Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Yes
Irish Hunger Memorial in New York
Categories
Location on the map
New York, New York County, New York, US
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
No
Amenities
Good for kids
Yes
Phone: +1 212-267-9700
Opening hours
- Monday:11AM–6:30PM
- Tuesday:11AM–6:30PM
- Wednesday:11AM–6:30PM
- Thursday:11AM–6:30PM
- Friday:11AM–6:30PM
- Saturday:11AM–6:30PM
- Sunday:11AM–6:30PM
Comments (100)
Upon entering you are reading the walls of many survivors it has a setting of and Irish land side its an outdoor memorial so weather will change the feel as well
The Irish Hunger Memorial is a very interesting Memorial. There are wonderful views and this nice fish pond. The Esplanade is wonderful to walk along the river.
A little piece of history and beautiful green pasture with wild flowers in the midst of concrete jungle. Some parts are little steep but wheelchair accessible.
It was very cool going to this place and the history behind it is interesting too. I loved the greenery. Great place to take pictures and admire nature.
Theres something to be said for walking through a seemingly remote meadow on your lunch hour in the middle of a huge city. I enjoy the poppies and the view of the Hudson from the top.
Very beautiful and meaningful place for us. Would’ve loved some literature for the children to read. We noticed that you could download an app that had literature with it. But we do not do that because we only have one smart phone between us all. Wanted this to be more educational for our children. This was a great place for us have a picnic and there is a park nearby also.
One million human beings slowly starved by the British government occupying the island of Eire. They still arrogantly occupy our country. Listen to the pain of our ancestors .quaint memorial.
Really peaceful oasis down in the Battery Park City area that honors and memorializes the Irish Immigrants that made the effort to leave their homeland and settle here after the potato famine. Really makes you feel you’re actually in Ireland out in the rural rugged countryside
Absolutely perfect. It honestly feels like a tiny piece of Ireland in NYC. The quotes are so impactful, they did a wonderful job.
Beautiful and profound experience. Nature brilliantly juxtaposed against a stark urban backdrop. You still managed to get lost within that moment even in such a small space thay you forget there is a busy city literally with 200 feet of where you are.
Really enjoyed this, we have loads of these in Ireland but still when away sure its great to see something familiar.
An unexpectedly serene spot in the middle of a bustling city, built to honor something somber and worth remembering.
A somewhat small but cute little piece of Ireland,a countryside part, right in manhattan with views of downtown.
It’s a interesting area to visit, right next to battery park and World Trade Center, but recommend coming here if your in the area
Beautiful memorial next to a scenic park and playground.
I thought there would be a restroom inside, but no luck. What I had luck with is to find a very nice memorial. You enter the space with short story writings on walls and then get onto a garden roof to do a short hike. I wish there was an open lawn to sit, some benches, and a looped path (now after 1 minute of climbing up you need to turn back)
Didnt get to walk and explore it. We just noticed it in passing but its absolutely beautiful. I plan to walk it and explore it in the future
A very nice and discrete memorial. Beautifully designed and a wonderful view at the top. Free to visit.
Nice cozy memorial. Nice view of the Hudson River, the pier and Freedom Tower.
Lovely to walk through & take a break from the city!
Its like finding a little ruin of an Irish cottage in the middle of New York. With the added memory of being reminded of the Irish famine. Also a nice touch having a stone from every county in Ireland
Located near world trade Center, I found it occasionally. Interesting place as a monument for some events.
Interesting structure right in the middle of the string. You can walk up the path to get great views on Hudson River and Jersey City and back on the New York.
Note the overhang provides temporary shelter from sun/rain. Good for outdoor exercises during bad weathers too.
Worth seeing, its great that its in a public park that gives you a change of scenery. Went evening during a weekday and it wasnt crowded but I can see it getting packed.
Beautiful sculptures, cottages and gardens to commemorate the losses suffered during the Irish famine of the 1840s and 1850s
Beautiful night view!
Beautiful place. A hidden gem in NYC!
Turned on a podcast about the causes of The Great Potato Famine as I walked through this monument.
When you spend time at this memorial its the closest you can get to being in Ireland without actually going there.
Great location. Nice for photo work. Brought 2 models here for photo shoots on different occasions and got great images both times. A bit hard to find if youre not walking along the Waters edge pathway.
Beautiful and quiet memorial about the Irish famine in the mid-1800s. The memorial is designed using plants native to Ireland and features a stone cottage relocated from Ireland as well as stones from every county in the island.
This is a really nice find while wondering around downtown next to the Ferry.
A great place to take a little time off
As someone who lost family to The Great Hunger and had a great-father who came over on a famine ship, I was incredibly moved by this memorial. It wasnt a famine though. The English lords exported grains, meat etc. throughout this time, leaving the Irish to starve and die.
