Didn't know this was here, accidentally found it while walking along the river one day. Really neat spot, wish there were a bit more history about it on the plaque. Beautifully made, got a pretty nice view walking to the top of it. read more

Lovely small memorial to the Irish Famine - Be sure to take some time to read the writing on the walls on the bottom portion of the memorial before entering. There are the walls of a small Stone cottage that was donated from my family and Ireland to be incorporated into the memorial. Beautiful views of the Hudson river, you will feel as if you've walked up a small hill in Ireland to see it. Also lovely view of the One World trade Center read more

See all

Lovely oasis next to the waterfront - interesting architecture incorporating natural elements and old stones with wild plantings - you can climb it via a windy pathway. The other side is super modern with a history of Irish Americans and the hardships they faced. Beautifully inscribed. Worth a visit and spending some time absorbing all the rich details. read more

See all

Largely unknown, but worth a visit if in the area. I was in a nearby hotel so wandered over and was fascinated by details such as that dwellings needed to be without roofs (in Ireland!) to get state benefits. read more

After a pretty stressful morning I needed a nearby place to have quiet moment. The Irish Hunger memorial was the perfect place. It was not overwhelmed with tourists taking pictures or people with unnecessary banter. It is a slight hill that leads you to an elevated level that allows you to make out Ellis Island and the statue of Liberty in the distance. The memorial is a representation of famine in Ireland where over one million people died in the 1800's and a reminder of the hunger that remains around the world. There is a symbolic cottage type design enclosed by several different types of plants and beautiful limestone. The plants are aromatic and it is peaceful enough to hear crickets. This is a beautiful site to visit and reflect on the many things we should be grateful for. read more

See all

Oh Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling, From glen to glen, and down the mountain side, The summer's gone, and all the roses falling, 'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide. But come ye back when summer's in the meadow Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow... 'Tisn't blarney that caused this memorial to appear out of the ruins of 9/11. In fact, it's pure coincidence that this happened to have been constructed right when 9/11 occurred at Ground Zero just two blocks away. While sculptor Brian Tolle's memorial was not meant to be a tribute to those lost in that tragedy, it can't help but gain resonance from its proximity to the new One World Trade Center nearing completion (photo: http://bit.ly/13kBgYh). The bigger issue to which these becalming grounds drive attention is world hunger as the hodgepodge structure of old and modern represents a more literal commemoration of a 150-year-old tragedy, the Great Irish Famine of 1845-52. The effect is subtle but compelling. Located on a vacant patch in Battery Park City close to the New York Waterway ferry terminal, the centerpiece is a gigantic concrete slab that slopes upward and culminates into a hilltop that overlooks the Hudson River (photo: http://bit.ly/1648eXO). Underneath the slab is a plinth lined with glass-covered bands which contain facts about the famine and the state of world hunger today along with quotes from traditional Irish poetry and songs (photo: http://bit.ly/12cUtnh). This darkened passageway leads to the remnants of a stone cottage transported from County Mayo (photo: http://bit.ly/12cUxDA) and then to the ramped walkway that leads up to the vista point. It's probably a 15-minute stop at most but well worth it for the serenity it brings to an otherwise bustling area. read more

See all

this was a very nice memorial. its like a mini walkable park. loved the architecture. they had beautiful flowers blooming and green grass. just lovely and overlooking NJ. i took lots of photos. its worth a look! read more

I remember watching this memorial get built in the aftermath of 9/11 and I understood the intention of the memorial but it was an odd concrete structure to be sure. When it finally opened, I entered the darkened hallway and slowly walked the short winding path that led to a meadow. In minutes, I was transported to somewhere else as I reached the top. Surrounded by apartment buildings in the midst of one of the densest population centers in the United States, it's a brilliant installation of landscape architecture. It's an optical illusion. read more

See all

Beautiful memorial that commemorates the genocide of the Irish. The entire memorial is set like you're taking a stroll through Ireland in the middle of the city. Not to take away from the memorial and to offend but it's like taking a stroll through The Shire from Lord of the Rings. It's beautiful with all the greenery, authentic looking stone and a path that takes you to the top where you have a nice view of World Trade Center, the river, and a bit of the city. It's a very short walk to the top but very worth checking out. On the bottom of the walk is a wall listing names and farms affected from this plight. It was beautiful during the day but I got a different view at night. The names glow at night like a bright beacon calling you to come take a look. I've never seen such a thing before and I'm so glad we happened to stumble upon this structure. This place is also great for taking professional photos, when there aren't so many ppl around! I would visit this place again in a heart beat, although it takes about 10 minutes to see everything. read more

