatFamine. Approximately one million people died, and millions more sought refuge around the globe. Ships carrying refugees were overcrowded and disease-ridden, providing ripe conditions for cholera and typhus to run rampant throughout the vessels. These boats, known as ‘#CoffinShip’, brought the sick, the indigent, the dead, and survivors to #America. In 1847 around 40,000 #Irish men, women and children landed on the shores of #Toronto. At the time Toronto had only 20,000 inhabitants, but the city welcomed twice more newcomers with open arms. Over 1.2 million Irish #immigrants arrived in Canada from 1825 to 1970 making them the second largest group after the #FrenchCanadians. The sculptures mirror a similar #FamineMemorial in #Dublin at the Bank of River #Liffey (the last picture). The monuments in Dublin represent The Departure with Toronto's sculptures being The Arrival. A total of seven sculptures stand on the dockside in Dublin, but this number is reduced to five on the Toronto waterfront to signify the tragic loss of life across the #Atlantic. These spine-chilling bronze statues detail the tragedy of the #GreatHunger. One statue depicts a man lying on the ground emaciated, while another displays a skeletal pregnant woman holding her bulging belly, followed by a meek child standing wide-eyed in stress. Another statue remains bent over with hands elapsed in #prayer, while the last one extends his hands to the sky in #salvation. In solemnity and quiet contemplation of the park, each statue represents an emotional connection to every immigrant’s journey: hope for new life, the tragedy of hardships, uncertainty for what lies ahead, and excitement for a new beginning. #IrelandPark is a centre for reflection, contemplation, and recognition of the past and the possibilities for the future. The park will surely inspire migrants and visitors of every nationality for years to come.

I am embarrassed by some of the ignorant and insensitive comments in the reviews. Do yourself a favour, read about the park first to understand the subject and the context of the location of this moving monument to an important event in the Canadian and world history. Then go and visit and contemplate your good fortune when compared to the struggles our predecessors had gone through in search of livelihood.

Lovely, quiet, small park in the city, around the corner of gateway to the local airport. Found it accidentally once looking for nice view of the tower and city skyline. There are few benches along the harbour, hence nice to relax for a while after taking few shots of the city. The park and few bronze sculptures commemorate those who fled Ireland during Great Famine.

Ireland Park in Toronto is a poignant memorial and a tranquil green space. Overlooking the waterfront, it features powerful sculptures commemorating Irish immigrants. The park's serene setting and historical significance offer a reflective and moving experience.

Sculptures evoke sad thoughts. the view of the CN tower and the lake really decorate this place

This park is like an escape from the city. You can enjoy the harborfront but not be amidst the chaos of Spadina street. It is usually very quiet and you can sit and watch some planes fly.

A truly remarkable area, Ireland Park. Worth a visit while you are in Toronto. "Ireland Park is located on the shores of Lake Ontario on Éireann Quay, adjoining the Canada Malting Silos, at the foot of Bathurst Street in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Officially opened in the summer of 2007, Ireland Park commemorates the tens of thousands who fled Ireland during the Great Famine."

Tucked away on the harbourfront, this memorial celebrates Irish heritage and the impact it had on Toronto during the Irish famine. While not that old, it’s sad to see it has become an encampment with feces, urine and other waste around it, a sad and shame way to maintain and commemorate this memorial. Updated- the camp was removed

a great initiative to commemorate Irish immigrants who arrived in Toronto during the Potato Famine (and especially those who perished shortly after arriving). Sadly now (Winter 2022/23) is not the best time to visit the park, as it is surrounded by construction sites - there is some renovation happening at the Canada Malting Co. and some developments by the Billy Bishop drop off/parking area. it is somehow easy to miss, as off the "beaten road" of Martin Goodman trail, and hidden behind other buildings.

My husband and I happened upon this little park on a walk along the water quite by accident. I had no idea it existed, despite my own Irish heritage on my mothers side (Corbett). The sculptures were absolutely arresting and heartbreaking in the emotion they evoked- powerful artistic reflections of another time of intense human suffering when the Irish came to North American shores to escape the Irish Potato famine. And the massive sculpture of the “boat” with the names of the lost- I must return to see it at night. There is a clear view of the Porter Airlines which is a little more cheerful. Farther east there is the lovely HTO park with deck chairs and sand and a view of the Toronto Harbour and the Porter planes taking off and Landing.

