Dunfanaghy
Situated about 300 metres from the Market Square in Dunfanaghy sits the Old Workhouse. This beautiful historic building now houses a Heritage Centre which explores local history and culture. The centre offers several services, including a Fáilte Ireland Tourism Information Point, a Heritage Trail, an Historical Exhibition, a Café, a Craft Shop, aCinema Room and an outdoor Children’s Playpark.
Thankfully, the building which was built in 1845 and is of huge historical interest because of its association with the Great Famine was obtained by the community and opened as a heritage and tourist centre in 1995 by the then President of Ireland, Mary Robinson. This marked 150 years following the opening of the original building.
The exhibition housed in the Workhouse reflects its significant historic past and tells the unique story of a local woman known as Wee Hannah, who is mentioned in The Famine Graveyard page. Wee Hannah struggled to survive The Famine, and lived for a while in The Workhouse. Her poignant story can be heard if you partake in the tour.
A visit to the Dunfanaghy area would not be complete without a visit to the Workhouse! Admission is free, but we ask for a small charge to view the Exhibition.
The Workhouse is open to the public from March to December, every day Monday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. For more information and up to date news, check our website below.
We also organise a full programme of local community events which are listed in the calendar of events on the village website.
