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The Famine Memorial in Dublin is
kind of less known, and I don't really know why. It has to
be one of the most moving and interesting "memorials" I have ever
visited. However, I wouldn't call it a tourist attraction,
so I can sort of understand why it isn't even mentioned in my
travel guide.
The Great Famine that plagued Ireland from
1845-1849 resulted in the death of over 1 million and millions
more left the country. The effects the Famine had on the
whole country of Ireland were unbelievable: in some cases
whole communities were wiped out! This event played an
instrumental part in Irish history as well as American history.
Many people fled the Famine by coming to America. A recent flim, "Gangs of New York", depicts some of this Irish immigration
to America. Many of our ancestors came and started families
in America due to the Potato Famine.
The Famine Memorial is haunting. The
figures are gaunt and deathly looking, one is of a man with his
dead child draped over his shoulders. There is a dog
standing nearby, who is also in poor condition. The memorial
stands right along the Liffey in front of the Custom's House.
The figures are facing the Irish Sea. The pictures below
show the figures depicted in the memorial as well as the area in
which the memorial stands.
*** The information about the Great
Famine comes from Eyewitness Travel Guides: Ireland 2003. *** |