Ireland Park is a hidden gem in the heart of the city. The combination of the serene lake view and the vibrant autumn foliage creates a picturesque scene that's truly breathtaking. The peaceful ambiance, coupled with the rustling leaves, makes it an ideal place to enjoy your time.

Downtown has many pocketed areas where you can just walk and enjoy the view. Being by the way is always great. Just walking down to the harbourfront is always amazing. Especially during summer time Ireland park is the place to be for social dancing (salsa/bachata).

Best place to view new year Fireworks. Its hidden jam for new year eve fire works display in Toronto

The statues at the end are really well done. It can be a bit shifty at night. Lots of areas with no light. And maybe a guy doing some pickpocketing. For night time you can go further east for better views of planes landing.

The Ireland park, located on Toronto waterfront, slightly over 20 minutes' walk to the west of CN Tower, is a poignant tribute to the victims of the terrible Great Famine, that in the course of 4 years, from 1845 to 1849, ravaged Ireland and resulted in 1 million deaths and mass immigration from the country. In 1847, over 30,000 Irish immigrants came to the shores of Toronto, back then a city of 20,000 residents. Over 1,000 men, women, and children succumbed to the illnesses. The tragic events are commemorated in the group of sculptures by the world renowned Irish artist Rowan Gillespie. The park is quite small; 10 to 15 minutes is enough to tour the Ireland Park.

Went to see the famine sculptures of the Irish immigrants to Toronto in 1847. Signage needed on the street (like the other parks). Need enforcement of the posted bylaw of "no tents and camping".

Ireland Park in downtown Toronto is a hidden gem that captivated my heart! The park's serene atmosphere and breathtaking waterfront views make it a perfect oasis in the bustling city. The sculptural installations honoring Irish immigrants who sought refuge in Canada during the Famine add a poignant touch, creating a sense of historical significance. Walking through the lush greenery and listening to the gentle waves, I felt a profound sense of tranquility. It's an ideal spot to unwind, take in the beauty of nature, and reflect. The well-maintained pathways and benches invite visitors to sit, relax, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Ireland Park offers a unique experience that is both touching and rejuvenating. I highly recommend visiting this extraordinary park—it's a true gem in the heart of Toronto! 🍀🌳🌊

Went there on the new year to watch the fireworks. It was not a great view of the fireworks at all. However the view of the Toronto skyline especially the CN tower from this location is amazing. I can definitely think of going back there on a nice day to chill with friends.

Lots of benches along the beautiful view of the CN tower, the city, and obviously the gorgeous lake. If you are lucky to pass by a certain time of the day and stumble upon Toronto's best live band you'd enjoy views on tunes with comedic skits between song requests. Great vibe to start summer 2021

This park is an essential introduction to Toronto's history and its relationship to the Potato Famine of the 19th century. It's tiny but of significance.

It's a small, nice, and quiet place by the lake other than the airplanes flying overhead. There's not much to do there other than sit on benches to be honest. Not enough room to be active in the park. There's a cool abandoned malt storing building right beside.

A great place to meet and dance if you want.

Nice spot to enjoy Toronto from the harborfront.

Ireland Park is situated on the northern shore of Lake Ontario. It honours Irish culture with different monuments. If compared to several other nearby parks, this one could nee some more maintenance regarding plant and tree growth.

Some of the best views of the city without having to go out on the lake. Not as well known so relatively quiet most days

Ireland Park is a gem of Toronto's harbourfront because it gives you one of the best view of the city skyline. It's worth the walk over to west side of harbourfront from downtown. It's usually more quiet there and you can enjoy the view and the waves of the lake since it's protruding into the lake. I 100% recommend taking a walk and some great photos there!

Very small but beautiful park situated around a boardwalk along the shore of Lake Ontario. This place is especially nice to experience at sunset, and as the night sets in, it perfectly displays the skyline of Toronto's main downtown features of all the skyscrapers and the CN Tower. Great place to enjoy the outdoors.

Spend time here to learn the history of the park. Fascinating.