The Canada Ireland Foundation is dedicated to celebrating and commemorating the story of the Irish in Canada. Learn more about our projects.
Ireland Park
Situated on Eireann Quay on Toronto's waterfront, Ireland Park commemorates the Irish migrants who, fleeing the Great Famine (an Gorta Mór) in the 1840s, sought a new life in Toronto, including those who perished during the difficult journey or shortly after their arrival.
Completed in 2007, the tranquil park was designed by Jonathan Kearns and features a sculptural wall composed of Kilkenny limestone, engraved with the names of those who perished. Situated within the park is a series of human figures in bronze (collectively known as "Arrival") by renowned sculptor Rowan Gillespie that complement a set of figures ("Departure") in Dublin. Learn more
Grasett Park
Opened in July 2021, Grasett Park honours the dedicated doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers who sacrificed their own lives to tend to Irish migrants that arrived in Toronto during the summer of 1847 sickened and dying from typhus, then known as ship fever.
The small urban park (at the corner of Adelaide West and Widmer Street) is located on the former site of Toronto's first General Hospital (built in 1820) and the fever sheds hastily erected to accommodate the influx of sick and contagious newcomers. Learn more or view the opening ceremony.
Irish History in Canada
List of Resources:
The Great Famine Voices Roadshow - a digital exhibition curated by Dr. Jason King.
The Famine Irish and Canada’s First Responders - a film by Kevin Moynihan
The Canadian Association for Irish Studies
