Irish Famine Memorial
Rate this placeNearby: Old City Hall Angell Memorial Square
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Irish Famine Memorial is a significant historical landmark located in Boston, Massachusetts, dedicated to commemorating the devastating Irish Potato Famine of the 1840s.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The memorial features a large sculpture of a dying family, made by artist Robert Shure, surrounded by a granite wall that showcases the names of donors who made the memorial possible.
Visitors to the Irish Famine Memorial can expect to gain insights into the harsh conditions that Irish immigrants faced during the famine and their contributions to American society. The memorial is located adjacent to the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile-long trail that passes through 16 historically significant sites in Boston.
One of the most interesting facts about the memorial is that it was built with funds raised from Irish Americans across the United States. The construction of the monument began in 1998, and the site was officially opened to the public in June 1999.
The best time to visit the Irish Famine Memorial is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild, and the foliage is at its peak. However, the site is open year-round and can be visited any time of the year.
In conclusion, the Irish Famine Memorial is an essential stop for history buffs and anyone interested in learning more about the Irish-American experience. The sculpture and the surrounding area offer a powerful reminder of the struggles that Irish immigrants faced and their contributions to American society.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
YMCA Camp
|
||
Spang Camp Site
|
||
Ponkapoag Camp of Appalachian Mountain Club
|
||
Missionary Point
|
Old City Hall
Angell Memorial Square
Norman B. Leventhal Park
Curley Memorial Plaza
Union Street Park