Travel Ireland can lead to far more than scenic coastlines and historic landmarks. In Ballymote, Keshkerrigan, Kinsale, Waterford and the Wicklow mountains, quiet memorials connect Ireland with the people lost on September 11, 2001, and with the Irish families, firefighters and first responders whose stories remain part of the island’s shared memory.
At least 18 Irish citizens were among those killed in the attacks, including seven people born on the island of Ireland. Many others had Irish ancestry, including members of New York’s emergency services. These five memorials offer thoughtful places to pause, remember and understand the enduring relationship between Ireland and the United States.
Travel Ireland to These Five Places of Remembrance
1. Ireland’s National Memorial to the Fighting 69th, County Sligo
In Ballymote, County Sligo, a national monument honours both the victims of 9/11 and the Fighting 69th, one of the most Irish-associated infantry regiments in the US Army. The memorial was dedicated in August 2006 by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and relatives of Irish American victims.
Its central feature is a copper cylinder intertwined with steel recovered from the World Trade Center. Images of Sligo-born Civil War Brigadier General Michael Corcoran, who commanded the Fighting 69th, are etched into the structure. For visitors planning Ireland road trips through the northwest, Ballymote offers a meaningful stop alongside the region’s castles, nature spots and Wild Atlantic Way scenery.
2. Donadea 9/11 Memorial, County Kildare
Donadea Forest Park contains one of Ireland’s most distinctive 9/11 memorials: two small limestone replicas of the Twin Towers standing among young oak trees. Dedicated in September 2003, the memorial bears the names of 402 public officials who died while responding to the attacks.
The site was inspired by Sean Tallon, a firefighter whose family came from Donadea and who had strong connections to the area. The surrounding woodland makes this a reflective addition to an Ireland weekend getaway or Dublin travel itinerary, particularly for visitors seeking accessible walks away from the capital.
3. Glendalough Hermitage Memorial, County Wicklow
Glendalough is already one of Ireland’s best-known spiritual and historic destinations, but its Hermitage Centre adds another layer of contemplation. Within the meditation garden, Brother Joseph McNally’s sculpture of the Twin Towers reflects on the tragedy of 9/11 and the choices people make in response to suffering and conflict.
Set among Wicklow’s mountain landscapes, lakes and monastic heritage, the memorial suits travellers looking for Ireland hiking trails, wellness retreats or peaceful countryside escapes. Allow time to walk slowly, rather than treating it as a quick sightseeing stop.
4. Father Mychal Judge Peace Garden, County Leitrim
Father Mychal Judge, the first officially recorded victim of the September 11 attacks, was the son of immigrants from County Leitrim. As FDNY chaplain, he went to the North Tower lobby to pray with and support victims and firefighters. He died when the South Tower collapsed.
Near Keshkerrigan, the Father Mychal Judge Peace Garden occupies land once associated with his family, beside Kesh Lake. The garden honours Father Judge and everyone who died that day, while also highlighting the strength of the connection between Leitrim and New York.
For travellers exploring Ireland hidden gems, this is a particularly intimate stop. It can be paired with a wider Leitrim itinerary focused on lakes, walking routes and local experiences rather than busy tourist attractions.
5. Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance, County Cork
Outside Kinsale, the Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance contains 343 trees, representing the firefighters and first responders who died. Kinsale-born nurse Kathleen Murphy began the project after returning from New York, planting the first tree in November 2001. The garden was formally dedicated in March 2002.
Its living landscape gives the memorial a sense of renewal. Visitors combining Cork travel with Ireland beach destinations, harbour towns or the scenic roads of West Cork can make this a respectful and memorable detour. Kinsale’s food scene also makes it an excellent base for local food tours and a relaxed Ireland romantic getaway.
Waterford’s 9/11 Memorial
Waterford is home to another important memorial in the Bishop’s Palace Gardens. Erected in 2018, it incorporates a steel girder from the former World Trade Center and remembers everyone who lost their life in the attacks, including those with Irish connections.
The project involved local glassworker Seán Egan, Waterford City and County Council, businesses and emergency services. It also reflects the city’s longstanding links with New York’s fire department through commemorative work created by Waterford Crystal.
Planning a Respectful Ireland Travel Itinerary
These sites are spread across the island, so they are best visited as part of broader Ireland trips rather than as a single route. Check opening arrangements before travelling, especially for gardens and memorials located within larger parks or heritage properties.
- Combine Ballymote with Sligo’s coastline, cultural attractions and Wild Atlantic Way drives.
- Visit Donadea during a Dublin day trip or a Kildare countryside escape.
- Pair Glendalough with Wicklow hiking trails, gardens and mountain viewpoints.
- Include Keshkerrigan on a slower Leitrim or northwest Ireland road trip.
- Visit Ringfinnan while exploring Kinsale, Cork harbour and West Cork.
- Add Waterford’s memorial to a city break focused on history, design and the Viking Triangle.
These locations are not conventional tourist attractions. Visitors should approach them quietly, follow site guidance and remember that some are active places of reflection for families and local communities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many 9/11 memorials are in Ireland?
The source identifies memorials in Ballymote, Donadea, Glendalough, Keshkerrigan, Kinsale and Waterford, making six locations described in this overview.
Which Irish memorial honours Father Mychal Judge?
Father Mychal Judge is remembered at the Peace Garden near Keshkerrigan in County Leitrim and at the Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance near Kinsale in County Cork.
What is the best way to visit these memorials?
Include one or two in a regional itinerary, confirm access details beforehand and allow time for quiet reflection. Spring through early autumn generally offers the easiest conditions for outdoor visits.
From Sligo’s historic connections to Kinsale’s living garden and Waterford’s World Trade Center steel, these memorials show how global events become part of local landscapes. Travel Ireland with purpose: alongside the famous cliffs, castles and coastal roads, make room for places that preserve memory, honour service and connect communities across the Atlantic.