See all

I was in NYC for business in summer '18. As a proud Irish American, I knew I had to come to the Irish Hunger Memorial during my free time. I rushed here after work and got here before it closed. I'm glad this was on my to-do list over Times Square or Central Park. This memorial does an incredible job of honoring and preserving the legacy and hardships of the great hunger. It was an extremely moving and humbling experience that also shows how generous other institutions in NYC were at the time by sending donations to the Emerald Isle during the famine. I loved all the different boulders from each county in Ireland, especially finding Mayo where my family is from and some still live. This is definitely one of the best memorials I've been to in my travels and it being free was nice, especially in NYC. read more

See all

I can't believe I'm the first one Yelping about this. I've lived from murray hill to east village, and I know some of you darn new yorkers avoid downtown like the plague. But if you haven't visited the Irish Hunger Memorial, put on a mask and come down - you won't be disappointed. It's one of my favorite memorials. Surrounded on all sides by apartment buildings and the World Financial Center is this half-acre of elevated land built to look like Ireland. No, it literally looks like someone just took a square chunk of Ireland and plopped it downtown. For those of you too lazy to check out the website, here's an excerpt: "Central to Tolle's project is an authentic Famine-era cottage donated to the memorial by his extended family... the cottage has been painstakingly reconstructed on the memorial's half-acre site as an expression of solidarity to those who left from those who stayed behind. From the cottage, visitors to the memorial meander along paths winding through a rugged landscape thickly planted with native Irish flora, plants often found growing in fallow fields. Ascending to an overlook twenty-five feet above the ground, the visitor confronts a breathtaking view of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island beyond." read more

See all

On a nice day in the city it's a no brainer to stop by here, read the notes , and look at the natural beauty. It's an easy way to kill 1 to 2 hours. Plus the water front is so close you can walk all the way up to Times Square on the water front. With food and drink stops along the way read more

See all

Why not give it 5 stars? It's a beautiful memorial that combines nature, modern design, and a powerful message often forgotten. It's an unexpected memorial nestled inside of Battery Park City. It's right on the boardwalk facing the Hudson River surrounded by benches. It's a very relaxing area to visit if you've never been. In todays age if a handful of people are killed in this country it's a huge national tragedy. Well in the seven years between 1845-1852 about a million Irish died of hunger. I can't even fathom that amount of loss, especially with a country as small as Ireland. It was a huge turning point for the country as 20-25% of the countries population either died or emmigrated out (that's like 70million US citizens just dying or leaving the country in the next 7 years). The memorial was started about 6 months prior to 9/11/01 so obviously there was a delay in finishing it. It was finally unveiled in July 2002. The sloping plot of land utilizes stones and natural vegetation flown in from Ireland and has a very rustic Irish feel to it. The memorial also includes part of a reconstructed Irish cottage from the 1800s that was deserted in Ireland in the mid 1900s and brought to America specifically for the memorial. Beneath all of this is a modern design more reminiscent of contemporary memorials. It's a solemn and minimalistic corridor dedicated to those families who suffered during the Irish Famine. read more

Irish Hunger Memorial - Museums Near Me - New York, New York

The Irish Hunger Memorial is dedicated to raising awareness of the Great Irish Hunger (An Gorta Mor) that killed up to a million in Ireland between the years 1845 and 1852. The memorial was dedicated on July 16, 2002. It is a uniquely landscaped plot, which utilizes stones, soil, and native vegetation brought in from the western coast of Ireland. The memorial contains stones from all of the different counties of Ireland. The memorial also incorporates an authentic rebuilt Irish cottage of the 19th century. The cottage at the memorial is from Carradoogan in the parish of Attymass in County Mayo. The cottage belonged to the Slack family but was deserted in the 1960s. The Slack family donated the cottage to the memorial in "memory of all the Slack family members of previous generations who emigrated to America and fared well there. Not many people are fully aware of what really happened and should really research it. This memorial is amazing! read more

