Donaghmore Workhouse & Agricultural Museum — Attraction in The Municipal District of Borris-in-Ossory — Mountmellick

This place is an amazing attraction to visit, the building complex even on arrival is stunning with large dominating Limestone structures. The section used as the Workhouse and Agricultural Museum are actually the childrens blocks and dining hall of the original Workhouse complex. Wonderful restored keeping many original features like the amazing staircases, fantastic work done with restoration of wall sections and windows, the place is just incredible. If you are here to visit look out the windows now and again....some lovely though poignant views of other buildings, blocks and yard space. Agricultural museum is laid out on the ground floor near the reception and is another amazing collection well worth visiting, agricultural pieces, bellows, agitators, corn driers....along with many interesting smaller display pieces....great place with lots to see.

Covid forms and hand sanitiser are easily accessed in reception, masks are worn during the visit in keeping with current guidelines for Covid 19.

Unfortunately there is cafe or restaurant here so if you want to spend some time exploring it would be a good idea to bring a picnic or snack with you. There are picnic benches and tables to sit at outside reception. There are toilet facilities, plenty of open space and parking....one of the best features are the super friendly and helpful staff, thank you...

Extremely well restored buildings. I was a bit hesitant to visit, purely for the sadness of The Great Hunger and how our ancestors suffered pain, shame and starvation. There's a sadness about the place, it's in the walls and floors. Walking on the same timbers men women and children suffered and died on. It wasn't a welcoming place to feed and home the starving. It was the last resort where people were shamed because the famine destroyed them. Worth visiting to never forget what happened to our ancestors. We went in the afternoon when Michael (AKA rusticboy.com) was there to do tours. He read us one of his own poems about the workhouse. Had me literally in tears. There's also a great agricultural museum which Michael has great knowledge about. I didn't take photos but you'll find...

A must-visit for anyone interested in their own local or just general Irish history! The Donaghmore Workhouse Museum offers a deeply moving experience, providing a glimpse into the harsh realities of life during the Famine. The exhibits are informative and well-curated, but what truly sets this place apart are the tour guides, Trevor and Jack. Their passion, knowledge, and engaging storytelling bring the history to life in a way that’s both educational and captivating. They really make the visit memorable, answering questions with enthusiasm and offering personal insights. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking to learn more about Ireland’s past, this museum and its wonderful guides are sure to leave a...