About this Event
Limavady Workhouse has the remarkable claim of being the best-preserved workhouse in the whole island of Ireland.
As an expert in workhouses, Dr. Robyn Atcheson is partnering with Limavady Workhouse Museum for two special events; a tour of this historic complex and a talk about the workhouse system as a whole.
The tour takes us into the past, to experience the dread of presenting at the entrance block to gain admission and progress into the main workhouse building. Learn about life in the workhouse, what it was like to sleep in the dormitories and eat the daily rations. This tour offers the chance to witness the conditions within the workhouse.
The talk on The History of the Workhouse System takes place in the very room where the Board of Guardians once met every week to decide the fate of the desperate people of the surrounding area. This talk explains why workhouses were introduced and tracks the changes throughout the 19th and into the 20th century.
Participants can choose to come along for either the tour or the talk, or both! There is a reduced rate when you buy a ticket for both.
This event will support the ongoing work of the Limavady Community Development Initiative who currently provide community services at the workhouse site.
On site, Robertsons Community Cafe offers coffee, treats and a cozy atmosphere with historical artefacts from the workhouse on display. There are also plenty of tasty places to grab a bite to eat in Limavady between the tour and talk.
Please note that some parts of the tour involve historic staircases and will therefore necessarily involve stairs.
The talk is fully accessible.
Agenda
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Tour of Limavady Workhouse
Info: This tour is led by historian Dr. Robyn Atcheson through different parts of the workhouse complex. Parts of the tour involve historic staircases so please be aware that climbing stairs is part of the tour.
🕑: 06:00 PM - 07:30 PM
The History of the Workhouse System
Info: Drawing on over a decade of research into the workhouses of Ulster, Dr. Robyn Atcheson leads this talk on how Limavady fits into the wider workhouse system as well as explaining its origins and changes over time. This talk takes place in the Board of Guardians boardroom & is fully accessible. There will be an opportunity for questions following the talk.
Event venue & nearby stays
Limavady Workhouse Museum, 24d Benevenagh Drive, Limavady, United Kingdom
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