See all

The Princess and I were early for a movie at our favorite theater this past Sunday when we saw in the distance what looked like some kind of grassy hill,we went to investigate and found this Memorial. You enter through a tunnel and keep walking up the winding hill. Along the way are plaques with inscriptions on them about the Irish famine. Parts of it are designed to look like an Irish cottage, the hills are grassy and truly look like youre in Ireland or Scotland, I imagine come spring they will be alive with greenery and insect life,as it was early March it was still kind of dormant. As you get to the top you see a beautiful view of the river and skyline. Im glad we found this place and will return in the warmer weather. Battery Park is such a beautiful neighborhood, now if I could just afford to live there... read more

See all

In a city filled with statues, memorials, monuments, etc. the Irish Hunger Memorial stands out for it's ingenious design and it's ability to transport visitors to Ireland while still standing firmly in NYC. You enter the structure through a dimly lit hallway surrounded by the voices of the past - both on the walls and playing on a loop overhead - about both the Irish famine and currently world hunger. With the monument's juxtaposition across from the Action Center to End World Hunger it is altogether appropriate that the monument also addresses current hunger issues and not just those of the past. When you emerge back into the daylight you're stationed in a stone Irish home with no roof, which apparently was common during the famine because the government thought that if your family had a roof on their home then you weren't truly in need of aid. From the home you continue onwards up the monument which is designed to look and feel like the moors of Ireland. There are even handy fliers at the memorial that tell you which Irish stones and plants you encounter along the way. The Irish famine resulted in the deaths of a million Irish citizens and the flight of nearly two million people from Ireland to the United States. This memorial stands proudly as an acknowledgement of the challenges that face our world both in the present and in the past, as well as an affirmation that we can overcome challenges like hunger as long as we band together. read more

See all

Time to Reflect Found in Rockefeller Park, this is worth a visit to reflect on the hardships people faced that drove them to find a new life an ocean away. read more

How did I miss this for so long? Situated randomly in the Battery Park area, it is a nice place to go if you want to 'escape' from the chaos of the city for a minute. It's quiet, clean, and there wasn't a mass crowd of people there when I was there, which I enjoyed. Everything on the memorial is indigenous to Ireland, too. If you are in the area and have a few minutes to spare it's worth checking out. read more

Irish Hunger Memorial - The top of the memorial overlooking the Jersey skyline. - Museums Near Me - New York, New York

Considering the cameo in PS I Love You, there was no way my girlfriend and I were going to the city and not visiting this park. The memorial is very unique and the writings on the walls at the entrance was good to read (but sad). The area is very well kept and is not bustling with tourists. The top has nice overlooks onto the Hudson River. This is a nice romantic stop for couples though save the PDA for back at the hotel. Overall a great monument to a real world issue. And though I've never bee to Ireland I'd say it does a good job of bringing a little piece into the States. read more

Irish Hunger Memorial - Views. - Museums Near Me - New York, New York

Thanks for Bloss C for reviewing this memorial so I could make it a point to come see it. Though I am not of Irish descent, my wife is, her grandparents on her mother's side both came from County Mayo. I would say yesterday was a typical Irish weather day with the sun coming out at times but then pouring rain in the next, the only thing missing was the rainbow. :-) I was very moved by the quotes lining the walls of the entryway and even in the rain the landscaping was beautiful. We tried to find the stone that came from my wife's county but was unable to due to the weather and the grass was high which may have covered the stone. I will definitely come back in clearer weather to spend more time perusing the area. We discovered that it was really close to the NY Waterway Ferry so we were able to get to Hoboken and take a cab home. read more

Irish Hunger Memorial - Dedication. - Museums Near Me - New York, New York

I stumbled here after staying at the Embassy Suites hotel across the street. It's a cool memorial, but you really have to come here when it's warm. When it's cold and windy, it's pretty unpleasant. I love the quotes on the walls. You should come check it out if you're in the area. read more

Ran into this hidden gem by mistake. Stop by and stretch your tired legs. Beautiful view of New Jersey (yes it actually does look ok from afar). Wonderful tribute to the many brave Irish people who suffered from famine. America welcomed refuges and we have to remember that is what makes America great. read more

