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    Boston Irish Famine Memorial

    3.4 (22 reviews)

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    Boston's Irish Famine Memorial
    Bruce K.

    Of course, Boston is well known for their Irish immigrants and so there is this memorial to those who lost their lives during the Irish Famine. It is tasteful and appropriate with two sets of statues and a number of different plaques that describe the happenings of the famine and the lives lost. The first set of statues has a family of three, looking hungry with one shouting to the heavens. They have a basket at their feet and it's empty, clearly evoking the feeling of hunger and emptiness. They definitely look thin - the kneeling one has her ribs showing. The second set of statues looks better fed, better dressed and is fully upright. They look like citizens who have taken control and moved on. Do not feed the pigeons! It's definitely worth a stop if you're in the Downtown Crossing area.

    Writing in Memorial
    Anthony G.

    Interesting little spot I stumbled during my tour of Boston. This was a Memorial of the Irish potato famine, which caused a large migration of Irish people to the United States. It stands as a Memorial to the fact that our nation was built by immigrants. Sadly, so many of our people have forgotten that. During my time in Boston, there was a large protest in front of a government building (don't know if it was city hall) protesting against sanctuary cities and giving sanctuary to immigrants. Really shocking when then u stumble upon this site. I wonder how many of those same angry people had ancestors who came to America due to the potato famine? Considering this is Boston, I wouldn't be surprised if there was a significant percentage. How many of their ancestors were mistreated when they came? The American Party aka "Know Nothing " Party, a nativist reactionary political party treated them and German immigrants terribly. Depicting those people as responsible for crime and the social ills of America. Are we fated to repeat our history? It's sad really, how we don't know our own history. It's a tragedy that we hate people, whose only crime is escaping tyranny, violence, hunger... who's only want is to give themselves and their children a better life. Perhaps those angry protestors should visit this place and reflect.... but we know they won't.

    Sean G.

    Jeez don't get hung up on the art. Personally I get it and I am Irish. The art represents stoicism and a thriving spirit which we have. Boston has a huge Irish community. More pubs here than Dublin.

    The parallel statues
    Adam M.

    A tiny oasis in the middle of the bustle of Downtown Crossing. The two statues depict the plight of the Irish back in the late 19th and early 20th century. The area is open but also enclosed by a curved wall/bench. It's very thought provoking as well as a perfect easily located central meeting point for a family tour of downtown Boston.

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    “It is right off the Freedom Trail and is a great piece of history.”

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    Worcester Square - Summer

    Worcester Square

    3.3(3 reviews)
    1.5 mi•South End

    Long before traffic circles existed, this park was laid out in 1851 by the city to entice…read moredevelopment. The stately Victorian bowfronts lining the Square were completed by 1870 as single family homes. After a significant period of urban decline, a renaissance began over 40 years ago saving the area from the wrecking ball. Today, these homes have been divided into multi-family dwellings representing a diverse cross-section of age, race, and socio-economic status. The Square still functions as a PUBLIC, ornamental space which is open to ALL for concerts, movies, and seasonal celebrations. The residents in conjunction with the Boston Parks Department continue to maintain the beauty of the Square. Unlike Gramercy Park in NYC or the much closer Louisburg Square, residents do not have exclusive rights to the Square. When the Square is open, it is open to all. https://www.facebook.com/WorcesterSquare

    I'm sure that the homes along this street date back to the 18th century and they're quite lovely…read more You'd never see this if you didn't step off the busy Washington Street and here, where the street splits into one-way and goes around this small park in the middle. The park has a beautiful fountain and the most amazing sculpture at the center. The figures look quite Rodin to me. The caption says "The central fountain/artwork was designed and fabricated by artist Gene Cauthen. Worcester Square is part of the South End Landmark District. This Square is maintained by the Worcester Square Neighborhood Association in partnership with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. 1990."

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    Worcester Square - Fence lights breaking the darkness of winter.

    Fence lights breaking the darkness of winter.

    Worcester Square - Christmas on the Square

    Christmas on the Square

    Worcester Square - Worcester Square in Boston's South End

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    Worcester Square in Boston's South End

    Boston Irish Famine Memorial - publicart - Updated September 2026

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