Ireland Park — Attraction in Toronto

On Toronto’s waterfront you will find a poignant tribute to Irish #refugees, who made the harrowing #transatlantic journey to #Canada to escape starvation and disease during the #GreatFamine.

Approximately one million people died, and millions more sought refuge around the globe. Ships carrying refugees were overcrowded and disease-ridden, providing ripe conditions for cholera and typhus to run rampant throughout the vessels. These boats, known as ‘#CoffinShip’, brought the sick, the indigent, the dead, and survivors to #America.

In 1847 around 40,000 #Irish men, women and children landed on the shores of #Toronto. At the time Toronto had only 20,000 inhabitants, but the city welcomed twice more newcomers with open arms. Over 1.2 million Irish #immigrants arrived in Canada from 1825 to 1970 making them the second largest group after the #FrenchCanadians.

The sculptures mirror a similar #FamineMemorial in #Dublin at the Bank of River #Liffey (the last picture). The monuments in Dublin represent The Departure with Toronto's sculptures being The Arrival. A total of seven sculptures stand on the dockside in Dublin, but this number is reduced to five on the Toronto waterfront to signify the tragic loss of life across the #Atlantic.

These spine-chilling bronze statues detail the tragedy of the #GreatHunger. One statue depicts a man lying on the ground emaciated, while another displays a skeletal pregnant woman holding her bulging belly, followed by a meek child standing wide-eyed in stress. Another statue remains bent over with hands elapsed in #prayer, while the last one extends his hands to the sky in #salvation.

In solemnity and quiet contemplation of the park, each statue represents an emotional connection to every immigrant’s journey: hope for new life, the tragedy of hardships, uncertainty for what lies ahead, and excitement for a new beginning. #IrelandPark is a centre for reflection, contemplation, and recognition of the past and the possibilities for the future. The park will surely inspire migrants and visitors of every nationality for...

Ireland Park in downtown Toronto is a hidden gem that captivated my heart! The park's serene atmosphere and breathtaking waterfront views make it a perfect oasis in the bustling city. The sculptural installations honoring Irish immigrants who sought refuge in Canada during the Famine add a poignant touch, creating a sense of historical significance.

Walking through the lush greenery and listening to the gentle waves, I felt a profound sense of tranquility. It's an ideal spot to unwind, take in the beauty of nature, and reflect. The well-maintained pathways and benches invite visitors to sit, relax, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Ireland Park offers a unique experience that is both touching and rejuvenating. I highly recommend visiting this extraordinary park—it's a true gem in the heart of...

My husband and I happened upon this little park on a walk along the water quite by accident. I had no idea it existed, despite my own Irish heritage on my mothers side (Corbett). The sculptures were absolutely arresting and heartbreaking in the emotion they evoked- powerful artistic reflections of another time of intense human suffering when the Irish came to North American shores to escape the Irish Potato famine. And the massive sculpture of the “boat” with the names of the lost- I must return to see it at night. There is a clear view of the Porter Airlines which is a little more cheerful. Farther east there is the lovely HTO park with deck chairs and sand and a view of the Toronto Harbour and the Porter planes taking off...