WHAS tours of local Famine Villages for Heritage Week

Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society are organising a tour of Ballagh Famine Village on the road between Moate and Rosemount, on Saturday August 23 at 2.30pm.

The tour, conducted by historians Fr Jimmy Murray and Seamus O’Brien, is a Heritage Week event. Traditional singer Roisin Gaffney will perform her Famine song ‘The Hungry Cry’ and musician Val Connaughton will also attend.

The walls of the 18th century church, school and public house are still visible as are the ruins of the village houses.

Walk along the Famine Road built in Black ‘47 and hear about the devastating effects of the potato failures on this isolated rural community.

Parking available at the site (53 25’ 15.7 N 39’ 44.7’’ W) or at Rosemount community centre.

Further information: obriains@gmail.com.