Ireland Park Foundation - Toronto Irish Famine Memorial

Message from the Chairman

Sculptor Rowan Gillespie

Architect & Design

Ireland Park at Eireann Quay, Toronto

opened by H.E Mary McAleese, President of Ireland, 21st June 2007

EVENT PHOTOS

Click HERE for a MAP to the LOCATION

Ireland Park honours the Irish immigrants who fled during the Famine of 1847 and the 38,000 who arrived in Toronto that summer when the City's population was a mere 20,000. Ireland Park is a bridge that will link two nations and two cities. It is the story of a destitute people overcoming unimaginable hardship and suffering, and speaks to the kindness and generosity of Canadians, which is as consistent today as it was in 1847.

It is a reminder of the trauma of famine, which still exists in many parts of the world today. The failure of a harvest is an act of nature. Starvation is the result of our failure to respond with generosity to those who are hungry in our world today

Ireland Park Foundation is a charitable, non profit organization whose purpose it is to create venues and materials that symbolize the arrival and settlement of the Irish in Canada. Objectives include:

Commemorate the 1,100 people who lost their lives during this tragic period in Torontos history including both the Irish immigrants and those who died trying to help them.
Celebrate the contribution of the Irish who went on to make meaningful contributions to Toronto and Canada.
Create awareness of the economic and cultural contribution of the Irish to Toronto and Canada before, during and after the famine period.
Re-enforce the Canadian traditions of welcoming waves of immigrants from around the world.
Provide a strong foundation for the ongoing celebration of Irish heritage and its contribution to Toronto and Canada.