Plan Your Visit

We look forward to welcoming you to the Donaghmore Workhouse & Agricultural Museum. Everything you need to know before you arrive — opening hours, directions, accessibility, and more.

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Opening Hours

We are open year-round, with seasonal opening times.

Monday to Friday: 11am – 5pm.
Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays (June, July, August, September): 2pm – 5pm.

Closed during these weekend and Bank Holiday times in winter.

Last Admission: 30 minutes before closing.

Group visits and school tours can be arranged outside regular hours by appointment. Please contact us in advance to discuss your requirements.

Aerial view of the road leading to Donaghmore Museum with surrounding countryside and trees

How to Get Here

Located in the heart of County Laois, Donaghmore is easily accessible from the M7 and M8 motorways and is approximately 40 minutes from Portlaoise, making it a convenient destination from across Ireland.

Address:
📍 Donaghmore Workhouse & Agricultural Museum
Dunacleggan, Donaghmore, Co. Laois, R32 PC58, Ireland

By Car

Donaghmore is well signposted and easily reached via the national road network.

  • From Dublin (approx. 1 hr 15 mins):
    Take the M7 south towards Limerick. Exit at Junction 21 (Borris-in-Ossory) and follow signs for Donaghmore village.

  • From Cork (approx. 2 hours):
    Take the M8 north towards Dublin. Exit at Junction 4 (Urlingford), then follow the R435 towards Rathdowney and Donaghmore.

  • From Galway (approx. 2 hours):
    Take the M6 east, connect to the M7 via the M52, and exit at Junction 21 (Borris-in-Ossory).

  • From Limerick (approx. 1 hr 30 mins):
    Travel east on the M7 towards Dublin. Exit at Junction 21 (Borris-in-Ossory) and follow signage.

Free on-site parking is available for cars, coaches, and minibuses.

By Train

The nearest train station is Ballybrophy, which is served by regular Irish Rail services. From Ballybrophy Station:

  • 40-minute walk

  • 10-minute cycle

  • 4-minute drive

By Bus

Local and regional bus services operate throughout the Laois area.

TFI Local Link – Route 831 serves the area, with connections to nearby towns and villages.

Useful links:

Stone museum building exterior isolated on a transparent background

Accessibility at Donaghmore

We’re committed to making every visit comfortable and inclusive for all visitors.

Donaghmore Workhouse & Agricultural Museum is partially accessible. Level access is available to the main exhibition areas; however, some sections of the historic building may have limited or restricted access.

Accessible parking and toilet facilities are available on-site, and seating and rest areas are provided throughout the museum.

Visitors with sensory needs are welcome to request quiet spaces or tailored tour experiences where possible. Assistance and guide dogs are welcome.

If you have specific access requirements or would like to discuss your visit in advance, please contact our team — we’ll be happy to help you plan the most comfortable experience possible.

📧 info@donaghmoremuseum.ie
📞 +353 (0)86 829 66 85

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before your visit.

We recommend booking your tour online in advance to guarantee your preferred time, especially during weekends and school holidays.

Tours typically last about 90 minutes, including time to explore both the Workhouse and Agricultural Museum.

Yes — there is free parking on-site, including spaces for buses and accessible parking near the main entrance.
Absolutely! Families are very welcome, and our guides tailor tours to be informative and engaging for all ages.

Yes, non-flash photography is allowed throughout the museum. We kindly ask that you respect exhibits and other visitors while doing so.

Due to its historical nature, the only access to the first floor is via the original staircase. The facilities are partially accessible, and there is no lift available. For visitors with limited mobility, a guided ground-floor tour can be arranged.
Yes — we welcome groups and school visits throughout the year. Please contact us in advance to arrange a tailored experience.