I visited so many times this memorial, always wake up on me deep thoughts , and feelings, thinking on what happened years ago.
This memorial is a reminder of the great famine that starve to death over a million people in the 19th century, and force a massive immigration to America ( mainly to New York ) . It represents a ruined stone cottage in an Irish landscape . Stones from 32 Ireland countieswere used to build the memorial .
Worth it ! Interesting hidden place, amazing view on Hudson River during sunset
Beautiful memorial. Try and find all 32 stones of the counties!
Great on a rainy day for the real Irish feel.
What a nice memorial and great job of design and engineering. Very touching tribute. Its as though they ripped a half acre right out of the peaceful Irish countryside and plunked it right down in the hustle bustle of Manhattan just two blocks from the One World Trade Center. If you can ignore the adjacent skyscrapers you can imagine being on a hillside in Ireland with the grass and wildflowers. Its landscaped with stones, dirt and vegetation brought from Ireland. Contains stones from every county in Ireland. It also has a authentic reconstructed stone cottage. Great views of NJ to the West and the World Trade buildings to the east. Just one block from the ferry station to Liberty State Park in NJ. Best to visit in nice weather.No admission. You can spend 10 minutes or til it closes at 9pm. Hours 8am-9pm 7days.
Very detailed and moving tribute.
Small, but touching memorial with some meaningful stories to read on the way up.
Very cool Irish Heritage site. Its an unexpected find in Manhattan, its like stepping back in time into an Irish meadow. Best time to visit is probably in the spring and early summer. Free to enter, Be sure to go up to the top Meadow area.
A lovely memorial and a feel for Ireland.
Unique memorial, transports you to Ireland within a modern cityscape.
Very touching memorial. I wasnt even aware of it, and stumbled upon it. The passageway lit up is exquisite to view and walk through. I was there around dusk and the entire place seemed to glow. On the top level, you look out over the river, feeling the slight breeze.I read up on the memorial after visiting; I look forward to returning now that I know more about it.
If youre a history buff then youll want to visit this...
Beautiful memorial to those who suffered and those who survived the food famine in Ireland in the mid nineteenth century. Those who were able to make it to America contributed much tothe building of this country. The caretakers of this memorial must find a way to handle the rat population in the area. The tourists visiting at the same time as my family and I were not pleasantly surprised by those vermin running around.
Ill be honest, I didnt really visit for the intended purpose or read any of the signs. I purely came for view and the relative succlusion. It was fantastic for that. Nice raised view of the river, the boats, the kids playing in the park (but not in a creepy way).I have no clue about the historical thing though. What does this thing have in common with Irish Hunger? Weird.
The most moving, inspired, soothing., and beautiful piece of public art I have ever experienced, without question. And it truly is an experience; you are drawn into the memorial after reading the first person accounts of the famine that are carved into the outer wall of the structure, setting the scene and providing basic information about this tragedy for the uninitiated. As you pass through the door and onto the path, youre lead to an evocation of a typical Irish stone cottage using materials that would have been in use at that time. The cottage is set up in a simple, bare environment, which cleanses your senses and allows you to leave the world behind (no small feat., given that this monument exists in a particularly beautiful spot by the water in lower Manhattan where the Statue of Liberty is visible in the distance). You follow the path and reach a spot where you have to turn but are unable to see what folliws, and when you make the turn.....you are immediately transported into the middke of an Irish meadow, with the indigenous long grasses and wildflowers and stones of Ireland and the reveal is so breathtaking, it moved me to tears. It was so overwhelming that at first I didnt notice I was back in the open air and New York had returned to the experience, but looking up at the magnificent skyscrapers from this peaceful, graceful meadow somehow transformed them into part of the natural environment and made them less oppressive. Seeing the water from inside the meadow helped with the illusion, as did the design of the public park area in which the memorial resides. Another outstanding and unexpected aspect to this wonderful Memorial is that as you make your way through the meadow you realize you will have an outstanding view of the Freedom Tower which is a few blocks away. The stones you see along the pathway are are inscribed with the names of the various counties in Ireland, and each of the stones came from the county that bears its name. When you reach the top of the meadow and turn around and look down at the whole expanse of the monument below you its hard not to feel that your journey has affected you very deeply; this must be what is meant when they say there is a balm in Gilead. This quickly has become my favorite spot in all of Manhattan.
Super unexpected, we found it by accident. Very interesting site! Beautiful stone work and greenery.
Historical story behind this memorial. Fantastic location right beside ferry terminal. Every county in Ireland represented by a stone engraved with each name. Great views of downtown and New Jersey. Quick visit. Free entry. Easy to find. Good for all the family.
