Irish Workhouse Centre – Campaign Launch & Reception

Wednesday, November 5, 2025 | 6 – 8 PM

Bank of Ireland Hub, 2 Grand Central Tower, 140 E 45th St, New York, NY 10017

Keynote Speaker: Professor Christine Kinealy, Quinnipiac University

 

Please join us on Wednesday, November 5 for a cocktail reception, lecture, and launch of the Famine Workhouse Centre Campaign, in support of the Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna, County Galway. All funds raised will be applied to the much-needed renovation of the former dining hall and chapel in the workhouse. We look forward to a thoughtful, engaging presentation by Keynote Speaker Professor Christine Kinealy, Professor of History at Quinnipiac University.

 

 

Workhouse History

Ireland once had a country-wide network of 163 workhouses designed to alleviate poverty and destitution. Built in the 1840s, they predated the Great Hunger and were finally closed in the 1920s. Today hardly any trace of these vast buildings, their history, or the souls who lived in them exist on the Irish landscape. The Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna is a notable exception. Thanks to the dedication of the local community, it has been partially restored and is now dedicated to authentically preserving this crucial part of Irish history.

Immediate Plans for Renovation

The former dining hall and chapel area will be renovated for use as a space for hire for events such as community concerts, art exhibitions, lectures, and special events. A facility of this size and proportion is not available to the public in South East Galway at present.

 

 

Support The Irish Workhouse Centre with a tax-deductible gift below. 100 cents of every dollar of your gift will go directly to the renovation of the workhouse.

You can also mail a check to The Irish American Partnership at 15 Broad Street, Suite 210, Boston, MA 02109. You can find information about more ways to give – including bank transfers – here. When you make a gift, please note “The Irish Workhouse Centre” where possible.