Home to The Irish Workhouse Centre, and the exquisitely preserved 15th century Portumna Castle, the market town of Portumna in the south-east of Galway County, features some of the most thought provoking and important sites in the country.
The workhouse has been described as 'the most feared and hated institution ever established in Ireland', and The Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna, tells the story of the workhouse poor, remembering those who are often lost and forgotten to history.
Located just a 10 minute drive from the Irish Workhouse Centre is Portumna Castle, which was built by the fourth earl of Clanricarde, acting as the home base for the powerful de Burgo family, for centuries.
Irish Workhouse Centre
Constructed during a particularly bleak era in Irish history, workhouses were established to 'house' those who could not support themselves. Known as 'indoor relief', workhouses exchanged food and basic, overcrowded and poor living conditions with the nation's desperate and destitute, for work. A cornerstone of famine 'relief', workhouses gained a reputation for being a place that only the truly desperate would turn to.
Opened in 1852, Portumna Workhouse was constructed to accommodate 600 people, and was designed, much like other workhouses being erected across the country during the time, by architect George Wilkinson. Spanning just over eight acres of land outside the town, Portumna Workhouse comprises seven large buildings, a number of which have been restored and turned into exhibitions featuring in the centre's museum and guided tours.
Life in the workhouse
As well as detailing and educating visitors on the history of the workhouse, the centre also houses exhibitions by artists. Located in the Girls' Schoolroom, Tuohy's 'Dark Shadows' depicts the harsh reality of life for famine survivors through the medium of bog oak in astonishing detail. In addition to Tuohy's exhibition, nine sketches by artist David Rooney, are permanently displayed in the centre, with each sketch immortalising a dark time in Irish history in a way that is both exquisite and heart wrenching.
Admission and prices
Open Monday to Sunday, the Irish Workhouse Centre facilitates four tours daily; 10am, 12 noon, 2pm and 4pm. Advanced booking is advised, and each tour takes approximately 75 minutes. Admission prices are; €12 for adults, €8 for seniors and students, €25 for families (two adults and two children ), €6 for children under 12, while those under the age of seven are free. To learn more, or to book a tour, call the Irish Workhouse Centre on 090 975 9200.
Portumna Castle and Gardens
Built by the fourth earl of Clanricarde, Portumna Castle was the de Burgo family power base for centuries.
A perfect example of the 'transitional Irish architecture of the early 1600s, the design of Portumna Castle combines elements of medieval and Renaissance style, featuring a dramatic walkway to the main castle entrance, extensive gardens, great rooms, all while overlooking the stunning views of nearby Lough Derg.
Built around 1618 by Richard de Burgo, the semi-fortified house was a main seat of the de Burgo clan for more than 200 years, until it was gutted by fire in 1826, leaving behind a roofless shell. In the 1960s, the State began the long and complicated process of restoring the castle, work that continues to this day.
What to expect
The ground floor of the castle is open to the public, and features an exhibition telling the story of the castle and the de Burgo family. The exterior of the castle features extensive gardens, including the formal, geometrically-laid gardens to the north, a willow maze, and a walled kitchen garden that has been restored to its original 17th century splendour.
There are toilet facilities onsite. Children must be supervised at all times. There is partial wheelchair access. The price for admission to Portumna Castle and Gardens is as follows; €5 for adults, €4 for group/senior, €3 for a child/student and €13 for a family. The castle is open daily from 10am until 6pm (5:15pm for last admission ).
To learn more, search 'Portumna Castle and Gardens' on www.heritageireland.ie