Irish Hunger Memorial - Beautiful view - Museums Near Me - New York, New York

I took my mother here when she was visiting, she is from Cork, Ireland. She really enjoyed it. It meant a lot to read the different quotes on the memorial and we enjoyed looking for her county stone. There are leaflets at the memorial to give you some background about the memorial. What's crazy is that I have probably walked past this before and not realised. It blends into the city very well, but yet up close the garden with its native Irish flora is amazing. I'm really glad we visited. read more

Irish Hunger Memorial - Cork County stone - Museums Near Me - New York, New York

Beautiful, unique and unexpected garden space in battery park! NOTE: the map location is WRONG! It's actually located further south, directly across from the Embassy Suites at Vesey St & North End. Lots of cool plants, tiny succulents, etc. read more

See all

The Irish Hunger Memorial is one of those spots in NYC that I feel is often forgotten. Between the organic architecture and the history that is spelled out in its walls there is this really cool, unique beauty about it. Absolutely worth a visit if you find yourself on the West Side. I'm not sure how late its open- but at night the lights on the outside come on and illuminate historical facts about the Great Famine. Beautiful. read more

This is one of the more bizarre and random things in all of Manhattan. Like most people, I found the Irish Hunger Memorial completely by accident back when I lived in the Financial District. I have to say, whoever created this did an absolutely phenomenal job recreating a sliver of Irish countryside here in NYC. It honest to God really does resemble Ireland, from the crooked ground, to the collapsed stone walls (there are ****loads of stone walls in Ireland), to the thing that resembles a grave marker with a Celtic cross. It's a very cool memorial, but perhaps not worth a special trip unless you're interested in the Great (potato) Famine that claimed around a million Irish lives. If you happen to visit with an English person, be sure to kick them in the crotch. read more

Located on a one-quarter acre site at the corner of Vesey Street and North End Avenue in the Batter Park section of lower Manhattan lies a little patch of land that is dedicated to the Irish that died from the potato famine. But this memorial also recognizes the issues with extreme hunger around the world. As you walk around this place you can't help but feel like a little piece of the Emerald Isle was yanked from Ireland and dropped down between the mayhem that is the financial district of NYC. Here are a few cool facts about this place: 1) The vegetation,grass and stones were imported from the coast of western Ireland. The grass is not trimmed or manicured to make it feel like a real field in Ireland. 2) Stones have been placed throughout the memorial's grounds representing the different counties of Ireland. 3) The cottage that is featured in the memorial was taken apart piece by piece meticulously, placed in special packaging to prevent cracks and shipped to NYC to be rebuilt into the residence it once was in the 19th century. read more

I think I came here around '03 or '04 when a newly immigrated cousin of mine wanted to visit Ground Zero. I forgot how we ended up here, but the visit is worth it. This is a seriously, seriously beautiful place. On ground level, it appears very modern and slick, but walk up and you'll find yourself in a slice of nature where rockwork and flora recreates an Irish landscape. You also get a good view of the surrounding buildings. This is a pretty small place though, so if you're in the area and have ten or so minutes to spare, make a little trip here. read more

The sun was setting, I was walking by the water, I stopped to view a small pond with fish and ducks, and then.... I raised my eyes to find a peculiar stone structure in front of me. Strange. I walked over to it slowly, there wasn't really anyone around. As I approached I heard voices echoing from within the entrance tunnel, I got closer and there were excerpts engraved along the tunnel walls. The voices fade away and a bagpipe starts to wail. I make my way up winding stone steps and all of a sudden I am no longer in NYC. I am in a magical green field with wire fences. I am in Ireland. God I love New York. read more

One day after going to the movies for a Saturdate with Jon, we were strolling around Tribeca/ Battery Park and enjoying the beautiful fall weather. We came upon the Irish Hunger Memorial and thought it was quite pretty. We were curious as to what this modern platform like thing was... almost sort of in the middle of no where. We saw some people walking around the top of it and decided to check out what it was. As we got nearer and walked towards the entrance we then realized what we stumbled upon. The Irish Hunger Memorial is a nice additional to the area. You have a beautiful view of the Freedom Tower and also views of the Hudson River. While you're inside you will find information about the famine and how the Irish overcame this tragedy. Neither Jon nor I am Irish.. I mean, my name is Irish and I like drinking... so maybe I can be honorary Irish.. but we both still appreciated the beauty of the place and respected what the purpose of this memorial is. I really enjoyed just standing at the top and watching the clouds go by, but what I found most intriguing were the quotes along the sides of the memorial leading inside. It's very interesting and worth it to check out if you have a spare moment and are already in the area. It's a nice peaceful spot, you almost forget you're still in Manhattan. read more

