Irish Hunger Memorial
New York City, NY
Located in Battery City Park in Lower Manhattan, the Irish Hunger Memorial is dedicated to over a million lives lost during the great Irish famine of the mid-1800s, when hundreds of thousands of immigrants fled Ireland for New York. The distinctive design—with the stone ruins of a famine-era cottage and thick, marshy grass— is meant to evoke the Irish landscape.
The basics
The memorial is free and open to the public. It is a peaceful and somber location, ideal for quiet reflection—perfect for anyone seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan’s Financial District. Count on around 30 minutes to walk through the memorial, or perhaps longer if you plan on reading all of the inscriptions and memories about famine. The Irish Hunger Memorial is included as a stop on many bus tours or walking tours through Lower Manhattan.
Things to know before you go
- While the memorial is compact and can be seen in its entirety quickly, a more contemplative, unrushed experience is recommended.
- If visiting in late fall or winter, consider bundling up: The memorial overlooks the Hudson River, and the area gets nippy and windy during colder months.
- Context about the famine is presented in digital displays and you can download the Irish Hunger Memorial mobile app for additional information.
- Bring your camera, especially if you follow your visit with a stroll down Battery Park and the Hudson River waterfront. Views stretch as far as the Statue of Liberty and beyond.
How to get there
The Irish Hunger Memorial is within walking distance of most other attractions within the Financial District, as well as Tribeca and other Lower Manhattan neighborhoods. If coming from further afield, take the 1, 2, 3, A, or C trains to Chambers Street and walk toward the Battery Park City Esplanade, the E train to the World Trade Center, or the 4 or 5 to Fulton Street.
When to get there
The memorial is open daily, 24 hours a day. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, avoid the summer months or weekends and aim for a shoulder season weekday. Mornings tend to draw the lowest crowds, while sunsets along the waterfront are particularly stunning. Keep in mind that the Irish Hunger Memorial is outside, so it’s more pleasant on a sunny day.
The Irish diaspora in New York City
By 1860, so many Irish people had fled the famine that they made up a quarter of New York City’s population. Irish heritage is still a large part of the Big Apple—around two million people in the tri-state area claim Irish ancestry. Aside from the Irish Hunger Memorial, other Irish landmarks include neo-Gothic St. Patrick’s Cathedral along Fifth Avenue, McSorley’s Old Ale House in the East Village, and the Irish Repertory Theatre in Chelsea.
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