Guided Tours of Donaghmore Workhouse
Things to Do in Laois
Step inside Donaghmore Workhouse Museum and take a journey through one of Ireland’s most meaningful heritage sites.
Our guided tours invite visitors to explore both the Famine Workhouse and the Agricultural Museum, offering a powerful, educational, and emotional insight into Ireland’s social and rural history.
Every visit connects two intertwined stories — the struggle of survival during the 19th-century Great Famine and the resilience of rural communities who rebuilt their lives through hard work and innovation.
Through authentic spaces, artefacts, and personal stories, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Ireland’s past and its lasting impact on society today.
The Tour Experience
Each guided visit includes both key parts of the Donaghmore heritage site:
Famine Workhouse
Discover the human stories behind Ireland’s Poor Law system. Built in 1851, the Donaghmore Union Workhouse opened in 1853 to provide refuge to the destitute during and after the Great Famine.
Step inside original rooms and corridors, view authentic artefacts, and hear how families lived, worked, and endured under unimaginable hardship.
In the early 1920s, the British Army used the buildings as a barracks. Then, in 1927, the Donaghmore Co-Operative Society adapted the workhouse to serve local farmers. Part of the workhouse was donated to the community as a place to tell the history of the area. Today committed volunteers bring that history to life through the Donaghmore Workhouse and Agricultural Museum.
The Workhouse Tour brings to life the social history of poverty, compassion and community in 19th-century Ireland. You’ll experience expert guidance from local tour guides (not historians).
Agricultural Museum
The Agricultural Museum complements the Workhouse experience by showcasing Ireland’s rural resilience and recovery. Explore an extensive collection of restored farm machinery, household tools, and artefacts that tell the story of everyday rural life from the 19th to the 20th century. This museum celebrates the determination and innovation of Irish farmers who helped rebuild the nation’s economy and identity in the decades following the Famine.
What to Expect
Our guided tours are designed to be immersive, educational, and engaging for visitors of all ages. Whether you are a school group, historian, or simply curious about Ireland’s past, you’ll find something meaningful in every corner of Donaghmore.
You’ll experience:
- Expert guidance from local historians passionate about Ireland’s heritage.
- Real artefacts, preserved architecture, and interactive learning experiences.
- Opportunities to reflect on Ireland’s story of endurance, renewal, and community.
Why Visit Donaghmore Workhouse Museum?
Donaghmore is not just a building — it’s a living classroom of Irish history.
Our tours provide an opportunity to explore how social and agricultural changes shaped modern Ireland, helping students and visitors alike connect with the country’s cultural identity and shared heritage.
Teachers and group leaders often describe the tour as both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant, helping learners grasp history in a tangible, memorable way.
Plan Your Visit
- Opening Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Tour Duration: Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours
- Languages: English (please contact us to discuss translation options)
- Accessibility: Ground floor access and facilities available
- Booking: Advance booking recommended for all groups
What Our Visitors Say
From families tracing their roots to school tours and international visitors, Donaghmore Workhouse has touched lives from around the world. See what our visitors have to say.
“Educational, emotional, unforgettable.”
“This isn’t just a museum; it’s an experience that stays with you. We left with a stronger connection to Irish history and a real sense of gratitude for the stories being preserved here.”
Daniel R., Germany
“A hidden gem in Laois.”
“We stumbled upon Donaghmore on our way through Laois, and it turned out to be one of the most fascinating and emotional stops of our trip. The agricultural collection was a great bonus for my husband, who loves old machinery.”
Claire M., Cork
“History told by those who know it best.”
“The fact that the guides have family ties to the Workhouse makes all the difference. It felt real, authentic, and personal — not just another museum tour.”
Thomas L., UK
“Our students were captivated.”
“We brought a group of secondary school students, and they were engaged from start to finish. The mix of storytelling, artefacts, and the Workhouse setting created a powerful learning experience that tied directly to the curriculum.”
Siobhán O’Connor, Teacher
“The highlight of our trip to Ireland.”
“We visited from Boston while tracing our Irish ancestry, and this was easily the most meaningful stop of our journey. The connection to the famine and the records available made it unforgettable.”
Patrick & Anne, USA
“A moving and powerful experience.”
“Walking through the Workhouse was both heartbreaking and inspiring. The guides told stories that made history come alive, and we left with a deep appreciation for the resilience of the people who endured those times.”
Mary K., Dublin
Book Your Visit
Ready to explore the history of Ireland in an authentic, powerful setting? Book your guided tour at Donaghmore Workhouse Museum today and experience two centuries of Irish history under one roof.
