An East Galway TD has welcomed the fact that almost 18,000 people visited the Irish Workhouse Centre in 2018.
Minister for the Diaspora and International Development Ciaran Cannon has said that this figure is comprised of regular visitors, people seeking tourist information and special events such as August`s Madden Gathering.
Minister Cannon said he was delighted last August to facilitate support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for Portumna`s Irish Workhouse Centre in developing a successful model for engaging with members of our diaspora ahead of the Madden Gathering at the Centre’.
“It is very encouraging therefore to learn that in addition to the almost 12,000 regular visitors to the Workhouse Centre during 2018, there were upwards of another 6,000 to see sculptor Kieran Tuohy`s Dark Shadows exhibition, seeking out tourist information and attending conferences and special events such as the Madden Gathering.
“This is a major vote of confidence in the work being undertaken by the manager and staff at the Workhouse Centre who continue to devise events that appeal to all ages and groups. Taken in conjunction with the more than 20,000 that are estimated to have visited nearby Portumna Castle during 2018, these figures are very promising ahead of the 2019 visitor season and also have significant benefits for the local economy,” he said.
