Chicago to Host International Famine Commemoration
- Published on: 17 October 2025
- Last updated on: 17 October 2025
Minister O’Donovan announces that the 2025 International Commemoration of the Great Irish Famine will take place in Gaelic Park in November 2025
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, and Chair of the National Famine Commemoration Committee, Patrick O’Donovan TD, has today announced that the 2025 International Commemoration of the Great Irish Famine will take place in Gaelic Park, Chicago, Illinois, USA in November 2025.
In collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Consulate General of Ireland in Chicago, and the host community, the commemoration will take place on Sunday 2 November 2025 at Gaelic Park — the site of Chicago’s Famine Memorial.
Gaelic Park, which is this year marking its 40th anniversary, is a cornerstone of the Southside Irish community and is widely recognised as a cultural and spiritual hub for the Irish diaspora. The venue provides a particularly meaningful setting for this year’s remembrance, connecting Ireland’s history with the generations of Irish people who built their lives in Chicago.
As an International Famine Commemoration, the event will follow the established format of speeches from Minister O’Donovan and Vice President of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Patricia Theresa Flynn. The event will conclude with a solemn wreath laying ceremony at the memorial. There will be a strong community focus including local creative and artistic elements that will be reflective of the host community.
Speaking today Minister O’Donovan said:
It is a profound honour to join with the Irish community in Chicago to remember those who endured, and those who were lost, due to An Gorta Mór. Gaelic Park, with its deep ties and its many years preserving and promoting Irish heritage is a most fitting location for this commemoration. This event is an opportunity to reflect not only on the hardship of the past, but also on the resilience of our people and the remarkable contributions of the Irish community in Chicago and beyond.
The International Famine Commemoration is held in remembrance of the Great Famine and its global impact. With its long and proud Irish connections, Chicago stands as a significant and appropriate host city for this year’s event.
ENDS