HomeSee the Workhouse built during famine times, an Agriculture Museum and the Donaghmore Co-operative Society museum found on the Rathdowney to Borris-in-Ossory road R435 near Donaghmore village in County Laois.
Opening Times
The Museum is open Monday to Friday (excluding Public Holidays) from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm.
If you wish to visit outside of these hours please ring Trevor at 086-8296685 to see if we can facilitate your needs.
Restoration Project
Following a Conservation Study on the original Dining Hall/Chapel building a Grant of €500,000 has been secured from the Department of Environment & Local Government through the LEADER Programme administered locally by the Laois Partnership Company to fund the complete restoration of this building.
This project is in partnership with the Museum, Laois County Council as the owners of the site and the Laois Partnership Company as funders to the project, which is now complete and is now a part of the tour
What you will see
Built with the finest of local limestone the Donaghmore Workhouse stands to tell the story of famine times in the mid to late 1800’s and how the workhouse was the only means for survival for many in those times. Storyboards tell of the awful conditions and rules that inmates endured when they entered and give a flavour of life in the Workhouse from 1853 to 1886.
A fine collection of agricultural, household, tools and equipment of 50 years ago has been gathered and are on display for people’s enjoyment. Many people remember growing up with these tools and implements in their younger days and enjoy showing them to younger family members, in order that younger people appreciate all of the modern conveniences available today.
Some material on the foundation of the Donaghmore Co-operative Society founded on site in 1927 has also been gathered. This has culminated with the 75th anniversary celebrations last year by the publication of the Book “A Triumph of Co-operation over Adversity” written and edited by Teddy Fennelly, renowned Laois historian.
Group tours are welcome at any time and can be arranged by appointment when you ring Trevor at 086-8296685 or Martin at 087 9172008.
School tours are particularly welcome. Tours can be organised outside normal opening hours.
Come and enjoy the experience and then tell a friend.
Opening Times
The Museum is open Monday to Friday (excluding Public Holidays) from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm.
If you wish to visit outside of these hours please ring Trevor at 086-8296685 to see if we can facilitate your needs.
Restoration Project
Following a Conservation Study on the original Dining Hall/Chapel building a Grant of €500,000 has been secured from the Department of Environment & Local Government through the LEADER Programme administered locally by the Laois Partnership Company to fund the complete restoration of this building.
This project is in partnership with the Museum, Laois County Council as the owners of the site and the Laois Partnership Company as funders to the project, which is now complete and is now a part of the tour
What you will see
Built with the finest of local limestone the Donaghmore Workhouse stands to tell the story of famine times in the mid to late 1800’s and how the workhouse was the only means for survival for many in those times. Storyboards tell of the awful conditions and rules that inmates endured when they entered and give a flavour of life in the Workhouse from 1853 to 1886.
A fine collection of agricultural, household, tools and equipment of 50 years ago has been gathered and are on display for people’s enjoyment. Many people remember growing up with these tools and implements in their younger days and enjoy showing them to younger family members, in order that younger people appreciate all of the modern conveniences available today.
Some material on the foundation of the Donaghmore Co-operative Society founded on site in 1927 has also been gathered. This has culminated with the 75th anniversary celebrations last year by the publication of the Book “A Triumph of Co-operation over Adversity” written and edited by Teddy Fennelly, renowned Laois historian.
Group tours are welcome at any time and can be arranged by appointment when you ring Trevor at 086-8296685 or Martin at 087 9172008.
School tours are particularly welcome. Tours can be organised outside normal opening hours.
Come and enjoy the experience and then tell a friend.
