Wednesday 6 March 2013

Fancy spending 24 hours in the Workhouse?

Most of us who've researched the lives of our Irish ancestors have probably given some thought to what living in a Workhouse was like. For the majority, just thinking about it is enough, but perhaps you're curious enough to experience it for yourself....?

Carrick-on-Shannon & District Historical Society and the Carrick-on-Shannon Heritage Group have come up with a fascinating living history opportunity for 30 people to spend 24 hours as a Great Hunger victim in one of the few remaining Workhouses in Ireland.

The Workhouse Attic in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, has not been occupied since famine times. So this historic event will connect the present to the past. Participants will experience the daily ordeal our desperate ancestors endured. They will also assist in the creation of 'The Survivors Cairn' – a monument containing a time capsule to include message from the participants and other community members with historical information for the people of the distant future. Concluding the event a celebratory Society of Friends (Quakers) themed supper will be held.

Email for more details and a booking form. The event will run on the 3rd, 4th and 5th of May 2013.