The Annie Moore Statue, situated in Cobh, County Cork, stands as a poignant tribute to Irish emigration and the millions who sought new lives in America, particularly after the Great Famine. Erected in 1993, the bronze sculpture by artist Jeanne Rynhart depicts 18-year-old Annie Moore and her brothers, Anthony and Philip, as they departed from Cobh's port on December 20, 1891. Annie's journey culminated in her historic arrival at Ellis Island on January 1, 1892, making her the first immigrant processed at the newly opened station-a milestone marked by a $10 gold piece presented to her by officials. The statue's central figure points toward the horizon, symbolizing the hopes and struggles of those who embarked on transatlantic voyages in search of opportunity.
Annie's story resonates deeply in both Irish and American history. Born in 1874 in County Cork, she left with her siblings to join parents who had migrated to Manhattan four years prior. Her voyage aboard the Nevada steamship took 12 days, and her arrival at Ellis Island became a cultural touchstone. The statue's dual existence-in Cobh and at Ellis Island-reflects her dual identity as a symbol of departure and arrival. Her life in New York, marked by marriage to a baker and the birth of 11 children (only five survived to adulthood), underscores the challenges faced by immigrants. Her unmarked grave in Queens was honored in 2008 with a Celtic cross, cementing her legacy as a representative of the Irish diaspora.
Visitors to the statue, located on Cobh's quayside near the Heritage Centre, can reflect on the emigration narrative etched into Ireland's coastline. The site offers a serene space to contemplate the sacrifices and aspirations of those who left, as well as the enduring connections between Ireland and its global communities. Best experienced during summer months for longer daylight, the statue's location allows visitors to visualize the ships that once carried emigrants away. Beyond its physical presence, Annie Moore's legacy lives in cultural artifacts: the song Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears, the Annie Moore Award for Irish-American contributions, and a National Park Service vessel named in her honor. The statues, paired with the Heritage Centre's exhibits, transform personal history into a collective memory of resilience and migration.
Getting There
Pricing
It's free to view the statue, located directly outside Cobh Heritage Centre
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