Famine Memorial Tours
39 Reviews
Comprising a procession of skeletal life-size bronze figures, the haunting Famine Memorial remembers the victims of the Great Irish Famine of 1845–1849. Over a million people died and more than a million more were forced to flee the country as a result of starvation and disease brought on by the failure of the potato crop.
The Basics
Set along the banks of the River Liffey, this evocative memorial by Dublin sculptor Rowan Gillespie is often encountered by sightseers making their way to other attractions in the area, such as the Custom House. The memorial is an especially fitting complement to the nearby EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, which reveals the stories and experiences of Irish emigrants, and the Jeanie Johnston tall ship, which documents the experiences of the poverty-stricken and starving emigrants who crossed the Atlantic on the vessel during the famine.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Famine Memorial is a moving site for those who claim Irish ancestry, as well as a must for history buffs and art lovers.
- The statues are easily accessible for wheelchair users, with a smooth, level walkway running beside the River Liffey.
- Lots of bars, restaurants, and cafés can be found in the surrounding Docklands area.
How to Get There
The Famine Memorial is situated on Custom House Quay in the Docklands area of Dublin city center, just a 10-minute stroll east of O’Connell Street. The memorial is also accessible by public transit: take the Luas Red Line tram to the Busáras stop. From there, the memorial is less than five minutes away on foot.
When to Get There
As the sculptures are out in the open air, they are best visited on dry days. In summer, camera-clicking sightseers often crowd the area after noon, so come early in the day if you want to get photographs without other people present.
On the Famine Trail in Ireland
Visitors planning on exploring other parts of Ireland outside Dublin will find plenty of opportunities to learn more about the devastating 19th-century famine and the impact it had on the country. In County Roscommon, find the National Famine Museum, situated on the Georgian-era country estate of Strokestown Park.
The Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna, County Galway documents life in workhouses for the poor and destitute, while Cobh Heritage Centre in County Cork and the replica Dunbrody Famine Ship in County Wexford, recounts the journeys of emigrants driven from Ireland by the Great Famine.
Address: Dublin, Ireland
4 Tours and Activities to Experience Famine Memorial
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Museum Tickets & PassesCombo Ticket: EPIC and Irish Family History Centre
EPIC; the Irish Emigration Museum and the Irish Family History Centre shine a light on the history of Irish migration—tracing genealogy back down the generations and tying family histories together. With this combination ticket, enjoy entry to both—with experts on hand to help you trace your family ancestry. Beat the queues with skip-the-line entry, and gain insight into Ireland’s—and perhaps your own—emigration history.
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- 2 to 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$41.07
Day TripsPrivate+ spec: Dublin City & Bay Authentic Experience Private Tour
*Private+
Private+ Dublin City & Bay Experience Tour is a high quality custom tour in Dublin which specifically includes no 'Big Tourism' attractions with their associated crowds and with a sharp focus on safety and peace of mind for my guests. All government regulations & recommendations adhered to. New face masks (where necessary) & hand sanitizer is provided for you. In addition to bottled water & Irish chocolates :)
This original custom tour is a fun mix of Irish history, traditional Irish music, coastal scenery, our famous Dublin pub culture & of course why we love Guinness so much and has been operational pre-2020 as my no.1 tour!
As we drive, you'll learn about our brave revolutionaries, Ireland's emigration & the famine, religion, the language, Guinness brewery history & lots more.
When its time for lunch or a pint, I'll book you in to only where is quality, safe and right for you and I'll take care of you all day like you are my own!
See you in Dublin!
Éamonn
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- 5 to 8 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$815.46
per group
Private Sightseeing ToursEssential Private Dublin walking tour for up to 5 people
Explore a good mix of top attractions and off-the-beaten-path sights with this private, guided tour of Dublin. Your local guide will meet you at The Spire and take you to attractions such as Trinity College, Tempe Bar, and the Garden of Remembrance. You'll finish your tour off with a visit to Dublin Castle.
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- 2 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$163.71
per group
Bus ToursDublin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Maximize your time in Ireland’s vibrant capital with a 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus ticket. Discover Dublin’s spectacular sights and listen to entertaining commentary as you cruise around the capital. Whenever a landmark captures your attention, simply disembark to explore further; see attractions like the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, and St. Stephen’s Green and then simply rejoin your bus tour at a time and stop that suits your schedule. Entry to the Little Museum and a Dublin walking tour are included with the bus ticket.
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- 40 minutes to 2 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$27.01
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