Its a cute little memorial, and while its certainly nothing worth coming downtown for, if youre walking along the water, its worth taking a quick detour for. Its well done, and while I didnt quite get it at first, after going to the UK and Ireland two years ago, it does actually seem appropriate for the hilly country side with the stones.
Hidden jewel that really takes you back to Ireland! An escape of reality very good view and vibes.
A cleverly designed memorial and lookout that more people should know about! The buildings walls are illuminated and lined with quotes from those who experienced the famine or lived during the time, well-worth a visit for an artistic or history-minded person! They have also fused remnants of a little cottage into the hillside to fit with the theme, and the view on the top of the hill is great! You can see a cool NJ skyline in front or the Woolworth Building? or WTC behind.
Quite a nice memorial, which is certainly worth a visit. There is, also, the rather delectable (or, if you prefer, mildly painful) irony that the memorial stands in the imposing shadow of the towering headquarters of Goldman Sachs, just behind it on West Street. But that is just an aside; if youre thinking of going, you should absolutely go. It is certainly worth your time.
This hidden gem is a short walk from Ground Zero and well worth coming over to see. A beautiful green oasis in the concrete jungle with some interesting history behind it. Just a short walk down the block from a piece of the Berlin Wall as well.
The memorial walk itself makes you feel like youre in the Irish countryside at the time of the famine, while the exterior walls remind visitors of humanitys responsibility to feed those who are starving. It takes a little while, but its worth reading the facts, figures, and quotes along the wall for both a modern and historical perspective. It was surprising to see how little some industrialists gave while a small town in my home state is shown as giving more to the fight against famine.
Great views, but as a whole the memorial is a bit of a let down. There are subtle nice touches with the rocks labeled with all the counties in Ireland, but this is one of the most underwhelming memorial to Irish history.Stars are dedicated to the scenery and the views which provide a great setting.
Moving. Take a camera.
This fascinating spot presents a unique and inviting perspective on the problem of hunger and famine in our world. I visited this site with some native Irish friends and they were especially pleased! They said it was a very authentic Irish scene. You will notice that some of the boulders along the winging walkway have names stamped onto them. These names are the names of counties in Ireland.
Very moving place in a beautiful location, on the coast in downtown Manhattan. Very tastefully done. We visited on holiday from Ireland and all agreed it is very authentic. A wonderful, moving memory to those who lived and died during An Gorta Mór
Very cool structure. I understood its made from bricks from an actual Irish structure and transported to New York. It really stands out because its as if someone ripped an entire section of land from Ireland and just put in the middle of the street. There are no information panels; you have to download an app so if you dont have data this means looking for free WiFi first.
Its s cool memorial to visit. Nothing much to say about it.
One of the best and most beautiful hidden parks in NYC. Just a step away from the WTC its a little oasis of calm. Tastefully done and a genuinely respectful memorial to a tragic piece of Irelands history.
This us such an unexpected place. It is a moving memorial to the Irish famine that resulted in a large wave of irish immigration. Take the time to walk the hill and think about what life was like in Ireland. Worth the trip downtown.
Beautiful memorial to a terrible one in human history.
Meaningful memorial, a joy to visit such a wild landscape located in Manhattan.
Two words that come to mind are a natural still. And thats what it feelsnand looks like to me. This plot of land left to its natural beginnings as of reminding us how it all looked before it was occupied. Its filled and left in its natural state with the addition of natural rocks from the numerous counties making ireland. Each individual rock represents the irishs struggle in that region representing the devastating famine that almost wiped out the whole country. These rocks were actually flown in and just left there. There are no dead people buried there and the only issue I have about it us the framing of the property. It is elevated but bring it with historical facts would bring a balance on the property that makes it fit in, because it stands out like construriction site that was abandoned.
This is a beautiful memorial. Very interesting to see surrounded by the big skyscrapers and apartment buildings in battery park city. Definitely worth stopping by if your in the area.
Stunning. We stumbled upon it and our breaths were taken away. Beautiful and moving. You walk through a field and it feels like youre in Ireland. Words truly are weak to describe its power. Go see it.
No one really knows it is here! At night you can take outstanding photos from the back of it. Definitely a very cool designed memorial
Worth a visit if your in the area, walk around ten corner and youll find the entryway, it plays audio of the experience not the Irish famine, and a well done memorial to those that didnt make to to America from those who did
A slice of County Mayo countryside now residing in Lower Manhattan. All counties are marked with a stone in memory of all the victims who died in the Irish Famine.
A rather lovely and beautiful memorial, would recommend.
Closed until Spring 2017, but... I love this place. From the quotes to the information about the famine and the efforts made to lessen its effects to the beautiful quiet landscape, its worth a side journey for some beauty and quietude in the middle of this busy place.
