The Famine Memorial is a series of bronze sculptures located on Custom House Quay in the Dublin Docklands, Dublin, Ireland. This 2026 travel guide covers the memorial’s accessibility, transport options, and practical visitor tips for planning a visit to this outdoor site.
This guide was last updated in February 2026 to reflect current pedestrian access routes following the completion of the Liffey Cycle Route upgrades and the integration of the nearby World Hunger Memorial plaques.
Quick facts for your visit
| Category | Details |
| Opening hours | Open 24 hours daily |
| Ticket prices | Free entry |
| Address | Custom House Quay, Dublin 1, Ireland |
| Nearest transport | George’s Dock (Luas Red Line) |
| Typical time needed | 15 to 30 minutes |
Famine Memorial opening hours
The Famine Memorial is an outdoor public monument located on the North Wall Quay. It is open to the public 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with no restricted access periods.
While the site is accessible at night, the area is best visited during daylight hours to view the detail of the sculptures and the surrounding commemorative plaques. There are no staff on-site as it is a public art installation.
Famine Memorial ticket prices
There are no admission fees or tickets required to visit the Famine Memorial. As a public monument commissioned by the Irish government and private donors, it is free for all visitors.
Guided walking tours of the Dublin Docklands often include the memorial as a stop, but these are independent commercial offerings. Self-guided visits do not require any booking or registration.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
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How to get to the Famine Memorial
The Famine Memorial is situated on the north bank of the River Liffey, directly across from the Custom House. The most convenient public transport is the Luas Red Line, exiting at the George’s Dock stop, which is a 2-minute walk from the sculptures.
Visitors arriving via the DART (train) should exit at Connolly Station or Tara Street Station, both of which are within a 10-minute walk. Several Dublin Bus routes (including the 14, 15, and 27) stop at nearby Amiens Street and Eden Quay.
Parking at the Famine Memorial
There is no dedicated parking at the Famine Memorial. The site is located on a busy commuter quay where on-street parking is extremely limited and subject to strict “clearway” rules during peak hours.
The nearest public car park is the Park Rite IFSC Car Park on Commons Street. Alternatively, the Q-Park Connolly provides multi-storey parking within a short walking distance of the memorial.
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How long to spend at the Famine Memorial
A typical visit to the Famine Memorial lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. This allows enough time to walk among the six life-sized figures and read the inscriptions on the ground.
Visitors often combine this site with a walk along the River Liffey to see the nearby Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship or the World Hunger Memorial, which can extend the total visit time to one hour.
Accessibility at the Famine Memorial
The Famine Memorial is fully accessible to all visitors. The sculptures are positioned on a wide, flat pedestrian pavement made of smooth stone and concrete, which is level with the surrounding Docklands walkway.
There are no steps or barriers required to reach the monument. Nearby public facilities with accessible restrooms can be found in the CHQ Building, located directly across the road from the memorial site.
Inside the Famine Memorial
The Famine Memorial, officially titled “Famine,” was created by sculptor Rowan Gillespie and unveiled in 1997. It consists of six emaciated bronze figures—including a man carrying a child and a woman clutching her belongings—walking toward the emigrant ships that once departed from these quays.
The sculptures are designed to be walked through, allowing visitors to stand directly beside the figures. The placement on the quay is historically significant, as it marks one of the primary departure points for those fleeing the Great Famine of 1845–1849.
Adjacent to the statues are several bronze plaques listing the names of donors and providing brief context regarding the Irish diaspora. The site is open-air and exposed to the elements, with the River Liffey providing the immediate backdrop.
Practical visitor tips
| Topic | Recommendation |
| Timing | Visit in the early morning for the best photographic lighting and fewer commuters. |
| Crowds | The site is rarely crowded, but it is a busy thoroughfare for office workers during rush hour. |
| Layout | The figures are spaced apart; walk between them to appreciate the scale and expressions. |
| Entry process | There are no gates or entry points; the site is part of the public pavement. |
| Logistics | The quay is very windy; secure hats and loose items before approaching the riverfront. |
Frequently asked questions about the Famine Memorial
| Question | Answer |
| Is the Famine Memorial suitable for children? | Yes, though the imagery is somber and may require parental explanation. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance? | No, the site is a public monument and does not require tickets. |
| Is the Famine Memorial open on Sundays? | Yes, it is open 24 hours every day, including Sundays and holidays. |
| Are dogs allowed at the Famine Memorial? | Yes, dogs are permitted as the memorial is located on a public street. |
Things to do near the Famine Memorial
The following paid attractions are located within a 5-minute walk of the memorial:
- EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum: An interactive museum located in the CHQ Building across the street.
- Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship: A replica tall ship docked 200 metres east of the memorial.
- The Custom House Visitor Centre: A museum inside the landmark building directly adjacent to the site.
- The Irish Family History Centre: Located inside the CHQ Building for those researching Irish ancestry.
More Dublin travel
Other Dublin travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- What to expect from the Guinness Storehouse Experience.
- Practical guide to visiting Christ Church Cathedral.
- Learn about life in the tenements at 14 Henrietta Street.
- Embrace the cheese at the National Wax Museum Plus.
- What you’ll see at the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin.
