Great Irish Famine Commemoration 2026

Note: Date change from August to September due to Mini Marathon in Macquarie Street by the barracks.

An event remembering an Gorta Mor with its impact on Ireland, the diaspora, and the effect on Australian history. The venue is The Australian Monument to the Great Irish Famine (1845-1852) in the Hyde Park Barracks grounds, Macquarie Street.

This is an occasion to respectfully commemorate and acknowledge the thousands of Irish whose lives were affected by destitution and starvation, and whose resilience and determination kept them going. Among the thousands of Irish who arrived in Australia are the 4,114 Irish Orphan Girls, many of whom were initially accommodated at the barracks where the Australian Memorial to the Great Irish Famine is located.

Guest speaker is Dr Anne Casey; music and song by McMolly with harpist Cliona Molins; and a reflection time for laying flowers at the memorial wall.

Gates open from 10.00am

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