Boston Irish Community Gathers for a Mass at Deer Island Famine Memorial on Saturday, June 17

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Bostonians are gathering at the Irish Famine Memorial on Deer Island in Boston Harbor at 4 p.m. on Saturday,  June 17, 2023. (The initial date of May 20 has been postponed because of the weather.)

A memorial mass is taking place at the memorial, led by Father Dan Finn of the Irish Pastoral Centre of Boston. The Ancient Order of Hibernians and other local Irish-American groups are also participating.

The purpose of the gathering is to pay tribute to the 19th century Irish immigrants who died on the island after being quarantined there upon their arrival from Ireland.

Originally unveiled on May 25, 2019, the Celtic Cross on Deer Island honors the Irish who died on in quarantine and were buried there. Read more about the Deer Island Memorial unveiling here.

Ireland's National Famine Commemorate Day is Sunday, May 21, 2023, in Donegal, and is presided over by Ireland's President Michael D. Higgins.

Deer Island is the site of the region's water water facility, which is run by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). The island has 5 miles of public walkways and trails See about visiting Deer Island and public access.

Deer Island is also one of 34 unique islands and peninsulas that make up Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, the largest recreational space in eastern Massachusetts. Read about the parks here.

Read about other memorials in Massachusetts that commemorate the victims of what became known in Irish as An Gorta Mor, The Great Hunger, in Ireland.




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