NEWTOWN LIMAVADY UNION WORKHOUSE
The Limavady Workhouse (originally Newtownlimavady Union Workhouse) opened on March 15, 1842, and operated as a strict institution for the destitute before closing in 1930 and transitioning into a community hospital
Harsh Regime: Life inside was deliberately severe to discourage people from staying. Families were split up upon arrival, with men, women, and children housed in separate wings. Inmates worked long hours under strict rule
Famine Overcrowding: During the Great Famine in the mid-1840s, the number of inmates doubled to over 950. A fever hospital and extra burial grounds were added to handle the surge in sickness and death
Blind Jimmy McCurry: A notable resident was Blind Jimmy McCurry (“The Blind Fiddler from Myroe”), who spent his final days in the workhouse. He is famous for playing the tune that Jane Ross wrote down, which later became the “Londonderry Air” and the melody for “Danny Boy
Transition to Roe Valley Hospital
- Closure: The workhouse closed its doors to the poor in April 1930, and the remaining healthy inmates moved to the Coleraine Workhouse.
- Medical Use: Part of the site functioned as an infirmary and cottage hospital during the early 1930s before officially opening as the Roe Valley District Hospital in 1937. It served the local community until 1997
Modern Restoration
- Community Stewardship: The Limavady Community Development Initiative (LCDI) took over the buildings and restored them.
- Preservation: Today, it is recognized as one of the best-preserved workhouse complexes in Ireland, featuring the original gatehouse, dormitories, archives, and a poignant paupers’ graveyard.
The Workhouse Museum now offers guided tours on Saturdays
You can visit the Workhouse museum Facebook page by clicking the link below
https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=limavady%20workhouse%20museum&locale=en_GB
