Calls for considerable tourist development at Donaghamore Workhouse

History is all around you at the Donaghmore Workhouse Museum between Rathdowney and Borris-in-Ossory – and there are calls now for considerable investment to enhance it as a tourist destination.

Speaking at this week’s meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick Municipal District meeting in Laois County Council, Cllr John King called for funding “to develop this wonderful amenity and tourist attraction”.

His motion said: “That this Council apply for funding to carry out a feasibility study at the workhouse/museum in Donaghmore … to develop this wonderful amenity and tourist attraction by developing the front field for parking, caravans and motorhomes and also food facilities and a tourist information centre for people visiting this area.”

A response from Elaine Moore in the Tourism section of Laois County Council said that an application has been made to Fáilte Ireland “for funding under the EU Just Transition Fund to carry out a feasibility study at this location and are awaiting a decision”.

Adding to his motion, Cllr King said that “it’s time for us as a council to do more”. “Donaghmore is in a prime location, it’s very central. I understand there would have to be a lot of money spent but on the plus site we own the site, there is potential there.”

Referencing the new tourist attractions close by – like Pond Beach in Errill and Making Tracks glamping site in Ballybrophy – Cllr King was widely supported by his fellow councillors.

“We don’t have any motorhome areas in Laois,” said Cllr James Kelly. “By rights we should have three or four.

“I’d support any development in rural areas,” added Cllr Ollie Clooney. “Parking is a problem for these motorhomes but when we have the land, why not use it.”

Cllr Conor Bergin praised the work of Trevor Stanley in Donaghmore and said he’d “support anything that would improve the facilities there”.

Angela McEvoy, from Laois County Council, told the meeting that support of approximately €200,000 had been received from the Heritage Fund to “keep the buildings in shape” but that the cluster of developments in the area – like the aforementioned projects in Errill and Ballybrophy are hugely beneficial for further support for Donaghmore.

“All the right things are in place,” she said.

Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum aims to tell the story of the families who lived and died within the famine workhouse walls before, during and after the Great Famine. As a result of the Great Famine era of 1845-1849 about 1,200 people, or 10% of the population of the area, was forced to seek refuge here.

The museum uses guided and self guided tours, combined with various exhibits, to explain the socioeconomic conditions which led to the establishment of this and other workhouses during those years.

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