☘ National Famine Way

The powerful symbol of the National Famine Way is a pair of children’s shoes. The trail is way marked by bronze replicas as a poignant reminder of the journey the 1,490 emigrants made in May 1847; two thirds of them were women and children.

The memorials are situated at 26 Central Avenue (at the corner of Hyatt Street and St. Marks Place), on the grounds near the Staten Island Criminal Courthouse and close to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. 

Unveiled by Irish Ambassador to the United States Geraldine Byrne Nason, the installation features a set of bronze shoes on a pedestal—an iconic symbol of the National Famine Way trail in Ireland.

The site honors the thousands of 19th-century Irish famine emigrants who arrived via "coffin ships" suffering from disease, only to quarantine, perish, and be buried at the former Marine Hospital and Quarantine Station.

Through a free App, the story of the trail and 12-year old Daniel Tighe unfolds via audio and video at each pair of bronze shoes. 

Read more: www.nationalfamine.ie