I stumbled across the Irish Hunger Memorial recently during a stroll around Battery Park area. The Memorial itself is visually appealing, it looks just really cool, and you get to climb a bit and have a better view of the river. The cynical side of me, however, wonders "What's the point?" I don't think they did a very good job getting any information across, I overheard some people climbing the memorial wondering what it actually was... they had obviously missed the signs. Apparently the Memorial is "dedicated to raising awareness of the Great Irish Famine." I'm sorry, this just doesn't sit right with me. The millions of dollars spent to raise awareness of a famine from 150 years ago could have been spent to actually help people now. Nor does the memorial try to bridge the gap between the historic aspect and the current events of people starving across the world. It also doesn't really discuss the historic significance of Irish Immigration into NYC partially due to the famine. It's hard to hate on a memorial, but that's what I'm doing. Check it out, it is cool, but maybe send a donation to WFP or something similar afterwards. That's what I did. read more

I'm a brutal critic when it comes to sculpture; since it was something I studied at one time. To my eyes New York doesn't really have a lot of great outdoor sculpture. Too many Calder mobiles. Few installations which really dazzle me or enter my thoughts very frequently. All of the most famous works in the city; leave me largely un-enthralled. So its surprising to me that --if I had to select one worth re-visiting--I would choose the Irish Hunger. Its massive in scale; and in concept/execution; really striking and distinctive. The life-sized "Irish people" bas-relief figure component of this work is exceptionally well done; with extraordinary detail throughout the faces; postures; expressions; and fabrics of the individuals depicted. Marvelous. Very imaginative--on a broad scale--is the rest of the concept. The design re-creates an actual plot of vernacular Irish landscape within the center of the piece; using actual sod; flora; and grasses. Folks, this is adroit; daring; and incredible. Its a combination of landscape and sculpture; a living combination of the two since the materials are 'live' and changing as the seasons change. It very much recalls the best efforts from that art-scene sub-discipline made famous in the 1960s and 1970s; Christo and those guys, 'environmental art'. Do I recall correctly that you can actually walk up and into it? And from another position, read educational materials about Irish history? Yet more dimensions. Anyway, bravo to this impressive piece; bravo for something which reminds us all of our innermost natures. In these days of New York fatties and New York foodies all stuffing our faces non-stop with cake and ice-cream, we are prone to forget that our simplest needs as human beings are our most vital ones; and our most vital duty to others are simple as well. Look out for the other guy. Help your neighbor. Take your eyes off your smart-device; pay attention to what's going on around you. People are hurting and hungry or cold or poor, whether its the 1800's or now. Step up, and don't let someone starve while you indulge in luxuries. read more

I stumbled across this tiny monument on my way to Battery Park. Yeah, I know, I should watch where I'm walking... It's a lovely little bluff constructed to recreate the Irish countryside. Stones scattered on the hill are printed with the names of Irish counties, and it's covered in native plants. At the entrance, there are quotes from a variety of historical figures and organizations that speak to the importance of feeding the world's poor. Walk in a few steps, and you'll hear male and female voices, in Irish Gaelic and (Jersey-accented!) English, illustrating the suffering of the Irish potato famine. There's reference, though not as much as I'd like, to the role of other countries, including the US, in refusing to accept immigrants and thus sealing the fate of the Irish poor. I had the same impression as Nikka M: I wanted there to be something more when you reach the top of the memorial. The view of the river and NJ is lovely, but it's rather anticlimactic; you want there to be something that brings home the message. read more

