Famine Memorial Dublin
A somber, life-sized bronze memorial on Custom House Quay, Dublin, depicting the suffering and emigration during Ireland's Great Famine.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Famine Memorial Dublin
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A somber, life-sized bronze memorial on Custom House Quay, Dublin, depicting the suffering and emigration during Ireland's Great Famine.
"A powerful and essential stop to understand Ireland's history and resilience."
🚶♂️ Approach with Respect
This is a memorial, not a tourist attraction. Observe quietly and thoughtfully.
📚 Understand the History
Visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum nearby for context.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Starving Figures
Custom House Quay
Life-sized bronze statues vividly depict the suffering and emaciation of famine victims.
The Boat of Emigration
Custom House Quay
A symbolic boat represents the desperate emigration of Irish people during the famine.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Adjacent to the memorial
An interactive museum offering deep insights into the Irish diaspora and the famine's impact.
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Observation
Context is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♂️ Approach with Respect
This is a memorial, not a tourist attraction. Observe quietly and thoughtfully.
📚 Understand the History
Visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum nearby for context.
📸 Mindful Photography
Capture the solemnity, not just a snapshot. Avoid intrusive photos.
⏰ Allow Time for Reflection
Don't rush. Spend time absorbing the powerful message of the sculptures.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♂️ Approach with Respect
This is a memorial, not a tourist attraction. Observe quietly and thoughtfully.
📚 Understand the History
Visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum nearby for context.
📸 Mindful Photography
Capture the solemnity, not just a snapshot. Avoid intrusive photos.
⏰ Allow Time for Reflection
Don't rush. Spend time absorbing the powerful message of the sculptures.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Famine Memorial a deeply moving and essential stop in Dublin, offering a poignant visual representation of Ireland's historical suffering. While the sculptures are powerful, some find the experience emotionally challenging. Its proximity to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is highly praised for providing crucial historical context.
"A deeply moving and powerful memorial. The Famine Memorial captures the pain and hardship of a tragic time in Irish history. It’s a somber but important reminder, beautifully placed along the river. Worth visiting to reflect and pay respect."
Thenucha Sivakumar
"Haunting faces of history…
The Famine Memorial in Dublin silently witnessed the Great Hunger of 1845–1849. Life-size bronze figures walk toward the ships, carrying nothing but despair — and hope—a powerful reminder of resilience in the face of unimaginable loss. The memorial is a stark reminder."
Marc Leonard
"As I stood on Custom House Quay in Dublin, the Famine Memorial hit me like a punch to the gut. Rowan Gillespie’s bronze statues—skeletal figures draped in tattered rags, clutching meager belongings, some with children in their arms—felt so lifelike, it was as if the ghosts of the Great Hunger had risen from the Liffey’s edge. Their hollow eyes and gaunt faces screamed despair, frozen in a desperate march toward the emigration ships. It’s haunting, almost too real, and it churned something deep inside me. This wasn’t just a tribute to a potato blight; it was a raw, unflinching reminder of the callousness that turned a crop failure into a catastrophe.
The Great Hunger of 1845–1852 wasn’t just nature’s cruelty—it was an artificial famine, made worse by British policies that bled Ireland dry. While the potato crops rotted, Ireland was forced to export grain, butter, and livestock to England under armed guard, as if our starvation was just business as usual. Over a million died, another million fled, and the population plummeted, all while ships loaded with food sailed from our ports. The statues capture that betrayal, that wrenching loss, with every emaciated limb and bowed head. It’s not just sad—it’s a wound that still stings, a reminder of resilience forged in the face of unimaginable neglect."
Bala Vinayagam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Famine Memorial is located on Custom House Quay in Dublin. It's easily accessible by public transport. Many Dublin bus routes stop nearby, and it's a pleasant walk from the city center. If you're arriving by Luas (tram), the Mayor Square - NCI stop is a short walk away. +1
While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the memorial, several public car parks are available in the vicinity, such as the one at the CHQ building or the Jervis Street car park. However, walking or using public transport is often more convenient.
