Walk from Old Workhouse to Robinstown Famine Graveyard

Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society are organising a Famine Walk from the Old Workhouse to the Famine Graveyard in Robinstown, Mullingar, on Wednesday August 22 (3-5pm). Meet at St Mary’s Hospital, Mullingar, N91N602. The worst year of the Famine in Mullingar was 1849, and the total failure of the potato crop was followed by the arrival of Asiatic Cholera in 1849, necessitating the opening of a famine graveyard in Robinstown in 1849.

This event comprises three segments:

1 The Workhouse; gather at the site of the old Workhouse, which is almost completely extant. The history of the building and its role in relieving distress during the Famine will be reflected on.

2 The re-enaction of a Famine era funeral from the workhouse to the graveyard will comprise the Famine Walk, which will include a replica of one the retractable coffins often used at this time.

3 At the graveyard, attendees will process around the perimeter of the burial ground; that will be followed by a talk on the history of the graveyard. Finally the Discovery Ireland archaeologists will give a preliminary report on a geophysical survey being carried out in the graveyard during the days previous to the Famine Walk. They will also describe the methodologies deployed and display the equipment used.

Music and song associated with Famine times will accompany the activities of day, and a commemorative booklet will be distributed to all attendees.

This project is being supported by the Heritage Council Community Fund. The walk and talk will be facilitated by historian Seamus O’Brien. Bishop Denis Nulty will also recall the first Famine Walk, which took place here in 1994.

Refreshments will be served afterwards. Some parking available at the workhouse, now St Mary's, on the Longford Road and more at Lough Sheever Corporate Park nearby.

Contact: 0872658138; obriains@gmail.com.