A beautiful little slice of green along the waterfront, the Irish Hunger Memorial is perfect for taking a quick walk during a lunch break to clear your head. It's a bit too small and the paths duration is a little too brief to make it a destination in and of itself unless you incorporate other things in the area or if it has a special significance for you. It's right next to the food truck court that mobilizes weekdays till 3pm, along with Shake Shack, Blue Smoke, Francois Payard Bakery, and the Regal movie theater. If you're going to any of those places, stopping by the memorial is a must. It's just such a peaceful place, a small piece of nature amid the concrete and buildings, it transports me out of the city for just a moment and always makes me feel refreshed. read more

This is a well thought out memorial that seems to be a labor of love. It's all in the details. You enter through the earth of the landscape that rises above street level, walking through a small tunnel that is angular and modern, with backlit bands of text detailing the history of the famine and contemporary reports of world hunger. All the while you hear an Irish voice narrating about world hunger. At the end of the tunnel you enter a reconstructed cottage, then pass into a rural landscape that rolls upwards and doubles back, ending atop the ground level entrance. The only flaw I felt in visiting the memorial was the lack of a clear message at the destination of the pathway. Essentially the memorial presents views of the surrounding Manhattan cityscape. My friend and I joked about the moral of the story being the triumph of capitalism. Still, it's a beautiful landscape and a moving experience. read more

Super interesting and one of the most austere places in the city. I was drawn to it one evening many, many years ago while wandering in the WFC area: The entrance was eerily lit with text and there was the faint murmur of a recorded voice somewhere inside. What a surprise! So regal and understated. You walk all through it looking for some kind of treasure, but of course there's just more rock and more rock. Not to belittle this place, but the Irish Hunger Memorial's also a great place to hide in/under when it rains. read more

This is a cool little monument that seems like it is almost in the middle of no-where in the city. It is kind of hidden and most people just happen upon it. I did - years ago walking around in that area. I just wondered there again yesterday. It is still very cool. But I miss walking on the dirt and rocks and grass - like you used to be able to do years ago. You used to enter from the front of the hill and were able to take various little trails up to the top. Mind you - it is a tiny hill - but still. You felt like you were someplace else entirely - which was the point - since everything on the hill is actually from Ireland. Now you can only enter from under the hill - through the tunnel - and you now take a winding cement sidewalk up the hill. It is still nice - but not as nice when I loved to walk up the hill. Oh well. Still a nice little monument to visit. I guess the tourists walking up the hill must have been eroding it or something... I wouldn't say it is the most amazing history lesson - again it is tiny and there are no tours - that I know of anyway. But it does give you some facts and figures within the tunnel and outside on the walls - so you do get a feeling of the enormity of what happened. Sometimes Irish chanting music plays in the tunnel too - which is really nice too. Check it out. : - ) read more

I love it. Although I agree with others, what exactly is the point?? I for one (being of Irish heritage) would have liked some more 'information' presented. Ideal for children-you can also visit the park across the street. It has a pedal-powered carousel, (how cool is that?), and 'little creatures' like those seen at the ACE 14th st 8th ave subway station, as well as real life ducks. Make sure you walk on the special pathway for the really nice view of New Jersey. See the Statue of Liberty in the distance, and stand on the ferry dock (which is actually on the water so it wobbles). read more

This is an incredible, all too brief flash of an experience that sticks with you. It simply, with calculation, captures the essence of a culture devastated by a very complicated and trying period, a defining period. Its located in one of my favorite areas of the city, the serene, cold, and in the evening, almost mystical nature of downtown, with the tall buildings, the coast, the labyrinth ground level. You come upon it, and its this odd plateau, black and sleek but the top is this lush little field representing Irish soil. Its a somber experience as you walk along the hallway inside, reading excerpts, its just so clear and cutting. A terrific tribute to the hunger diaspora. read more

As part my first and final ride around the City on a glorious 43`F December day, I was riding down the Esplanade of Battery Park City and always wondered what this area was. Incredible. It's a stone ruin. Great views of the NJ, the Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty in this part of BPC. Just a stones throw from the Embassy Suites Hotel. It's worth it to check it out. The Irish Hunger Memorial is in stark contrast to a City known for steel, concrete, and glass. It was beautiful to ride through an area of all natural materials - rock and plant... Unexpected and worth a visit if you're visiting BPC from the old WTC area. Part of Jimbo's 4 Hour Bike Tour of NYC (see: http://www.yelp.com/list_details?list_id=8ztPQSMUG64Tvg0uxwa7vg ) read more