Yes, absolutely! The Famine Memorial is centrally located and a very walkable distance from many popular Dublin attractions like Trinity College and Temple Bar. It's a great way to see more of the city. +1
Many visitors find that Dublin is a very walkable city, especially the central areas. For longer distances, the Dublin Bus network is extensive, and the Luas tram system is also efficient. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available. +1
The memorial itself is an outdoor sculpture and generally accessible. The surrounding quay area is paved. However, it's always a good idea to check accessibility for any specific nearby attractions you plan to visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Famine Memorial is an outdoor public monument and is free to visit. You can view the sculptures at any time.
As an outdoor memorial, it is accessible 24/7. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best viewing experience and safety.
There is no entrance fee for the Famine Memorial itself. It's a public space dedicated to remembrance.
While you can technically visit the memorial at night, it is an outdoor sculpture and may not be well-lit, making it difficult to appreciate the details. Visiting during daylight hours is strongly advised.
While there aren't official guided tours specifically for the memorial, many general Dublin walking tours will include a stop here and provide historical context. You can also explore the nearby EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum for in-depth information.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for photography, creating a more atmospheric and less crowded experience. The 'golden hour' can add a poignant touch to the bronze sculptures.
There are no official restrictions, but it's crucial to be respectful. Avoid intrusive photography, especially if others are using the space for quiet contemplation.
Focus on capturing the emotion and detail of the sculptures. Wide shots showing the figures in their environment, as well as close-ups of their expressions, can be very powerful.
It's generally best to avoid using flash, especially if you're trying to capture a respectful and atmospheric image. Natural light will often yield more impactful results.
A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is ideal. Even a good smartphone camera can capture excellent images, especially in good lighting.
🎫 🏛️ Nearby Attractions
The most significant nearby attraction is EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, which offers a deep dive into Irish history and emigration. You're also close to the Custom House, the River Liffey, and the vibrant Docklands area.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is located right next to the Famine Memorial on Custom House Quay, making it incredibly convenient to visit both in one go.
The Custom House is a magnificent neoclassical building on the north bank of the River Liffey, near the Famine Memorial. It's an iconic Dublin landmark and a significant piece of Georgian architecture.
Yes, the Famine Memorial is situated within the Dublin Docklands, a modern and dynamic area with impressive architecture, cafes, and public spaces. It's perfect for a stroll.
While not immediately adjacent, you can walk to Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and the historic Temple Bar district within 15-25 minutes, depending on your pace. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🤔 Budget Travelers
📚 History Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Great Famine: A Historical Overview
The Famine Memorial, located on Custom House Quay, features several life-sized bronze statues. These figures, emaciated and gaunt, depict individuals in various states of despair and hardship. One prominent sculpture shows a family huddled together, their bodies thin and their faces etched with sorrow. Another depicts a skeletal figure reaching out, symbolizing the desperate search for sustenance. A boat sculpture further represents the perilous journeys undertaken by those forced to leave their homeland in search of a better life.
Visiting the Famine Memorial is an opportunity to connect with a crucial part of Irish history. It's a place for reflection on the resilience of the Irish people and the enduring impact of this tragedy. Many visitors find it a deeply moving experience, especially when combined with a visit to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, which provides further context and personal stories of those affected by the Famine.
Experiencing the Famine Memorial: What to Expect
Visitors often describe the experience as profoundly moving and somber. It's a place that encourages quiet contemplation and a deep sense of empathy. Many recommend taking your time to walk around the figures, observing the details of their expressions and postures. The proximity to the River Liffey and the modern Dublin Docklands provides a striking contrast between past hardship and present-day prosperity, adding another layer to the experience.
While the memorial itself is free to access, many visitors pair their visit with a trip to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, located just a stone's throw away. This museum offers a more interactive and detailed exploration of Irish emigration, including the role the Famine played in driving people abroad. It's highly recommended for a comprehensive understanding of the historical context.
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