This is an unusual but very moving Memorial to the 1 million plus Irish citizens who died during the Potato Famine. Another million Irish emigrated to America. The grassy slope that is created recreates the Irish countryside. The stone cottage is actually from Ireland. On the walls below the slope are quotes about the famine and about famines in general. The recorded voices that you hear, as you pass through the corridor leading into the slope, are readings of those quotes.
Definitely worth checking out. Theres an app you can download for an audio tour of the memorial, a map of the stones and plants, and an interview with the artist who designed it. Just search Irish Hunger Memorial in the app store.
It was an amazing experience to walk through a piece of History & I plan to go back again to see all the native plants from Ireland in bloom during the summer!
Fascinating and free! A little part of NYC history.
Beautiful memorial. As of August 2017 its been reopened after some renovation. If you take the picture just right, you would think you are in some field in Ireland and not lower Manhattan.
The Irish Hunger Memorial is a great place to learn and hang out with your friends. The only bad thing is it is right next to the water so the boats can be a little bit loud.
I stumbled upon this memorial and its very unique designed and well maintained. There was someone planting something in the memorial when I visited. At the top of the memorial there are some very nice views.
One of the hidden gem of Lower Manhattan.
Loved this place nice and pleasant. Good place to relax between the concrete jungle. What a wonderful view of the WTC and Hudson river and Jersey City.
This is a little known gem in the heart of NYC. A 2 minute walk from the World Trade Center memorial. It presents an awful chapter of history in a very moving and beautiful way.
Maybe we missed something but not much to see here
This is an amazing memorial, I visit it every time I am in the area. Well kept, well done.
An amazing piece of all 32 counties of Ireland in the midst of bustling New York City.
Total reviews rating 4.7
100 Reviews for Irish Hunger Memorial 2023:
Review №1
2022-01-02A quiet hidden gem a quick walk away from the World Trade Center. Beautiful place to gather one’s thoughts and walk around this small little park. Has amazing views of downtown and the Hudson River. Did not get a chance to read all about the Irish Potato famine but loved the look of this park and the act of finding the entrance (by the water) really made the visit contemplative and reflective.
Review №2
2022-03-30Ive come here many times. I often stand along the eastern base of the fence and close my eyes for a moment. Opening them you can easily be transported to a hilly heath in Ireland. Despite my surname, much of my genetic makeup is Irish, though they came over before the famine. While at least one reviewer seems to have missed the entire wall of quotes and statistics along the monuments sides, they are nonetheless there as are audio recordings of readings and poems as you enter the hallway entrance. It is a beautiful site no matter the time of year.
Review №3
2022-05-08One of Manhattans hidden treasures. Such a beautiful, sad and reflective experience. Lovely area as well. Give yourself time to read every quote. I will share this space with all of my out-of-town guests!
Review №4
2021-12-17The is a little hidden gem in Manhattan. A perfectly quiet memorial. Being from Ireland I’ve wanted to see this a long time. But I was astonished that the ruins aren’t the only thing from Ireland. The grass and other vegetation is. If it weren’t for the skyscrapers in the background you’d believe you were in Ireland. Magical
Review №5
2022-05-27The Irish Hunger Memorial is dedicated to the Great Hunger, which killed 1 million people between 1845-1849. You can walk down and enjoy Hudson River view.
Review №6
2022-07-04Nice tribute. A brief walk back in time. Besides going through tunnel and up the little hill, walk around it!
Review №7
2021-08-08Having grandparents as Irish immigrants, its nice to have some acknowledgement of the perils they went through. I do wish this memorial had information on what exactly they went through. No informational plaques or anything... But nice to see a little bit of Ireland (rocks and plants from the various regions in Ireland) in NYC.
Review №8
2021-08-03Its a simple ode to the Irish immigrants and with great views of the city. I wouldnt specifically go here but if you happen to be in the area its nice to checkout.
Review №9
2021-07-14A poignant, humble memorial to the devastation of the Irish Potato Famine and its impact on New York. The memorial sits, unremarkably when seen from the east, as a grassy, elevated park. The entrance from the west are panels of bright light with facts and quotes describing the famine. You enter and wind through a dilapidated home, emerging into a lawn of grasses and simple plants (nothing too beautiful here, it is a true-to-form replica of an Irish home during the famine), finishing at an outlook over the Hudson. Stunning. Powerful.
Review №10
2022-02-21Went here while on a trip to New York City. Im born, breed and still living in Ireland and what was really special about this place is that it smelt like home. It smelt similar to the west coast of Ireland because of the bushes and plants they have planted there. It really is an amazing oasis and you completely forget youre surrounded by enormous skyscrapers. A truly special place.